Painting Your Feelings

Painting your feelings with your feelings – the very notion of it is utterly captivating, isn’t it?

The idea is that we could take the swirling emotions, the joys and sorrows, the hopes and fears that reside within us and somehow transmute them directly onto the canvas through the sheer act of painting. It’s almost a poetic, alchemical concept.

There’s something profoundly alluring about the prospect of being able to externalise our inner worlds in such a visceral, tangible way.

To watch as the colours, textures and compositions we create on the canvas begin to mirror the landscapes of our psyche – it’s an almost mystical prospect.

And why wouldn’t it be amazing?

The human experience is rich with complexity, nuance and emotion. Yet so much of that inner life remains hidden, obscured from plain view.

Painting your feelings offers a portal, a means of giving form to the formless, of making the invisible visible.

Imagine the catharsis of seeing your heartbreak expressed in swathes of melancholic blues and greys. Or the exhilaration of capturing your jubilance through explosive bursts of vibrant hues.

The very act of translating these ephemeral emotional states into a physical, aesthetic manifestation could be positively transformative.

Beyond just creating something visually compelling, the prospect of painting your feelings with your feelings suggests an alchemical, almost mystical process of self-discovery and self-expression.

It implies an unmediated conduit between the wellspring of our inner lives and the external world. And that is an incredibly alluring and in many ways, empowering idea.

Of course, the question of whether we can truly accomplish this feat with complete fidelity remains open-ended.

But the sheer potential of it, the almost limitless creative and psychological possibilities it suggests, is what makes the prospect of painting your feelings with your feelings sound so amazing.

It’s a pursuit worth exploring, a journey worth undertaking, for anyone brave enough to pick up the brush and see what emerges.

The Emotive Power of Abstraction

At its core, abstract art is all about evoking feeling and emotion.

Through the strategic use of colour, line, shape and texture, abstract artists can bypass the literal and representational to tap into something more primal and visceral.

When done well, abstract paintings can elicit strong emotional responses from the viewer – a sense of joy, melancholy, tranquillity or even unease.

Abstract artists known for their feeling-driven abstract styles include the colour field painter Mark Rothko, whose luminous canvases seem to glow with an inner spiritual light.

The gestural abstractionist Willem de Kooning, whose raw, energetic brushstrokes convey a palpable sense of angst and dynamism.

In painting your feelings concept, these artists weren’t simply depicting external subject matter, but channelling their own internal emotional states directly onto the canvas.

The Meaning and Association of Colours and Shapes

In abstract art, the use of colour and shape holds immense power in conveying emotion and meaning.

Certain colours are inherently associated with particular moods and feelings. For instance, warm hues like red and orange often evoke energy and passion, while cool blues and greens can suggest calmness and serenity.

The shapes and forms we employ in non-representational painting can also carry deep symbolic significance.

Angular, geometric shapes might communicate a sense of structure and stability, while more organic, fluid shapes can suggest movement, growth and change.

Even the thickness or fluidity of a brushstroke can imbue a painting with a specific emotional resonance.

As an abstract artist, I’ve developed a nuanced understanding of how these visual elements can be leveraged to paint my feelings on the canvas. Well, at least I think so.

Each colour, line and shape I use becomes a building block in a visual language of emotion – a way to translate my innermost experiences into a tangible form.

I’ve written an interesting blog dedicated to colour meanings and association in this post, “Exploring the Power of Colour in Abstract Art”. Have a look.

Painting as an Emotional Process

But the emotional power of abstract art goes beyond just the finished product.

The very act of painting your feelings can be a revelatory and cathartic experience for the artist. As we move the brush across the canvas, our emotions – whether joyful, melancholic or somewhere in between – have a way of seeping into the work.

It’s as if the paint itself becomes a physical manifestation of our inner world.

This is what’s sometimes referred to as “automatic” or “intuitive” abstract painting – a mode of creation where the artist taps into their subconscious and allows the materials to guide the process, free from the constraints of representational imagery or pre-conceived ideas.

In painting your feelings in this way, the canvas becomes a space to directly translate our moods, memories and lived experiences into visual form.

Intuitive art is another fantastic way to help the process of painting your feelings. Have a look at this blog: “6 Amazing Facts About Intuitive Art”.

Creating “Feeling-Driven” Abstract Art

So how can you harness the emotive power to paint your feelings in your own creative practice?

A good starting point is to get in touch with your own emotional landscape – to become deeply attuned to the ebb and flow of your inner states. Spend time in reflection, journaling or even meditation to better understand the nuances of your feelings.

From there, experiment with different materials and techniques that allow you to directly channel those emotions onto the canvas.

Try using bold, expressive brushstrokes to convey a sense of energy and dynamism. Or play with luminous, translucent washes of colour to evoke a mood of contemplation and serenity.

The key is to let go of any preconceived notions and allow the process of painting your feelings to guide the way.

To me, creating non-representational paintings is far from random colours or shapes here or there. Over the years, I’ve developed a personal vocabulary of colours, shapes, lines and other visual elements, each carrying its own significance.

I approach each painting with a pre-determined theme, using these elements to paint a narrative of my feelings about life events or various subjects. The process is always intentional, never haphazard.

“I found I could say things with colours and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” – Georgia O’Keeffe.

A fantastic quote from a great artist. This sentiment resonates deeply with me, as I’ve often found that painting my feelings allows me to express the inexpressible – to give form to the formless.

Painting Your Feelings: The Immersive Process

Preparing Yourself Mentally and Emotionally

I believe there is a crucial process to go through in order to truly paint your feelings in an abstract work.

It’s not something that can be rushed or approached without proper preparation, at least in my experience. This preparation involves both mental and emotional elements.

The first step, in my opinion, is to find a way to quiet the mind and eliminate distractions.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that I can more effectively paint my feelings when I’m able to switch off extraneous thoughts and focus solely on my inner emotional landscape.

It’s like entering a different state of consciousness, where the outside world fades away and all that remains is the connection between my emotions and the canvas.

One technique that has become indispensable to my creative process is wearing noise-cancelling headphones and playing my favourite music.

This helps me create a focused, immersive environment that’s perfect for diving deep into the act of painting my feelings. But it’s more than just background noise – it’s become an integral part of how I access my creative flow.

You see, over time, I believe my mind has been reconditioned to associate this specific music playlist with the act of creating art.

It’s almost like a Pavlovian response – whenever I hear any of these songs, my mind immediately shifts into creative mode, calling me to pick up a brush and start painting.

The music has become a key that unlocks my artistic impulses.

Now, creating abstract art or non-representational art and listening to this music are so intertwined in my process that I find it challenging to paint without this particular playlist.

It’s more than just background noise – it’s an essential component of how I access and express my emotions on canvas. I’ve come to think of it as my “painting music.”

If you’re interested in exploring this connection between music and abstract painting further, I’ve written a blog post titled “Abstract Art and Music: An Exploration of Rhythm, Movement and Emotion” that goes into more depth on this fascinating topic.

Check it out and see if incorporating music into your own creative process might help you in painting your feelings.

Engaging Your Emotions Through the Elements of Painting

The second key step is to actively engage your emotions as you begin the painting process.

This is where the various components of abstract art – colour, value, shape, line and composition – come into play.

By developing a deep understanding of the emotive powers of these visual elements, I’m able to let them take over and guide the painting.

For example, I may start with a particular colour palette that evokes a certain mood, like the rich, warm hues of red and orange to capture a feeling of passion and vitality. Or I might experiment with organic, flowing shapes to suggest a sense of movement and change.

It’s about tapping into the intuitive, emotional connections we have with these formal elements and allowing them to shape the unfolding of the painting.

Allowing the Painting to Emerge

The actual act of painting your feelings doesn’t happen immediately, at least not for me.

It’s a process of slowly building that connection between my inner emotional state and the visual manifestation on the canvas.

Sometimes it takes mere minutes, other times hours or even days, for that magical link to fully form.

But when it does, that’s when the real painting begins.

The individual elements start to harmonise and intertwine, creating a cohesive whole that feels balanced and intentional.

It’s as if the painting is revealing itself, translating my feelings into a tangible visual language. And in those moments, I know I’m truly painting my feelings – not just creating abstract shapes and colours but giving form to the formless.

The process of painting your feelings in abstract art is a deeply immersive, transformative experience.

By taking the time to quiet the mind, engage your emotions and allow the painting to emerge organically, you open yourself up to a level of authenticity and emotional honesty that is truly captivating.

I encourage you to explore this process in your own creative practice and I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below.

A Practical Exercise: Painting Your Feelings

Now, try your hand at painting your feelings in an abstract art manner.

Gather your art supplies – paints, brushes, canvas, etc. and find a quiet space where you can be alone with your thoughts and emotions.

Begin by reflecting on how you’re feeling in the present moment.

What emotions are you experiencing?

Jot down some keywords or phrases that capture the essence of your inner state. Then, using those feelings as your guide, start applying paint to the canvas.

Don’t overthink it – just let the colours, shapes and textures flow freely, allowing your emotions to dictate the process.

As you paint, pay attention to the physical sensations you experience.

How does the act of painting your feelings make you feel?

Notice any shifts in your mood or energy level. When you’re finished, step back and observe the finished work.

• What does it communicate about your inner life?
• How does it make you feel to see your emotions translated onto the canvas?

Quotes from Famous Artists: Painting Your Feelings

Over the years, I’ve found inspiration and guidance in the words of great artists who’ve walked this path before us. Their insights into the emotional core of art have helped shape my approach to painting my feelings.

Here are some of my favourite quotes that I believe capture the essence of emotional expression in abstract art and non-representational art:

• Emotion as the Core of Art

“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.” – Marc Chagall

I love this quote because it really resonates with my own experience in abstract painting. When I let my emotions guide my brush, the work flows naturally. But when I try to overthink it, I often end up stuck. It’s a reminder that painting your feelings is about tapping into something deeper than intellectual concepts.

“I paint flowers so they will not die.” – Frida Kahlo

While Kahlo wasn’t an abstract artist, this quote speaks volumes about the power of emotional investment in art. To me, it suggests that by painting our feelings, we’re preserving something ephemeral and giving it lasting form on the canvas.

• The Artist’s Inner World

“Whoever wants to know something about me, they should look attentively at my pictures and there seek to recognise what I am and what I want.” – Gustav Klimt

This quote really speaks to how our abstract paintings can be windows into our souls. When we’re painting our feelings, we’re laying ourselves bare on the canvas, inviting viewers to connect with our inner world.

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” – Pablo Picasso

I’ve often thought of my abstract art as a visual diary of my emotional life. Each painting captures a moment, a feeling, a slice of my inner experience. It’s a powerful way to think about the act of painting your feelings.

• Emotion in the Creative Process

“The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul.” – Wassily Kandinsky

Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, understood that technical skill alone isn’t enough. To truly excel at painting your feelings, you need to develop your emotional intelligence and sensitivity.

“Draw what you see; paint what you feel.” – Francis Boag

This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of painting your feelings in abstract art. While representational drawing might be about external observation, abstract painting is about turning inward and expressing our emotions visually.

These quotes remind me that painting your feelings isn’t a new concept – it’s something artists have been exploring for generations. They encourage me to dig deep, to paint from the heart and to view my abstract art as a direct extension of my emotional self.

I hope they inspire you in your own journey of emotional expression through art.

What quotes or ideas inspire you in your creative process?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

I’ve written a blog post titled “The Brain on Art: How We Process Art and Appreciate Artistic Expression,” which delves into the neuroscience behind our interaction with art.

This post offers a detailed insight into how art affects our brains and why it holds such power in our lives.

I believe understanding this connection can deepen our appreciation for the process of painting our feelings and help us engage more fully with abstract art.

Conclusion: Painting Your Feelings With Your Feelings

Abstract art has the remarkable power to transcend the merely visual and tap into the realm of emotion and feeling.

By painting your feelings directly onto the canvas, you can create works that not only reflect your inner world but also have the potential to deeply resonate with others.

So embrace the cathartic and transformative potential of abstract painting and let your feelings flow freely through the act of creation.

I hope this exploration of painting your feelings with your feelings in abstract art has been enlightening and inspiring.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences – please feel free to share in the comments below.

Happy painting.

Related Blogs:

The Direction of Viewing Art: Left to Right or Right to Left?

Process vs Final Result: What Matters More in Art?

Can Anyone Make Abstract Art? A Personal Perspective

Embracing the Power of Positivity in Life