Hope Art Can Help Me

1173 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Asancta, Dec 8, 2015

PreferNotToSay

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2015

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.

Save

Reactions: 2

1 - 4 of 10 Posts

PreferNotToSay

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 7, 2015

Jalapeno said:
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

Save

PreferNotToSay

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 7, 2015

Butterfly88 said:
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.

Save

PreferNotToSay

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 7, 2015

TerryCurley said:
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.

Save

1 - 4 of 10 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month