Art Over Anxiety | Time for some art therapy...

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

What are some other ways art has helped you find peace? Let's share and help each other find relief for difficult times we may be experiencing. The Rainey's love and care about each one of you! Be well! ❤️❤️

[@wacky_paintings]

I've started giving my characters backstories, I let my subconscious tell me what to write. I find this a form of energy release. It can be very relaxing after all the painting and writing are done.

[@jhart214]

painting florals and foliage has been such an escape for me over the last year. Your videos and books have been instrumental in teaching me the techniques I use to do this and I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been having a little trouble with string or vine type flowers - I’m not sure what the term is, but things like bluebells and bleeding hearts. I would love to see a video tutorial on that if you can! I have been struggling with the bluebells from your everyday watercolor flowers book but sometimes actually seeing it in a video helps sooooo much. Thanks for everything you do!

[@habituallearner7680]

I have severe anxiety and painting is just about the only thing that works to calm me and take me to a happy place. Specifically, when I feel a panic attack coming on, I begin swatching, painting parallel lines, geometric figures, simple leaves, etc., just something both repetitious and pleasing. This helps me order my thoughts in a way very similar to using a mantra and prayer beads. The gorgeousness of the pure pigments, the texture of the paint mixtures on my brush, give me sensory stimuli that distract and calm me.

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

I sew and paint. When my anxiety gets bad and I cry. So I take a brush paint and a canvas and I smack paint till I’m happy again. While listening to Tangled for the millionth time. Tangled is my comfort movie . I relate to Rapunzel on a personal level I feel Disney just took my personality and animated it !

[@melissabrownwalls3438]

It’s helped me so much with depression and anxiety, but also with physical pain. I need a total hip replacement. I just don’t think about anything else when I paint. Takes me to my own creative world. I am 62 and started painting at 60. I could barely draw a stick figure. I’m not that great, but I get better everyday. It’s my passion now. It gives me peace and joy. Blooms are mesmerizing. I could just watch blooms spread all day.

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

I also love using mindfulness or meditation practice like these for physical pain

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

You don’t look 62! You look 40 years old !

[@jennisalyers]

I started painting when covid began. I have no reason. Just a sleepless night in the black hole of KZbin. I’m so glad that I did. It helps me so much to unwind, control my anxiety and also have something for me that I love. As a mom of 4, a wife and a nurse..watercolor has done far more for me then anything else I have ever tried or liked or been interested in.

[@angelaramseyrobinson4407]

As an Art Therapist, I love seeing you encourage art-making to help with personal self expression. I worry about people now. The pandemic has been so stressful for everyone. Art -especially focusing on process over product - has been my life and sanity saver. I wish everyone could discover how much creativity can heal and soothe.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

❤️❤️

[@nikianorbeta7942]

I am very interested in one day becoming an art therapist, do u have a recommended route of education or certification to achieve that goal?

[@angelaramseyrobinson4407]

@@nikianorbeta7942 It might be different if you’re not in the US, but in the states it takes an undergraduate degree in either art or psychology with prerequisites in the other - typically- and then a Master’s. I got my MA in Art Therapy but it’s more common now to get a MA in a Counseling Psychology program or something similar that offers the required Art Therapy curriculum and sit for the national board exam. I would just google programs where you plan to live and go to school or check out ATTA - the American Art Therapy Association for info about programs. Each state is slightly different in how they handle credentials. it’s a lot, but it is a very rewarding field.

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

@@angelaramseyrobinson4407 I’m studying to be a special education teacher. I want to incorporate art into my classroom. Art is my therapy

[@angelamurphy3260]

Sometimes just putting paint to paper and watching the magic is so soothing

[@notmetagaming]

Literally how I make every one of my paintings lol completely intuitive no thinking at all

[@aprilwhite8925]

The timing of this video is incredible. I REALLY needed it on soooooo many levels. Thank you Jenna for teaching art through living. I truly have enjoyed every single video I’ve watched (some several times) and continue to learn. Thanks for being the real deal in a world that’s often not what it seems.

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw glad this helped, April! ❤️

[@nicoleaubry6944]

this is the whole reason i started painting two years ago.... i find it so relaxing. thank you for being who you are, a great resource for education and definitely comfort

[@Angayasse]

When I have deep periods of anxiety, I can't switch off my conscious mind. Then I just do swatches. Absolutely not any shapes or concept, just colours next to each other. To see colours down on paper is healing.

[@habituallearner7680]

I do the same thing for the same reason. It really helps!

[@ninaorehek7983]

Not only was it very therapeutic for me, but now I also desire to explore watercolor techniques more freely and I want to paint in a more relaxed way. Thank you so much, Jenna!

[@lisabaumeister9943]

Thank you Jenna, I often I’m trying so hard to make my art look like someone else’s, and I’m often unsatisfied. These exercises look like just the right medicine for my anxiety! They are more in line with my meditation practice and I think they will be a great complement. I always appreciate when artists destigmatize mental health symptoms/conditions and actually share therapeutic tools like these. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I hope you enjoy these practices and they bring some peace, Lisa! ❤️

[@izzy8949]

2020 brought me the idea of starting to use pencils, then watercolour pencils, then watercolour paints. I’ve wanted to do self-expression, but always end up trying flowers- not that I don’t love flowers! But this is SO perfect. Thank you SO SO MUCH. It’s helped me through SO SO SOOOO much this past year on so many levels. Best wishes to you 😍💕xx

[@dorothyczygmunt5232]

I found this to be such a much-needed exercise in today's ever demanding times. I want to first and foremost thank you for all your gifts and talents that you share with your subscribers over the years. You are such a breath of fresh air in today's stress filled days. Life has become so stress filled, with the everyday demands to multitask and to produce. Watercolor has become my own space. I will continue to share your videos and techniques with as many people as I can. Best wishes and much success and happiness in your journey and new studio in 2022. Art has always been a love and a place for peace in my life. I will continue to try to learn from you, different technics to challenge myself in the days ahead. Have a nice day, and always try to make it nice for someone else. Happy painting.🎨🖌🌠🌈

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

I feel you, definitely a personal topic for you and alotta peeps. I hope this video helps people who are in this exact same place RIGHT NOW. I pray they find this video. We've all been there, a two hour commute, things around me that would drain my energy...and def had a period of insomnia before watercolour. Let the brush wash away the pent up emotions...

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mieczyslawapascoe7234]

So very true. Painting is very soothing. It's helping me to get through a very difficult time and is the only thing that keeps me sane. I honestly don't know how I could cope without it. I think you have done a great job recommending it to people. ❤️

[@silvergreen1654]

Ok I really like this video. Yep insomnia can be a struggle. It’s very cool that you are making these videos, that are helping a lot of people I’m 100% sure.

[@joanpringle-canning2834]

Letting go has been the best lesson. Jenna, I'm so glad I watched this today. I get discouraged by the results, and struggling with the thought that enters my mind, "I can't paint" or "I'm wasting my time. I feel like even watching this video was art therapy, a wonderful calming exercise. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@sheliaporter6795]

This is a great video. I like to paint to music with no words. I find it calming.

[@yellothere5552]

Totally agree gardening n art ..your in a zone of concentration...its pure bliss...my best art's when I'm mad..xx keep going love your inthousiam xxx debbi vasileiou xxx

[@penneynoss9552]

This was very generous of you to share with us. When you started painting the ocean I thought of my place it's the woods. I could see the light shining down through the trees, the different green's and brown's. Thank you

[@brendacollinsdeeks7268]

I loved the idea of the loose abstract painting as a way to let the stress go. I’ll have to give that a try for sure. I found it relaxing just watching the paint flowing onto the paper.

[@myrnapark3137]

I love your calmness. I also love your explanations in all your videos. I am so new to painting. Today's idea of just putting some color on the paper makes me feel better.

[@user-gg9jy1oi2n]

I think this might also be a great way to find your style. How you paint naturally without thinking about it. I love this exercise. Thank you both 🤗❤️💐

[@Sundies_Art]

Thank you for sharing this with us. This is so helpful. When I think of calm I too think of walking along the beach...I just wish I were close to the ocean. Someday maybe.. for now, looking up at the trees (I live in Washington state) brings me peace. So I painted trees and blue skies and birds...what a great lesson. Blessings to you and your family

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Sounds lovely, thanks for sharing!

[@AurorasArtWorld]

Just watching the paint bleed into the water on the paper is stress releasing to me... Sometimes it turns into something wonderful and sometimes it doesn't but it still helps everytime

[@riavandenberg5203]

Watercolor painting gets me in a flow that clears my mind and makes me forget time. I feel calm and happy when I am painting. I am a controlfreak and perfectionist. I think your practice will help me to let go (a little more) while I'm painting... Thank you.

[@shariarnold9649]

I really needed this...thank you so much...

[@renatecormick7399]

For the first painting, besides the restfulness of painting as you have shown us here, I just love the design you’ve created regardless of the fact that you had not intended, the colours are really gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration once again Gemma

[@rowenveratome]

Something I've found helpful this year is splattering random watercolor on a blank page - and then working with that imperfection / randomness to create something beautiful. It helped me accept the idea of partial control in my everyday life. Of course, I'm still working on that acceptance. Uncertainty is hard. Thank you for sharing what works for you - I'll try it.

[@arabesquejacob8176]

Love the background music 🎶. Very soothing and relaxing 😎

[@irenewardify]

I liked this very much. A good starter exercise. For a session of painting.

[@bryanferguson5141]

I love the whole process of painting with watercolor. I thank you and have learned so much from you. Letting go has been the best lesson.

[@lindathaxton1994]

Love watercolor and how it makes me feel! That’s why I paint - thank you for sharing - it validates my feelings

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

❤️ ❤️

[@1southpaw2]

Thank you 💕 I have never used watercolours. However I have quite the collection. I am going to try what you have done here. It was calming to watch.

[@SecretCollage]

I started setting a side coloring and origami time when I was so sick of doing what society expects of me, I've always been a more action oriented person, so I do runs and cleaning to feel better, but when that doesn't work doing art has taught me to be okay with feeling not great at the moment and making the time to be okay not feeling great IS THE ACTION that's needed to help me through the tough moments. Thanks Jenna for giving us another tool to take care of our mental health

[@jsimmonsbz]

Awesome session. I enjoyed it very much. I only started to paint 6 months ago. Lately I have been painting and sketching much more. It has brought a lot of piece to my life. I love how when I'm working on something or just doodling it takes me away from the stress and anxiety.

[@carolelylewhite]

Thanks so much for your content. I now love watercoloring! Got your Everyday Watercolor book around 18 months ago & I love all your videos. I love giving my friends & family watercolors now as gifts ~ they seem to really love them too. Painting definitely calms me right down & I handle life much better when I am regularly painting! 🌊🎨

[@han.barraclough]

Just found your channel Jenna and your words about how art has helped your anxiety have touched me so much. I feel like I am currently going through the things you did; I am in my early 20's and suffer heavily with anxiety. I too have seen lots of doctors and I feel like nothing is working. I am a medicated insomniac, just moved to a new town, got a different job as opposed to the hospitality jobs I used to work in and I feel misguided in life, I'm experiencing a lot of relationship trouble and I'm too undergoing help to work through my other personal issues. I am a musician normally, but with the pandemic I have had that put on pause, and have only recently turned to watercolour painting as another art form. I have no style of my own yet, I just know it gives me joy. Watching you talk about this and seeing what you have achieved now has given me so much hope and I'm super emotional watching this! Thank you for sharing your story, I'm so glad I found your channel x

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw thanks for sharing Hannah, so happy you found this video and it’s helpful for you. Take care of yourself! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ritaflannery8561]

I agree Art has helped me too especially watercolor ❤️

[@lindsayjayne2169]

I've got different journals and sketchbooks that I go to when I need, and they're all just different ways of being creative and letting out what I need too. One's a collaging journal, one's for poems, one for painting.. and so on. There's endless ways of "journaling" it's just finding which ways work best for you:) Thankyou, Jenna, for sharing this with us all💗

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

You’re so welcome, Lindsay! Take care of yourself! ❤️

[@lindsayjayne2169]

@@JennaRaineyChannel You too💗

[@faith7718]

I've had a lot of trouble finding the medium for me. My problem is that I'm creative but I get stuck in my head and frustrated if things aren't absolutely perfect. With watercolor though, so often you have to be comfortable with some flow. And I love the things that are just loose and chill. It's really given me a space to get more out of my head and use art as therapy. Your videos have been so helpful. I actually tried the whale and for once didn't look at something I made and immediately thought it was hideous just because it wasn't perfect. The way you explain things is just incredibly helpful and I really appreciate you!

[@joycesnodgrass7068]

Thank you...love this idea. One thing I've come to realize for me, is that I need to do "warm-ups" & practice work on 100% cotton paper. I've tried using paper that is not 100% cotton and I get discourage by the results, and struggling with the thought that enters my mind, "I can't paint" or "I'm wasting my time & money". Fortunately, my family keeps me well supplied with excellent watercolor paper.

[@embermarchand8762]

i have anxiety , but refuse medication because it tends to aggravate my condition... i did dance and yoga .. however with osteoarthritis ..dance was difficult... i took one course in watercolour .. and a new amazing world opened... when i am stressed .. i go to my room sit at my desk and paint very therapeutic I just love the calming feeling i have while painting ( i also paint when not stressed) i am glad i found your courses, it compliments what i already learned

[@DianaMorgancrochet]

Thank you! What a wonderful calming exercise. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Skinnychelle48]

Thank u for sharing! I just assumed u had been painting since childhood, so awesome to know that u are self taught! Love ur work and ur book!

[@susieford3954]

Can't wait to do this!!! I love each and every video and your books are amazing. I just started the 30 day journey. Thank you.

[@jojocatattack]

I am trying these today. Thank you.

[@IMMA383]

Great exercices Jenna, and a very interesting topic!. Would love to watch more exercices on this topic, thank you so much

[@ArtHistorywithAlder]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I like how you explain painting being an escape. Although I'm not a great artist, I have had similar experiences. I'm going to try these experiences!

[@ruthkoster4140]

I’m going to try this. Painting does make me relaxed!

[@ginakelly11]

Love this! My joy is making circles ... my pain is the cost of watercolor paper... 😆 Thank You Jenna and John!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

lol i agree thats definitely me with painting lines lol, filled up a sketchbook with lines

[@margohill3149]

Painting along with Jenna lowers my anxiety level!

[@martibriner2305]

I paint everyday. It relaxes me and affirms that I need to do something for myself. I learn something new every day!

[@kecall]

Just what I needed today! Thank you!!!!

[@thjapan_birdman]

You gave me courage ! Thanks a lots

[@emmelinesprig489]

I loved this! I don’t paint, but I find drawing and knitting/crochet to be very therapeutic. Thanks for sharing your method! ✨

[@firdyk]

Thanks for this xx I find just swatching out my supplies like colour pencils and watercolours which I've already used very relaxing.

[@arabesquejacob8176]

Just in time! Thank you 🙏 so much, dearest Jenna! I love that you teach us how to incorporate art into different aspects of our life. Grateful to you! Also, thank you for sharing your experience with anxiety. I needed that 🌈❤️😘

[@sharontrees8929]

Jenna, I'm so glad I watched this today. I've dabbled with painting for most of my life but more so recently with lockdowns and additionally a bad accident that saw me bed bound for weeks. I made a pledge with myself during my recover to paint every day. It's help me so much to get myself in a better place mentally. Thank you so much for making this video and sharing your experiences.

[@lorettafritz6992]

Loving that 100K I'm seeing. Congrats. You and watercolor have helped me find a new way to reduce stress and have fun. Thank you for being so generous with your talents.

[@jujutsu_panda]

Really appreciate your teaching skills. I’ve been inspired!

[@michellehoward96]

Thank you for sharing this. So generous I find just using one colour with a wide value range like winsor & Newton indigo and practising painting leaves in different shades therapeutic. Your leaf videos are the best I’ve seen on KZbin especially part 3. I’m having an operation soon & watercolour painting is the only thing that stops me worrying about it.

[@jerryanddeb5372]

I really needed this tonight. I am just starting out. I thought I was really well. Maybe I got a little overconfident. So tonight nothing was working out how I wanted it to. Painting and otherwise. So when this popped up as I was TRYING to get things right, it was the perfect break. So thank you.

[@loua3926]

So amazing! I loved this tutorial ❤️

[@erinacompanado298]

everything u said in this video, is exactly how i feel. it's crazy knowing i don't know u, u don't know me, we live oceans away, we're from different backgrounds, thoughts, principles. but holy shit jenna. thank u. ily. this just made my night. and u truly will impact me for the rest of my life. i discovered my love for watercolor painting just 3 days ago. i used my little brother's watercolor (we got it for literally a dollar, and the pigments were almost empty even cause he used it already). i sat on the roof and painted onto a crappy notebook paper. i haven't felt actual complete peace like that, in a while, i think in my whole life even. i bought supplies already, hopefully it hurries tf up and comes home to mama. i'm so excited oyaduajdjiakj anyways i watched ur watercolor for beginners video and like 6 other videos pf urs dkjhahdukaejhdja, and i printed out the e-booklet u provided. . ily. ily. mwa. please take care of urself

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Aw you’re so sweet for saying all that Erin! Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@saraluvsutube]

This was fantastic, I really need this, you really helped me. I hope you do some more of this ❤️🎨🖌🎨❤️

[@MusingsFromTheDen]

Lovely. 😊 I was initially put off journalling as I'm not a talker - I prefer to do things to let my brain relax and figure things out that way. I decided to make my journal visual and so far it's working out nicely. 😊

[@rowenacorlett3146]

I think this could also help me just get into enjoying the process of painting and not worry about the result - thanks!

[@rnee1000]

Thank you! Perfect timing. I just had spinal surgery and have limited use of my hands so I can't do my watercolor botanicals. These exercises are a great solution.

[@silvergreen1654]

I been working on customizing a wooden box for my paint stuff. It is very fun and relaxing. Stress reliever to just work on any craft, keeping your mind moving forward :)

[@Sheamarie]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@jenscloset]

That was so relaxing!!!

[@TheGatewayProductions]

Huge thanks for this video! Anxiety is terrible but we can crush it!

[@DrHeatherStewart]

I see the comments are from a couple of years ago… but the idea is timeless. Thank-you💕

[@emmacapell96]

I’m not sure I got totally into the headspace but it gave me absolute freedom to focus on experimenting with colour at this early (starting yet again and hoping it will stick) stage in my painting journey. I loved it. Thanks!

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

I'm so glad! Thanks for sharing, Emma! ❤️

[@myrrhis01]

Even just viewing art is an important emotional . . . thing . . . for me, so I appreciate you sharing ideas for putting that into action.

[@alvirosy]

Think it would definitely be helpful for lots of people here. Thanks Jenna! 🦋

[@donnastephenson3865]

Just found your channel and really enjoy your talent and videos. Hugs, Donna🥰🌞🌈

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

Thanks Donna! ❤️❤️

[@cynthiabrooks4377]

Thank you, this was helpful. A good reminder that I can relax and not be uptight about painting an end product to sell or give away.

[@lyndajoyce6243]

You are wonderful!! Thank you so much!

[@jenscloset]

Thanks so much for sharing your story!!

[@judithwilliams5185]

Yes very helpful. What you say makes so much sense..

[@lauraenuco7219]

I totally enjoyed this...when I was teaching music in public school..i had the kids do this type of activity...just paper and crayon,. it was hard for the kids to let go of the ....but what do i make? mindset...so hard for us to let go of expectations...

[@SusanHilesCreates]

So relaxing just watching you....

[@Petra-1000]

... so true 💕💕 ... maybe you are not a doctor BUT you are an iland creator 🙏🏼 - this is what watercolor painting brought to my life - my mental iland where I can go to whenever I feel the need. ... and you are so inspirational that the iland is as colorful and vibrant as your art work 🌺🌺🌺 Thank you Jenna 😘

[@margohill3149]

This was great! Thank you. After my “creation” dries, I’m going to cut it into postcards and mail them to friends with a cheery note or a thank you or just a hello.

[@julietoye9872]

Thank you 😊🤗💖

[@jessieelliott3157]

Did it and loved it.

[@emman.3653]

Thank you. I love your Chanel ♥️🎨

[@KM-hm7xh]

Thank you so much for this video!!

[@ellenkass9410]

Thanks. Needed this today. Made me stop ruminating for a while. 🌵👩‍🦳🌻💖

[@잼민이의게임천국세상]

thank you so much jenna♡

[@eaupoetique]

G😍rgeous pieces! I feel like even watching this video was art therapy! I’ll definitely mention this on my channel & hopefully have some time this week to give these a try! I really love working on little color palettes & mixing colors when I’m feeling anxious! I especially love shimmer colors, the more anxious, the more shimmer lol ✨✨✨ Thanks for a lovely video! 🤗💌

[@seanofoghlu5747]

I always find that whenever I start painting the internal noise melts away.Its a form of meditation 🧘‍♀️. I also do some blacksmith work and I get a similar result .Maybe it's because your creating something. I find both very therapeutic

[@erinacompanado298]

is no one gonna talk abt how phenomenal her palette looks?????

[@candyicon]

Thank you so much

[@s.e.hebert7307]

I am so with you there on Flow, neuroplasticity, painting emotions, and art therapy. When one paints to express feelings, then it's not possible for it to look or be "bad," right? Unless you're not open and expressing. It's the journey, not the destination!

[@jesiaislam9662]

please do a detailed tutorial on sky and clouds with watercolor, thank you for your beautiful videos.

[@wanderingcreativity]

Thanks friend wonderful

[@melissabrownwalls3438]

Yes!

[@ninillolypop]

Wow... I allways painted when I needed to turn my brain off (work anxiety, depression) I would have never toaght that it actuallly helped me, I picked up my paintbrush again in covid❤️

[@JennaRaineyChannel]

So glad you picked that brush back up, Viviana. Take care!