The Archetypal Language of Process Painting

The Archetypal Language of Process Painting

As this language speaks through us and despite us in the mysterious magic of the painting process, we come to appreciate more and more the boundary-less nature of our potential presence in the world.Over time, I’ve noticed that certain essential forms mysteriously appear again and again in the painting process. From black hands to twisting vines, [...]
Why We Don’t Interpret Process Paintings

Why We Don’t Interpret Process Paintings

The most interesting thing to paint is what you don’t know about yourself. The true meaning of the painting is beyond any story you can expect or imagine.We are all well trained in interpretation. We read meaning into almost everything we do. We think our actions would be pointless if we didn’t apply labels to [...]
Awaken Your Image Maker!

Awaken Your Image Maker!

If you don’t know where to begin a process painting, ask yourself: What would I paint if I really let myself feel?Sensing what to paint is so simple that we often disregard it. As you stand in front of your painting, what do you feel? Burdened? Light? Overwhelmed by the large space? Sad? Rough and bold? [...]
Five Ways Self-Compassion Supports Your Painting Practice

Five Ways Self-Compassion Supports Your Painting Practice

When we are able to soothe ourselves -- to take a risk and continue painting anyway -- we can experience great relief from the confines of fear and perfectionism. In the first post in this series on self-compassion, we looked at how practicing self-compassion can help us expand our creative potential. There, I introduced the [...]
Annie Rousseau Talks About Ocean Resort & The Potential of a Creative Life

Annie Rousseau Talks About Ocean Resort & The Potential of a Creative Life

One of the many things we love about having a new blog is that we can now introduce you to the wonderful folks who make The Painting Experience possible. Last week, Caroline McCartie sat down for an interview with senior Painting Experience facilitator Annie Rousseau. They talked about Annie's upcoming workshop at Ocean Resort in British Columbia, and about the potential of discovering our own creative expression.  Annie [...]
Creative Destruction

Creative Destruction

 It is important to learn to use destructive energy in a creative way; if you don’t, it will turn against you.An act of destruction usually brings a few seconds of pleasure, and this is why it is so tempting. But it leaves you with a bitter taste, a sense of failure. When painting for process, [...]