[PreferNotToSay]

Hi,

I'm glad to be here.

First let me start off by saying that I am not an artist, nor have I really ever been drawn to it; until recently. I'm creative, but I've never felt I had the motor skills to do anything artistic. As a lefty, even my writing is horrible.

With that said, I'm in a bad spot. I have a mental disorder called Paranoid Schizophrenia. Obviously I am paranoid, but I also at times see and hear things that aren't there. If only one of those voices was an art teacher! A bit of schizophrenic humor there. I feel like I need something to focus my concentration and calm the storm in my mind. My psychiatrist thought an art related endeavor would be great.

I have always been fascinated with watercolors, as sometimes I see objects that look like they are painted in watercolors. I know that sounds bizarre, but I would actually like to try and paint those visions. It would allow me to create a physical image of some of the things that I see that aren't really there. I think it could be a wonderful outlet for me.

I don't like to go out in public, so classes are out for me. I'm going to try and watch some YouTube videos and learn. Any other help from the forum would be helpful. I don't expect my "artwork" to be great, just allow me to express myself.

Anyways, I'm rambling. I hope my mental issues won't be a problem for anyone, I'm a very nice and gentle man who is just trying to find his way.

I hope to hear from you.

 

[Jalapeno]

Hi prefer, welcome and glad to see you here.

Youtube is a wonderful resource but it can be overwhelming and the quality of the instruction varies. Personally, if you have the means, I'd suggest getting a beginners watercolor DVD and learning from that. It gives you the advantage that you'll have one instructional style which will cut down on a lot of conflicting information. The wonderful thing about watercolor is that there are a hundred ways to do it, but the bad thing about watercolor is that there are a hundred ways to do it. It gets very confusing on youtube when one instructor says here is how to do this and another says don't do this do this and another says no do it this way

For a first time beginner I recommend this DVD

A Solid Start in Watercolor

Lynn Powers does not overwhelm you with theory or try to get you to do things that are too difficult so it is a good starting place. She has a pleasant delivery. I didn't start with this DVD but I wish I had.

Watercolor is a challenge but it is really fun. The biggest challenge is learning to control the water on your paper, on your brush and on your palette. The painting part is easy once you have the amounts of water under control.

Here is my picture of one of the exercises I did from this DVD. If I remember correctly it was an exercise in controlling the graded wash. I usually did each exercise about 5 times before moving on to the next section. Good luck and have fun!

 

[PreferNotToSay]

Hi prefer, welcome and glad to see you here.


For a first time beginner I recommend this DVD

A Solid Start in Watercolor


Here is my picture of one of the exercises I did from this DVD.

I like the picture!

Yeah, I never have painted with watercolor before, but my first thoughts were that the brush would be difficult for me to control and I would probably use to much water and it would run.

Thanks for the welcome and the suggestion. I have watched a few videos on YouTube, but they are kind of disjointed. I haven't found one person who goes through all the basics; not that I even know what the basics are. I'll certainly check out the DVD.

It's good to meet you and thanks again for the reply.

Jon

 

[TerryCurley]

Welcome to the forum PreferNotToSay .

I find that art has helped me tremendously with my emotional state. My mental health issue is chronic depression compounded by grieving someone very dear to me. Art keeps me in the moment and sometimes I completely loose myself and just focus on the art and everything else gets blocked out. It's like a mental vacation and I love it because it totally relaxes me.

I started painting about 18 months ago and have learned so much from videos and tutorials and help from my friends here. At first it was hard to take criticism on my work, but I quickly realized that is what makes me improve and I have learned to look closely when something wrong is pointed out in my paintings. Sometimes I agree and do better on the next one, sometimes I disagree and just forget about it.

I hope you stick around and enjoy the forum as much as I do.

 

[Butterfly88]

Welcome! Have you considered an art therapist? I have some mental health issues and see one and it's great.

 

[PreferNotToSay]

Welcome! Have you considered an art therapist? I have some mental health issues and see one and it's great.

I didn't even know there was such a thing. I'll certainly talk to my therapist about it.

Does the art therapist teach you the basics of how to do different forms of art or is it strictly about expressing your feelings in the way you know how too?

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[PreferNotToSay]

Art keeps me in the moment and sometimes I completely loose myself and just focus on the art and everything else gets blocked out. It's like a mental vacation and I love it because it totally relaxes me.

An art vacation? Sounds great!

I have been investigating watercolor painting, as that's what really interests me. I found something called a watercolor pencil. It looks like it's a better starting place for me. For some reason it looks a little easier to work with. The brush and water look difficult to me. What are your thoughts?

Thanks so much for the warm welcome and sharing with me. I totally understand depression. I have yet to lose anyone close to me, but I know the day will come. I'm glad you have found something that helps you.

 

[ARTadmin]

First off, I want to take a moment to welcome you to the community.

It is a pleasure to meet you. :vs_coffee:

Some of the most famous artists of all time dealt with various disorders. I think your idea to explore the arts is a wonderful idea.

Don't worry about perfect just take some time to play with the different mediums and see what captures your attention.

When you are ready, I look forward to seeing your work.

 

[TerryCurley]

An art vacation? Sounds great!

I have been investigating watercolor painting, as that's what really interests me. I found something called a watercolor pencil. It looks like it's a better starting place for me. For some reason it looks a little easier to work with. The brush and water look difficult to me. What are your thoughts?

I only do acrylic and/or oil paintings so I can't advise you on any pencils or watercolor painting. Perhaps it would be a good idea to open a thread in the 'Watercolor' category and get the attention of some watercolor artists.

 

[Asancta]

I think you should see it as a gift instead of a burden.I for example am doing a lot of meditations and vision meditations before I start a project and believe me is hard to put on canvas what you see but in your case this can transform into something amazing.Just let the art guide you-do not push it,do not try to find reason for it.I have a friend that has severe PTSD and he put what he feels into some amazing artworks.Yes it's painful but think of it as your path...every birth comes with pain.