5 Ways to Incorporate Meditation into Your Painting Practice

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 5 min read

Art and meditation—two practices that might seem worlds apart, yet when blended together, they form a harmonious union known as meditation painting. As an artist, you're already familiar with the quiet focus that can take over when you're fully immersed in your work. This blog post will guide you through five ways to deepen that focus and incorporate meditation into your painting practice.

1. Begin with Breathing

Just as a canvas needs its primer before it can become a masterpiece, your meditation painting practice begins with focusing on your breath. Let's explore this further:

Use of Breathing Techniques

When you start your painting session, take some time to concentrate on your breath. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven seconds, then exhale fully for eight seconds. This simple practice can help you enter a mindful state, ready for your painting session.

Importance of Breathing in Meditation

Why is breathing so significant in meditation, you ask? Breath is a natural rhythm we can focus on to help shut out distractions. During your meditation painting, your breath can be your anchor, keeping you grounded and present in the moment.

Breathing and Painting

Now, let's connect your breath to your art. As you paint, try to sync your brush strokes with your breath. For example, you might make a stroke with each exhale, turning your art into a form of breathwork. This method fosters a deeper connection between you and your artwork, enhancing your meditation painting experience.

2. Incorporate Visualization

With your breath as your anchor, the next step in your meditation painting journey is to incorporate visualization. This can be a powerful tool to unlock your creativity and deepen your meditative state.

Concept of Visualization

Visualization is simply the act of picturing something in your mind. Think of it as a mental rehearsal. It's often used by athletes to improve performance, and in our case, it can also boost your meditation painting experience. Picture the artwork you want to create, imagine the colors blending, and the brush strokes forming shapes. Doing this can help you get a clearer idea of what you want to paint.

Visualization in Painting

While painting, try to keep the image you've visualized in your mind. Let this image guide your hand as you paint, connecting the mental image to the physical act of painting. You might find that your work flows more naturally this way, enhancing your overall meditation painting experience.

Visualization and Meditation

But how does visualization tie in with meditation? Well, meditation often involves focusing your mind on a particular object, thought, or activity. By visualizing your artwork, you're providing your mind with a specific focus, which can aid in achieving a meditative state.

3. Create a Meditative Space

Now that you have your breath and visualization tools in play, let's focus on the physical environment around you. Creating a meditative space can significantly enhance your meditation painting journey. It's all about crafting an area that allows you to relax, focus, and let your creativity flow.

Defining a Meditative Space

A meditative space is a spot that invites calmness and creativity. It doesn't necessarily have to be a separate room—it can be a corner of your living room, your garden, or even a spot by the window. The key is to choose a place where you feel comfortable and at peace. A place away from distractions, where you can focus solely on your meditation painting.

Benefits of a Meditative Space

Having a dedicated space for your practice has its perks. It sets the tone for your painting session, signaling your brain that it's time to switch into creation mode. It can also help you stay organized and maintain a consistent routine. Plus, who doesn't love having a personal space to escape to, right?

Maintaining a Meditative Space

Maintaining your meditative space is just as important as creating it. Keep it clean and organized—remember, a cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind. You might also want to personalize it with items that inspire you. It could be a plant, a favorite painting, or a soothing scent. This can make your meditation painting sessions even more enjoyable and productive.

4. Use Meditative Art Supplies

With your meditative space set, it's time to discuss another crucial element of meditation painting: art supplies. The tools you use can greatly influence your painting experience. Let's explore how to choose the most fitting supplies, their effect on meditation, and some recommendations.

Choosing Art Supplies

When it comes to selecting your art supplies, personal preference comes into play. You might already have a favorite medium—watercolors, acrylics, or oils. That's fine. The idea is to use supplies that feel natural in your hands and resonate with your artistic expression. Experiment with different materials until you find what suits your style and comfort.

Effect of Art Supplies on Meditation

Did you know that the art supplies you use can impact your state of meditation? Using materials that you enjoy and are comfortable with can enhance your concentration and mindfulness. So, the next time you pick up your brush or palette, notice how it feels. Does it make you more relaxed? Or does it hinder your focus? Paying attention to these details can deepen your meditation painting practice.

Recommended Meditative Art Supplies

If you're new to meditation painting or looking for a change, here are some suggestions. Watercolor paints are a popular choice—easy to use, they allow a gentle flow of colors. Brushes with soft bristles can also enhance the soothing effect. For sketching or outlining, consider using graphite pencils—they're versatile and easy to control. But remember, these are just suggestions. The best supplies are the ones that feel right for you.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Now that we've gone through the materials and spaces that aid in meditation painting, let's discuss an integral part of this practice—mindfulness. Even though it might sound complex, mindfulness is pretty straightforward. It's all about being in the present and fully engaged in what you're doing. Let's break this down further.

Understanding Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of being completely aware of the present moment—acknowledging and accepting it without any judgement. It's like being an observer of your own thoughts and feelings. In the context of painting, it means focusing wholly on the act of creating, from the stroke of your brush to the colors on your palette.

Mindfulness in Painting

Now, you might wonder, how can you practice mindfulness in painting? It's simple. Begin by paying attention to every detail—how the brush feels in your hand, the texture of the paint, the movement of your hand as you make a stroke on the canvas. With each color you mix, each line you draw, try to be fully present in the moment. It's not about the end product, but about enjoying the process. This is the essence of meditation painting.

Exercises to Improve Mindfulness

Enhancing mindfulness takes practice. Here are a few exercises you can try:

Start your painting session with a minute of deep breathing. This can help clear your mind and focus on the task at hand.
Practice observing without judging. Look at your painting and instead of critiquing it, simply observe the colors, shapes, and textures.
Take breaks and during these breaks, keep your mind on the painting process. Think about what you've done so far and what you plan to do next.

These exercises can help you stay present and increase your mindfulness in your meditation painting practice.

If you're looking to further enhance your painting practice through mindfulness and self-expression, don't miss the workshop 'Expressing Your Unique Artistic Vision' by Michael Ryan. This workshop offers valuable techniques and insights to help you tap into your inner creativity while embracing meditation in your artistic journey.