Easy Days
Art Prompt: Create an image of what it feels like when things are going well.
Materials: Watercolor paper, watercolor, paint brushes
This prompt focuses on positive feelings, whether you are currently feeling them or not. Explore the last time things felt “easy” or even just the last time you felt relaxed. Explore that feeling, even if just moments. Explore through imagery, what it feels like to not worry or await negativity. Dive deep into what is like when things are just simply… going well. You could explore a specific area or part in your life or a time period as a whole. If you are struggling with this prompt, jump to the journal questions to dig more deeply.
For me, I did not think of the last time I felt that things were going well. I tapped into the feelings I associate to going well. The first word that came to my mind was “light”. The feeling of things being “light” and “easy”. What it feels like to fully relax and breath and the opposite of “heavy”. For my art, I wanted to create just that: light and easy. Using bright colors, I just allowed the materials to blend and build. At one point during creating I thought about how it is rare to feel fully relaxed. I wanted to add black flowers to represent the fear or anxiety that always lingers in the background. I decided against adding dark colors after realizing how nice it was to just engage in creating an image so airy and bright. By staying committed to this positive image, I was able to keep my mindset positive. The technique was fluid with little control, and I embraced it. The technique was also slow and repetitious, I fell into the process forgetting about negative feelings and fully embodying the positive ones.
When using these materials, expect lack of control. Allow the colors keep you engaged in the creative process.
Journal prompts for further exploration of the directive and/or image:
Was it difficult for you to think of a time that when things were going well? If so, was it difficult for you to recall what it’s like for you when things are going well?
When do you notice things are going well for you? Are there any patterns to when you are feeling positive and healthy?
Explore different areas of your life and what does “going well” means in each? (socially, financially, spirituality, family, health/wellness, etc.)
Tips:
I am vague in my description of my image for two reasons: A.) this is an example to help people see the progression and thought behind art therapy prompts, B.) so that my image and description does not stifle your own creative exploration within this prompt.
Do not overthink the art directive. Jump into creating with your first thought and allow the image to form itself.
Explore the artwork when you’re completed and see what you notice in your colors, method, imagery. Sometimes you’ll have new insights once you’re finished creating.
Materials will be suggested, use whatever you have access to or materials you’d prefer.
Work as little or as long as you’d like.
Don’t create thinking of a product, focus solely on the process. This may not be something you’d like to hang on the wall and that is perfectly fine and often preferred 🙂
You may not always be able to reflect on your image and understand what it means. Sometimes just simply engaging in the art process is therapeutic enough.
While these directives are designed for deeper exploration of self, sometimes they may cause one to feel overwhelmed. These prompts should not replace therapy. If any of these prompts bring up unsafe emotions and you feel you are a danger to yourself or others, please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
