Painting - A Calming and Centering Process

I spent two hours this afternoon embossing cereal boxes and painting the embossed pieces.  I recently became aware of the effect painting has on me. I was a stamper/card maker for 13 years.  I loved it.  This fall I was asked to make Halloween cards for a friend. I've done this in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it. This year I found that I wanted to get them finished so I could go on to something else.  The process was not as fun this year.  

Lori, a friend, commented on it at our Tennessee Stamper retreat. She told me that my entire being changed, relaxed and settled when I picked up the paint brush.  All I was doing was paint gesso on an Art Journal page.  

Usually when I sit down to work on a page, I want to complete that page in one sitting. Today, I realized how content I was to simply paint the pieces. I might work on the page later today or I might not.  The process, the painting was more important than the finished piece. I find it amazing that I keep learning things about myself.  Creating is about the process and I really enjoy that process.  The process is a calming and a centering activity for me.

Link: Art Everyday Month, Paint Party Friday, Just Add Water Silly