Overwhelmed
Art Prompt: Think of something in your life that feels overwhelming right now. Using oil pastels, create an image that represents your feelings relating to being overwhelmed.
Materials: 48 pack oil pastels, oil pastel paper
I recently sat down with my oil pastels to explore the feeling of being overwhelmed. I began in the center of the page, focusing on one specific thing that has been weighing heavily on my mind. As I drew, bold, intense colors burst outward from the center—reds, deep blues, and dark purples—capturing the sense of pressure, chaos, and intensity that this overwhelming aspect of my life brings. The lines and shapes shot out in all directions, not following any clear path but rather spreading in a disorganized, uncontrollable way, mirroring how these feelings seem to touch every part of my day-to-day life.
It’s amazing how something can start in one place but quickly seep into other areas—like stress from work affecting your time with loved ones or personal anxieties making their way into your daily routine. In my drawing, the lines reached to the edges of the paper, symbolizing how this particular overwhelm seems to be endless, stretching far beyond where it began.
But as I continued, I found myself drawn to adding a section of lighter, softer colors—yellows, light pinks, and soft blues—toward one part of the image. This area felt like a small breath within the chaos, a reminder that even in the overwhelm, there are moments of joy or significance. This section represents the special feelings tied to what’s overwhelming me: the parts that are meaningful and positive, the reasons why I push through despite the challenges. It’s that complex mix of gratitude, love, and purpose that often sits right beside the stress.
This part of the image felt almost sacred, reminding me that even in the most overwhelming times, there’s often a reason we keep going—a bright spot, however small, that makes the struggle feel worth it. The lightness doesn’t erase the darker colors but coexists with them, showing the complexity of feeling overwhelmed while also holding onto something valuable.
Creating this artwork allowed me to visually process the messy, uncontainable nature of being overwhelmed, while also acknowledging the softer moments that make the journey personal and meaningful. It was a reminder that it’s okay to feel scattered and stretched thin, but also to seek and recognize the light that can exist within the overwhelm. The process was cathartic, turning what felt unmanageable into something tangible and seen, allowing me to better understand and navigate my current state of mind.
Journal prompts for further exploration of the directive and/or image:
Take a moment to list the different aspects of your life that are contributing to your sense of overwhelm. Write about each one in detail, exploring why it feels overwhelming and how it impacts your emotions, thoughts, and actions. Consider whether there are specific patterns or triggers that consistently make you feel this way and reflect on what, if anything, could help reduce or manage these stressors.
Reflect on how you typically respond when you feel overwhelmed. Do you shut down, procrastinate, or try to push through? Write about the strategies or habits you use—both helpful and unhelpful—when you’re feeling stretched too thin. How do these coping mechanisms serve you in the moment, and are there ways you might adjust them to feel more in control of your situation?
Overwhelm often feels all-consuming, but there can be small moments of calm or reprieve within the chaos. Think about the last time you felt even a brief sense of peace, relief, or clarity amid feeling overwhelmed. Write about what that moment looked like, what helped you access it, and how you might create more space for these moments in your daily life. Consider small changes or actions that could help you find balance, even when life feels hectic.
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 the process, 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.
