depression/anxiety

@merpreb I will be in Providence. Flying in on a Saturday, training starts Sunday afternoon, and leave on Thurs morning. It appears training will be 8-5 Mon thru Wed with optional evening programs.
Ginger

Ginger- If you are staying downtown enjoy the food and atmosphere!

@merpreb Get on you tube and get back on it I myself work with acrylics . The lady that got me started is under Painting with Jane....I believe she has a couple watercolor tutorials but I haven't watched them yet. Another excellent teacher is The Art Sherpa....she has some watercolor tutorials. But I would do a search for simple watercolor tutorials in you tube. When you see a painting you'd like to paint watch the tutorial. I watch one,then watch it and paint. It is so great to pause it and get to where you want it and hit play. I cannot believe how someone could teach me to come out with a painting so complex. Some of the paintings that look difficult are actually simple to do. I really know nothing about watercolor.
In November I saw a picture of the large mass in my skull. When I had my surgery date I put all the painting stuff away. (I work at my coffee table) I had a count down until surgery day. That was January 7th. In January I finished 3 pieces .Letting your mind escape the stress..listening to the lesson and painting. I helps immensely

@merpreb I want to do watercolors someday after I master acrylics I'm still working on a piece add g things to it.I would love to see some of your work if you feel like posting As @jenniferhunter said about art is healing and here are beautiful .At our coloring I showed @gingerw her Zentangle they loved it

@gingerw Is your trying for the police department ?

Hello – This week's Connect member spotlight shines a light on one of our volunteer mentors whom many of you have gotten to know in this conversation or elsewhere in the Depression & Anxiety group. Find out more about @merpreb and what she enjoys on and offline.

– A Survivor: Meet @merpreb https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/newsfeed/a-survivor-meet-merpreb/

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@julie1976 You are so right that doing art work or anything creative is so healing. I did a lot of creative things to prepare for and recover from spine surgery, and that process eventually became a portrait of my surgeon that was my gift to him. It's posted in the Art for Healing discussion and Gratitude discussion under "Just want to Talk" group, and in a Sharing Mayo Clinic blog at https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/ . It was my self directed art therapy to get through my anxiety about major surgery. Creativity helps de-stress, so does music, singing, walking in nature, exercise, etc. The important thing is to do what works for you and what helps you feel connected and alive. I am a professional artist and I love watercolor. A watercolor needs to be done in layers or washes of color where everything is planned in advance because you cannot cover any mistakes because the paint is transparent. Try painting to inspirational music to get in the creative " zone". My surgeon's portrait is in watercolor and I am now editing a video of that painting in progress and trying to get it down to a reasonable length. I'm glad you're on the mend and that your artwork is helping you. Keep on painting!

@lioness This training is to become a Certified Zentangle Teacher. My own time, my own dime. I feel it will go a long ways to not only advance my skill, but legitimize this craft. Also, I will be able to teach for profit if/When the inspiration strikes.
Ginger

@jenniferhunter Thank you so much for your reply. I finished a tutorial today after adding my own touches and want to finish the one I have on the go. I work at my coffee table,and my parents are coming tomorrow to stay for a while. I will paint forever 🙂 it helps me in so many ways.I will check out those links!

@gingerw It’s so interesting that you’re taking a class to become a zentangle teacher! I love to look at pictures and always marvel at how intricate and beautiful they are! I always thought maybe I’d do one by quilting the design, but....I get lost. Congratulations on your art!