I got Rid of Anxiety through Watercolour (My Personal Experience)

[@jandurant7502]

This video is very timely, as I am feeling rather overwhelmed by a stressful situation. My dear husband keeps reminding me to "put art first", but I've found that very difficult to do in practice. Your experience makes me realize that painting as priority is a key to all the rest. I am sorry that you suffered for so many years, but now you are able to benefit others by your understanding. Thank you, Fiona.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@jandurant7502 oh, my dear Jan! Yes, we must learn to prioritise what makes us feel good. Your husband is right. Sometimes it’s easier to step back into that “comfort zone” which in fact ends up making us feel so much worse and holds no comfort at all. A barrel of love to you 💕 and a big hug 🩷 Fiona x

[@jandurant7502]

@@drawingsinadrawer You will be pleased to know that I've spent the afternoon painting and it was a very refreshing time. Many thanks for all the generous gifts you bring to your art community. ♥🧡♥

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@ well, done my dearest Jan! I’m so happy to hear that ❤️🩷❤️ You go, girl 💪🏻

[@jandurant7502]

@@drawingsinadrawer Thank you again, dear Fiona, you say just the right thing. 💜❤🧡

[@elisabethnerolk2283]

keep that husband of yours close and hug him tight!! He is supporting and loving!! and above all HE IS RIGHT!

[@janerimer6475]

Beautiful. I struggle with chronic depression and anxiety. When I paint, I get lost. And free. Thank you for this.

[@KitKatToeBeans]

Something that has helped ease my crippling anxiety is Agrimony tea. It has a very mild soft taste. It’s very interesting when I drink it I can feel some of the weight of my anxiety lessen. 🍵🫖

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️

[@mandanbecca1]

Watercolor is SO therapeutic and I love how it pulls me into a meditative space. To create is to connect within and I believe that’s how we find ourselves 🙏🏼

[@drawingsinadrawer]

That’s so true ❤️

[@garymcguire8529]

I was only here for the art, because you were painting animals. I found it very enjoyable. Love your style of painting.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m happy you were here only for the art! And thank you for leaving a comment! Fiona x

[@tabbi888]

I've been too sick to be able to do my art lately, but even watching others i find relaxing. It really helps when I'm stuck in bed.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I LOVE watching others paint with watercolour. And I love sketchbook tours. I have basically watched everything there is on KZbin and I wish there were more, much more content about watercolour used in an expressive manner. I’m sorry you’ve been sick. Stay strong as you heal and remember how important self care is. Fiona ❤️

[@nydiamontufar5145]

Oh dear, I understand,.last year I was really I'll, and watch art videos was a.healing to my soul. I hope you get well soon, ❤

[@tabbi888]

@nydiamontufar5145 thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate it.

[@tabbi888]

@drawingsinadrawer thanks for your thoughts, finding your content very healing in the meantime though, thank you.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@ ❤️🌈

[@judysummers894]

It’s the special place where I can go to be free from the everyday hustle and bustle of life!! A place of relaxing, where I can just be me! 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@judysummers894 that’s fantastic, Judy!

[@Valkyriepedersen]

This piece is so precious! When I was little I grew up in a lot of mess...Mother Alcoholic, Dad always gone.....I often had comforting dreams of animal friends. One night I would be visited by a bear, who was very human like and kind to me, another night a tiger, etc...as I became an adult I reflected on those warm friendly animal dreams that always comforted me and thought God sent them to me to comfort me. This painting brings it all home to me, WOW! I am an artist, lately I can not paint for more than 5 minutes and I just set my brush down............wonder what thats all about? Anyway LOVED this video, it felt healing to me. I love water color and Dr. Martin inks (The sheen especially) Thank you. A new favorite line I recently heard was "Don't always believe what you think"

[@drawingsinadrawer]

What beautiful words! I’m sorry you had a tough childhood. How sweet those dreams were. The image of animals, especially woodland animals, has always comforted me because it reminds me of fairytales. You must paint again! Much love. Fiona x

[@louisaellingham602]

Very interesting story. I am wondering if you are familiar with the psychology of the great psychoanalyst Carl Jung? He. was particularly interested in the unconscious and how it affects our conscious life. To Jung, animals are sublime and represent divine "archetypes" (universal images) that live in close contact with superior and absolute knowledge--much more than humans. It might be well worth your while to study and become more familiar with these friends!

[@Valkyriepedersen]

@ thank you, the way out is the way through.

[@Valkyriepedersen]

@@louisaellingham602 just what I studied in psychology 101 on college.

[@pamelaroderick6588]

i have an anxiety disorder and yes! watercolor helps me so much!!!!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

🩷

[@wildthymeandeglantine583]

Thank you, Fiona for speaking about this and sharing of yourself and your experience. As a psychotherapist myself, I have always preferred art as therapy for my own healing. And I cannot agree more with everything you said. As a beginner, I have found that watercolour is very special: it draws me into its fluidity , its bursts of light and colour, and it soothes me. Thank you for doing what you are doing- we never know what happens when we share of ourselves. It might just be that spark that encourages someone else to step into the light of healing.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

What a wonderful comment. I agree. I never felt the same sort of quietness through other painting mediums. Watercolour can almost create a painting on its own if we let the water and pigment glow freely ( maybe an abstract painting. But a painting nonetheless). What other medium does thad? Much love to you. Fiona x

[@wildthymeandeglantine583]

Fiona, that’s exactly what I have been doing: just following the colour flow and enjoying a conversation with the medium. I’m learning so much about colour mixing (by following your advice and getting the big pans and exploring the Mother Method) and by playing with abstracted landscapes. I’ve also been getting to know my brushes. In other words: I’m giving myself the luxury of savouring each step on this journey. Thank you Fiona, much love to you, Valentina in Cyprus

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Much love to you ❤️

[@instahamx684]

Beautiful work and inspiring message. Thank you ☺️

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@instahamx684 ❤️⭐️

[@lisalurcott856]

Beautiful art & beautiful words

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️

[@samthomart]

Wonderful painting and video, thank you Fiona! I just wanted to say that looking back through my sketchbooks has also brought comfort because I paint daily without fail, even if it’s just 10 minutes, and it’s apparent from the images that I managed to find some joy even on the darkest days. Thanks for expressing what painting can do for us so well 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you . I love this comment and jolly good job on painting daily! 🎉💪🏻

[@kendra9894]

So glad you spoke about this. Thank you ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment ❤️

[@louisea966]

great video Fiona. i am one of those who has always had lots of anxiety etc, though it took me a very long time to realise that was what it was. sadly, while sometimes i do find art to be very calming, more often i find the whole process of getting going into something is very anxiety and stress inducing. i know there is the whole "just start" school of thought, but for me it is a bit more like surfing, there is an element of timing to when you jump up on the board, or else you end up half drowned.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Oh gosh. I know that feeling. I sometimes do a quick countdown and either I jump in or I jump in. Sometimes I still don’t though 😁

[@jayneelinor]

I used to be a watercolour painter but haven't been for many years now. Watching you paint makes me want to again, I just love your style. I have found art to be a huge part of wellness and healing in my life too.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

What are you waiting for? Watercolour is calling you. Please take out your art supplies and start again. ❤️ Fiona x

[@susanhoffmaster7235]

Thank you for sharing this. This is exactly what I am trying to achieve with watercolor painting. Quieting that constant anxiety and overthinking. I allowed myself to get completely wrung out and bouncing back is proving difficult. Watching your videos brings me a peace and calm, but this one was very inspiring. Again, thank you for sharing. And God bless you.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you. I know how you feel. Sometimes also it means a big change is about to happen. A good one! Go with it! Much love. Fiona x

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

Hola, hoy te escribo en español porque puedo expresarme mejor. Gracias, gracias, cuando uno està ansioso cuesta mucho salir de aquì, he pasado muchos años en esta situaciòn por circunstancias externas que no dependen de mi. Me lleno de ansiedad porque lo que màs deseo hacer: pintar con acuarela no empiezo aunque trato y trato y aun teniendo todos los materiales, esto me llena de ansiedad y tristeza, me inmobilizo. Que compartas lo vivido me hace sentir acompañada y saber que se puede salir de ahì. Disfruto mucho tu arte libre y expresivo, gracias!!!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Il’m sorry you feel this anxiety, but yes, I know exactly what you mean. Try limiting the number of brushes and colours you use to a maximum of three. You will feel less pressure and that might make it easier for you to paint. It definitely works for me. Hugs. Fiona 💕🌈

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

@@drawingsinadrawer gracias, genial el consejo de limitar materiales, porque a veces los siento a todos como jueces diciendo cuando nos usas, esto gracias a mi imaginaciòn. Gracias por inspirarnos con tu hermoso arte

[@louisea966]

yes, i can completely relate to this. it is hard.

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

@@louisea966 gracias, abrazos y bendiciones ❤️

[@drawingsinadrawer]

❤️

[@ericaparker4518]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with anxiety and the role water colour painting has helped you heal. I intend to pass this particular video on to my niece who is studying art therapy. Personally, just watching you paint takes me to a peaceful, happy place. 😀😘🙏

[@drawingsinadrawer]

What a beautiful thing to say, dear Erica. Thank you so very much ❤️

[@jodiecurlind5358]

Thank you for sharing, as always it's a true pleasure to tune in. 🙏💎

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@jodiecurlind5358 thank you for your comment ❤️

[@aneelainayat5795]

Another wonderful video Fiona! Just when I’m battling with perfectionism, I felt inspired by your words to let go and enjoy the process of being creative. You are so right we can’t control everything in life and I agree wholeheartedly, that watercolour reminds us of this 😊 Thank you for being so open with your personal thoughts and feelings, I can definitely relate 💕

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank YOU for your lovely comment ❤️

[@freshspiritworks4535]

This is so beautiful. I definitely get how watercolor - any type of art can relieve anxiety. I was in the same boat since childhood, but the difference art can make is palpable. Blessings - LindaH

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Blessings to you, dear Linda ❤️

[@heatherh3457]

I think you have touched on a valuable aspect of watercolour that many of us should consider as contributing to emotional health. I'm generally not an anxious type - very buttoned down and one who fiercely takes on challenges but my art and particularly watercolour makes me anxious. Why? Because the free flow of watercolour is difficult to gain control over and always has a degree of renegade to it, even in the hands of a master. Whether you come from a place of fight or flight, watercolour teaches you that beauty and wonder can be found even in that which steps up and resists control. Thank you❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Watercolour made me anxious in the beginning too. But after having seen others create with it, the pull towards it was so strong, I just had to try and gradually the art practice made me notice how my thoughts behaved differently. Thank you so much for your comment. Fiona x

[@Tia-p5f]

Watching this was so relaxing. I've been thinking of taking a watercolour class but I've been spending a bit more time learning to write fiction. There are times though when I get frozen on what to write. I would think watercolour would be a wonderful thing then to get the creative juices flowing. I can't draw at all though....

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I actually did both for a very long time and I started writing “novels” in my childhood.and did until about 5 -6 years ago. Then art took over and I am very happy, though writing is beautiful too 😊

[@missy2667missy]

Thanks for everything you spoke too! I'm new to this but loving it. Acrylics and oils I had worked with. I'm an avid crafter. If I can get y hands into anything arts-ie.... I will..! The only time I'm not anxious or sad is when I'm crafting. I don't been this way my whole life. My problem is I am lonely.... this definitely helps! I also have cancer 2nd time and also lost my husband of 38 years to cancer. There are days I just don't feel well..if I can gather enough energy and make it to my painting desk, I know I'll feel better even if it's just for a little while. thank you ♡

[@drawingsinadrawer]

It’s no wonder you feel this way. I am so very sorry for what you have been through and what you are going through now. Try joining our Facebook group ( it’s linked in the description box). We share our art there. I don’t want to make any cliché comment about loneliness, because no one should feel lonely. I just don’t know what to say. For all it’s worth, I am sending you a massive virtual hug and all my love. Please check back in now and then. Fiona x

[@margaretpinsent6388]

Your video has kept showing itself to me so I finally decided to look. I started watercolour, then pen and wash, now all of those in urban and landscape sketching, just a year ago. Which is why I didn't think this video would be for me. But what you've created here is very beautiful, and your words are profoundly moving, and very true. I'm one of the very few that hasn't suffered anxiety but, I can say for myself, that painting with watercolour and sketching outdoors has given me some hope, and the beginnings of peace in my heart for a grief that changed me 8 years ago when my son, Dylan, died. I'm 74, English, living in a beautiful part of England on the borders with Scotland. Beauty surrounds me. I see it. I don't feel it as I would have. When I paint, tho, I'm accessing that part of Me that does. Thank you for your lovely painting, thank you for sharing your thoughts and comfort, and thank you for, however indirectly, bringing me in to write here. You have encouraged me to keep it up. Thank you. Maggie x🌷

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Margaret, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for taking the time to write. What you say has unlocked what it is. Seeing the world though art can bring us a peace that few other things can. Also sketching outdoors is very healing. I am sending you all my love and I hope you’ll stick around. Thank you so much again for sharing your experience. Much love to you with all my heart. Fiona ❤️

[@margaretpinsent6388]

@drawingsinadrawer thank you, sweet woman xox

[@milenamarcocci6320]

Thank you for this special video. You are an amazing artist. ❤❤❤❤❤❤bravissima

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ! ❤️

[@seanoralopes4917]

Thank you so much for this video and sharing your story with anxiety. Anxiety is something I started to experience a few years ago. It seemed to come out of nowhere for me. My art practice tends to take a back seat because of my other responsibilities. However, after watching your video I realized it's really a form of peace and self-care. I will have to make time for it because it does calm me and center me. Thank you again.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Please, please do. And set the ambience with something you like. Lights, music, incense and your preferred beverage. ❤️

[@suzannemarshall7458]

Thank you your words are wise and your art lovely

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@suzannemarshall7458 thank you so much ❤️

[@angelabay-jespersen6205]

I came to watch the painting. I too have the feelings and more (recently diagnosed with Complex PTSD along with anxiety and depression which I’ve had for ages. I’ve always loved art but was not helped or encouraged as a child. Now I have the time but find I’m total crap at drawing and I’ve also found that a decent drawing is the foundation of almost all watercolour painting that I watch. I’ll try but get totally disheartened at the awful results. I don’t know if it’s because I’m blind on one eye and so don’t have the depth perception that makes drawing people and animals seem so hard. So, even thought I’ve bought the supplies I’m loathe to waste them on terrible art. And so I simply watch… Thank you for these beautiful animals and her face was so lovely ❤❤❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Hello, Angela. That’s spot on, actually. A good drawing is the foundation, that’s why I trace mine onto watercolour paper. This is really because watercolour paper is ruined easily if you try to erase. So there’s a solution. Try going to my Patreon and you will find that if you join as a free member there are several free tutorials and all the portraits etc have the sketch outline attached for you to trace. Give it a whirl. Some people prefer the painting part and can’t be bothered with the drawing. This said, I do draw and have sketching challenges, but that’s another story. I am so sorry to hear about your PTSD , anxiety and depression. The mind can do both beautiful and horrible and sneaky things ( when it’s not at peace). Know that you are not alone. Even if from afar, I am sending you a huge bear hug. Fiona x

[@shekitahackett6787]

I loved this video! I do struggle with anxious thoughts daily. Art therapy keeps my hands busy and my thoughts on my work. I discovered watercolor last year. Still a hopeful newbie. Watercolor reminds me the beauty of life. All mistakes cannot be controlled and fixed. Yet perhaps it will add an interesting talk point. Thank you for sharing 😂!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@shekitahackett6787 “watercolour reminds me of life”… how beautiful and insightful is that? Thank you 🙏

[@ndadaboy]

Started painting again during covid, and tried watercolors for the first time during that time as well, it definitely helped my mental health so much. Thank you for sharing.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m happy to hear that and I hope you’re still painting. Fiona x

[@wildflower1397]

When I watercolor, I am alone in my body with my thoughts or the music I play, often both. I choose to set aside negativity during art making, so it's very healing. I make sure I have space, am fed and rested, and sometimes even add incense. It's my time for peace and on lucky days, some bliss.

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

Gracias, gracias, muy dulce tu respuesta, voy a practicarlo y gracias de nuevo por tus hermosos consejos❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I wish I could have talked longer! I also always light a candle and the paper clips I show in the beginning plus fairy lights and two very heavy and smooth marble eggs I have on my desk are all very comforting and help me set the right mood. I hate harsh or cold lighting. Thank you so much for your feedback xx

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

@@drawingsinadrawer mil gracias!!!

[@ingridn712]

Thank you so much for this video. Your art is ethereal, nostalgic, full of emotion and beauty. ❤ Your voice is so comforting too. Thank you.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏❤️⭐️

[@thehotspotwithangie]

I agree 💯 I have just started painting and it helps with my stress and worries and thinking of what if this or that happens and I'm not ready. Panting I found is the only way to stop all of the thoughts and the constant planning on what needs to be done next. So Im happy I came across your channel

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Welcome to watercolour and to the channel, then! ❤️🌈

[@sueallen952]

Ive been suffering with anxiety and panic attacks for 46 years which started due to an abusive marriage of 36 years, I got divorced 12 years ago, i have also drawn but found watercolours in lockdown, gp's tried to get me on antidepressants which I have always refused. Painting has helped with the anxiety but I have to work at it, sitting through a panic attack is so hard but can be done. It IS like a meditation some days are easier than others sometimes I havnt realised hours have gone by, I always feel theres two of me, the horrible one that comes in and makes me panic and the calm one that enjoys life, keeping the spiteful one away takes a lot of work but the art definately helps. I live alone and dont have family or friends and will be 70 July, my art is my life. I am so glad I found you and have subscribed, sorry for the long comment

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I am a July girl too! I’m sorry to hear about your abusive marriage and well done for leaving it. I used to get panic attacks, but learning never to hyperventilate was quite a game changer. Also I allow the wiser Fiona ( like you say, I have a calmer side and a more impulsive and negative one ) to take over as often as I can. That’s why I think change is possible. Even at 70. Even at 80. It’s really possible at any age. I wish you all the very best from the bottom of my heart ❤️

[@stapletontable]

Oh so beautiful, Fiona! So open and honest and empathetic. Love you so much! xo

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Love u too ❤️⭐️

[@eloradanan1837]

Yes, I too found this silence when doing art some years ago. Today, I use all kinds of art mediums, as I can loose interest fairly quickly, which is why I keep switching it up.....always trying to find that silence. 😑😑 I really like your painterly brush strokes and that you clearly are not caught in the web of everything must be perfect art.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much ❤️🌈

[@bethbrady8146]

yes!! I loved this.... i have found all this to be true for me..thank you. took my art bag as I evacuated 2 weeks ago from a fire here in Calif.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m really sorry to hear that. I hope you are safe and well. ❤️

[@lauryndraws]

youtube suggested me this video and...what a coincidence: I'm an Italian, a Scotland lover based in Milan, and I'm a watercolour beginner. I think you have another fan. By the way, totally agree with you: drawing, watercoloring, etc has a deep impact in relax mind and body. thanks for sharing, I'm going to pick up old videos to know your (amazing) works!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Ciao bella! Thank you so much for this gorgeous comment! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇮🇹❤️

[@kimberlydragone6015]

Loved this! You must be in my head. Beautiful art …and filming too! I work in other mediums, but I can see how not only the making, but also using this particular medium, can be so healing. ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@kimberlydragone6015 it is indeed! 💕

[@nancydavidson4899]

My anxiety is also since childhood and linked to external expectation and perfectionism. Watercolour became one more thing to be anxious about. Like you, I’ve made the decision to do a little bit of something every day and you’re right, when I’m in the process the anxiety lessens, especially if I let go of any expectation about what the outcome will be. Now I just have to apply that to the rest of my life 😂

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@nancydavidson4899 Agreed! I find that observing how your thoughts tend towards the negative when they could just as easily lean towards the positive…. Because why not? or dismissing the constant catastrophising is something I have learnt through observing how my thoughts quieten down during painting time. I started observing that and it helped. Also, I was so so tired of ruining my own life with constant worry… fill your time with things that bring you joy and peace as much as you can. We forget to do that more often than we think. Fiona x

[@nancydavidson4899]

@ I get that entirely. These days I just remind myself that they’re just thoughts and most of the time I can let them go.

[@vebutler8957]

I’m so glad you did this video. I’ve missed your art videos. Such an important message. I love the way you say change is meant to happen; it truly is and although it is uncomfortable for me I should try to let it happen, embrace the discomfort which is the only way to grow x

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I think life is change and trying to stop that will only make us suffer. It’s like trying to stop the seasons from rolling into the next one. Change is good, as it can mean change towards something better. Evolution. Thank you so much for watching ❤️

[@LornaC474]

I started with Neurographica and started incorporating water colour and now I'm exploring how to use it and this art work all plays a part in helping me de-stress.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

That’s fantastic! I have to admit I don’t know neurographica is! I’ll Google it!

[@christineburge8896]

Thanks for being out there re ones mental state. Creating has been my saviour to Now I am addicted Love your work xxx

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m so happy to hear that. Fiona x

[@shellyoney2081]

Thank you for sharing. Watercolor definitely helps my anxiety.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I’m so happy to hear that. Fiona x

[@josinawashington6744]

I am struggling so badly right now😢 This was a very calming video thank you for sharing❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@josinawashington6744 oh no…. Just try and feed your mind with as many positive videos, uplifting music, books… anything you can find that makes you feel good. Pamper yourself anyway you can. You will come out the other side. Fiona ❤️

[@terleah1012]

Very beautiful.I hope to be able to freely paint like you one day. Really love your style. And your words certainly resonated with me. Thankyou so much.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

It took me a while to paint freely. But I think this space where your hands, brain and eyes are occupied really does the trick ❤️

[@rachelturgeon114]

Fantastic content and solution with incredible benefits. Also, your work is beautiful.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you very much! Fiona x

[@Crystal_Seeker71]

Just found your channel ❤ Thank you for posting ❤❤❤❤❤ watching from Canada 🇨🇦

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@Crystal_Seeker71 hello, Crystal! Welcome! Thank you so much for commenting ❤️

[@Vorachan1111]

Thank you for sharing your work and your reasons for painting. It’s just so lovely. I also watercolor paint for therapy. Not that I have anxiety, but anything that feels peaceful and calm is worth doing. Like you, I love the way the watery paints glide and build on the paper. I do like painting faces sometimes. There is something magical about it. I paint a variety of objects because I enjoy the challenge of trying new things. Watching you work is also therapeutic.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much. I also recently started panting more animals and I just think it’s even more magical and relaxing ❤️

[@Vorachan1111]

@ I agree. Animals definitely are fun to paint. Your style is fluid and wonderful. Keep sharing. ♥️

[@ruthjames9278]

I am an artist in my soul ... thanks for sharing

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you ❤️

[@selmag5819]

very happy for you loosening that hold anxiety had on you! the relief must be wonderful. and i love this portrait so much, it has soul! i will "lounge around" your patreon in the hopes that i might be smart enough to actually learn something. :)

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Of course you are smart enough! And thank you so much for your comment ❤️

[@pjlewisful]

I watch your videos in the mornings as they tend to make my day go better!

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Well, that made my day! 😁❤️🌈

[@Jw16mosier]

Fiona , thank you for your post and sharing this with us, I often find myself when painting that I can just shut out of everything, at times it worried me, I was thinking maybe it was not normal , Thank sincerely ❤Ohn

[@drawingsinadrawer]

It’s completely normal and as I say in the video that’s what showed me the intrusive thoughts could be silenced. ❤️

[@creativesolutionsart-h3o]

I really enjoy your work and your videos, but this particular portrait is one of my favorites :-)❤️ I’ve always struggled with the type of anxiety you describe, but a couple of years ago I began to lose my eyesight rapidly, and it was more than I could bear… Ironically, it was getting back to art and specifically watercolor that helped me be able to see things in the way that I Wanted to in a calm setting. And even more so, beginning to make videos, and pushing my skill level, gave me a sense of achievement that I didn’t think was possible with the amount of vision I have lost. It is definitely what cradles my inner child, the part of me that has been long neglected and waiting to be understood and comforted. Thank you for highlighting this and bringing awareness to others if it wasn’t already at the forefront of their mind.✨🙏🕊️

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you so much for this beautiful comment. I am sorry about your eye sight but proud of you for how you faced it. Way to go! Bravo 👏🏻 Fiona x

[@shannonbarker3807]

Thank you for this beautiful video and very important message. ❤

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@shannonbarker3807 ❤️

[@Cynthia_retired]

Beautiful painting

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🙏❤️

[@sunnymoon369]

I suffer with anxiety and stress due to perfectionism while painting (and in life in general) so it’s far from relaxing for me. But, that being said, something still drives me to paint. Sometimes, in the past, I’d go months and a couple of years once, not painting because I failed at an attempt. Now, I force myself to paint every day, even if it’s just swatches. And I will do a painting over and over til I’m somewhat satisfied with it. I still only follow along to tutorials as I struggle to come up with ideas on my own, which makes me feel like a fraud. Hopefully that will change soon. Your idea of doing only bits of subjects seems less overwhelming than trying to do a big, complete painting. Thank you. Can you put a link to the sketchbook you use as it seems to not absorb the water so quickly as my Meeden/arches paper does. Thank you 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Hello! I am sorry you feel like that. I hope you remember to always push through the so called “ugly phase” most wc paintings go through.. I was rarely happy with my paintings until I kind of forced myself to say that I was. There was an artist here on YT who is now not really uploading anymore, but she always said she really liked her paintings once they were finished. It kind of stuck. Why should you not like something your hands made with water and pigment? It’s such a hard medium to control and each piece is an experiment. That’s it. An experiment. Try to look at it like that. My sketchbook is Etchr cold pressed square format ( white canvas cover) they sell them on their website in packs of 3 and sometimes on Amazon individually. But I heard you can also write to them and ask if you can buy a single sketchbook and not the whole bundle as they are quite expensive, since it’s pure cotton paper. Sending you love. Fiona x

[@sunnymoon369]

@ thank you for your very helpful response. I binge watched your vids last night. Your work is gorgeous! 😊

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 💕

[@judysummers894]

Another beautiful painting - love it.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you 🩷🩷🩷

[@leanneabridged]

Thank you so much for this

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Thank you for watching ❤️

[@jueue2964]

Nice video. Trying to learn and understand watercolor. My paper keeps warping, having a hard time doing it.. I have a lot to learn. Coming from being a pixel artist for a long time, doing traditional pen and paper, painting, is really really hard. I wish my hand could do what yours is doing, I have a lot to practice.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@jueue2964 are you sure you have the right paper? That’s basically the most important supply, it needs to be 100% cotton and I would say at least 220 gsm ( sketchbook) or 300 for individual sheets. I am referring to the thickness of the paper here. Fiona x

[@jueue2964]

@drawingsinadrawer I see, I think what I have is for pencil sketching so probably not that. Thanks for the tip, I'll see if I can find that to work with instead.

[@robinhuizing4406]

Fiona, I wish I could show you a picture of my lionshead bunny- I'd love to see you paint one! Your highland cow suggests you would do th8s very well.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Please do!

[@robinhuizing4406]

How do i?!?I?!?! Think KZbin won't let me.

[@robinhuizing4406]

Also, I started painting after I was diagnosed with p.t.s.d. my daughter's happen to have mental health issues as well. My p.t.s.d was triggering full blown blackouts in stressful situations. My youngest has severe aggression...making home feel unsafe. I began painting when my other art forms were too dangerous to practice and settled on watercolor painting as it was the safest thing to do....at the time I couldn't sit down for more than 30 seconds. Now, five years later I have found myself sitting for long periods, having more time to consider my responses to my daughter...I've grown as well as her. She has made it 7 months without hitting me( was daily before this) or anyone else...and I am painting things which make me happy. I would of never guessed the growth that would arise from me when painting with watercolors.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@ I’m sorry you’ve been through so much. I am happy you are finding peace through watercolour ❤️

[@ann-charlottelandelius1383]

So beautiful painting Fiona! You are using a light turqoise on the neck of the hare: is that a color you can buy or something you mixed yourself?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@ann-charlottelandelius1383 it’s mint and cerulean blue both by White Nights xxx

[@kimberlydragone6015]

I haven’t even watched the video yet and I have to know where to get those cute little clamps?

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I got them on Temu. They are too cute x

[@kimberlydragone6015]

@@drawingsinadrawer oh man! 😢 I never buy from Temu for a few reasons, one of which, they are thieves. They have stolen artwork from my friend’s and reproduced it for items to sell on their website. It’s prob accurate to say that all of their artwork is used without permission from the artists. 😨

[@AriaIvancichArt]

Hi! Yes, I am a painter (also), I use aquarelle & other media. My Journey w/ Aqua started in 2021 and is continuing on and off. I had a preconception that to be dealing w/ w.c. one had to be a very poised and calm person, and part of me still thinks so even though I ain't. I have anxiety too, but it's not Aquarelle which soothed it, it's unspecific art making in my case😶‍🌫️

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I have been all but calm and poised since I was born 🤣 Maybe I am improving in time and thanks to my watercolour practice, who knows. I think the fact the result is always unexpected is what has me hooked. Fiona x

[@kendra9894]

I am a beginning watercolor painter looking and hoping for the same relief.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Please start making painting with watercolour a daily habit, even if only for ten minutes. If you just don’t have the time , then try the weekends and try looking beyond the frustration of it being a bit rebellious. Remember to also keep you ears busy with music or a podcast or audio book. Fiona x

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

I watercolor and have had, and do have, all the anxieties in the book here in the US.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

I feel for you. It’s a drag!

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

@@drawingsinadrawer Thank you.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@ ❤️

[@sheilagilleland4312]

I also suffer from anxiety, I’m still trying to find my way in my art.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

Keep going and keep observing how thoughts seem to naturally go towards the negative in general. I think art helps us to stop believing in them and that is the first, biggest step. Fiona x

[@sheilagilleland4312]

@@drawingsinadrawer❤️

[@MsK-xm7vw]

❣️

[@drawingsinadrawer]

🌈

[@ErinCRN]

I wish I could paint like you. So free. Whenever I try, it just looks like a wet soggy mess.

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@ErinCRN mine did too in the beginning! As with everything, it’s a matter of practices You definitely can do it too! Fiona x

[@ErinCRN]

@ thanks Fiona. I’m gonna keep plugging away. I just started this hobby. I know if I practice I will get better. Painting is so good for the soul.

[@ShaRanNan]

💞💖💞

[@drawingsinadrawer]

❤️

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

Yeeeeeyyyyy

[@drawingsinadrawer]

@@exnaborrascalvo6315 🩷