Stress Relief Art Prompt
Art Prompt: Create an abstract image using lines, shapes and colors. Once complete, use your imagination to identify what you see by adding more details and doodles.
Materials: 6x6 watercolor pad, watercolor brushes, Micron pens, watercolor set
For this entry, I wanted to work on an art prompt that focused on stress-relief. Engaging in art can be a meditative process, if you allow your mind to give up the direction and fully immerse yourself in the materials. By being present and engaged fully in what you are doing, you are sometimes able to escape that stressor for a little. I also wanted to add a prompt that someone could work on at home, or quickly between meetings to narrow in on the present moment. This prompt encourages the focus on the process rather than the product (which is the basis to art therapy), and the product just happens to be the cool unexpected part.
I chose watercolor, as I often do, because I wanted the shapes to take an organic and free-flowing form. I allowed myself to be gravitated towards certain colors and tried to not overthink what color I was choosing or any meaning to what I was doing. I allowed the colors to blend and drip, never once correcting the direction of the paint. I filled the page with colors until I felt that it was done. I walked away from my image and gave it time to dry before looking at the outcome. Once coming back to the image, I sat with the image for a while and turned the page all different ways to figure out what I saw within the organic forms and shapes. Then I used a pen to doodle and add more detail into each shape to give the image more life and dimension.
Journal prompts for further exploration of the directive and/or image:
What are some small, mindful actions you can take right now to bring yourself back to the present moment and reduce stress? Consider breathing exercises, a brief walk, or simply observing your surroundings with curiosity.
Think about how stress affects different areas of your life, such as your relationships, work, and personal well-being. Write about the specific impacts and explore whether there are ways to reduce or mitigate these effects.
Consider a long-term source of stress in your life. What changes could you make to address this stress at its root, rather than just managing the symptoms? Write about the potential challenges and benefits of making these changes. What support might you need, and how can you take the first step towards a less stressful life?
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.
