The act of creating stops us thinking and worrying about other things. Drawing from nature, takes us out of our heads and gives us a chance to see the beauty that is around us, such as the floating summer clouds above our heads, the dancing autumnal leaves, the sparkling winter’s frost on the grass, the spring birdsong in the waving trees, and the colourful flowers in the vase.
Research has found that nature soothes our soul, creativity brings us enjoyment, and mindfulness helps us to slow down.
Drawing nature, combines the benefits of nature, mindfulness and creativity:
reduced stress
stronger immune system
improved concentration
improved memory
more energy
more self-acceptance
more happiness
Drawing nature is about celebrating the natural world… and ourselves!
“What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.”
Mindfulness and Art
I am in the dissertation phase of a masters degree in Studies in Mindfulness at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Within the programme I have undertaken the taught modules of mindfulness, compassion, and insight, and explored their potential applications within my professional capacity as an artist and educator.
For my dissertation module I am looking at the role that all three aspects (mindfulness, compassion, and insight) might have to play when it comes to observational drawing (drawing from the world around us).
The course is equipping me to understand, and to share with others, how creating art mindfully can further assist us to enjoy our art practice.
mindful art workshops
I conduct and facilitate workshops on the themes of nature, still life and mindfulness. Working indoors or out, using drawing, painting and collage to explore the world around us. Please don’t hesitate to contact me using my contact page if this is something that you might be interested in.
