You may read the title and imagine me, smiling this cheesy grin as I paint away. Perhaps I am even laughing at my page. But that's not the kind of joy I have in mind.
Typically, when I paint, it is for a special commission or product idea so there's focus involved but other times it is a casual, relaxing way to spend an evening while I watch series, listen to music or just sit in silence in my study. Painting is my way of interpreting something I've seen or have thought of onto the page, it may be for a gift for someone or just playing around with an idea. It is through this, that focuses my mind on the subject at hand - marvelling at God's creation if I'm painting nature, or thinking about the person I'm painting for, or it may not even be that deep and it's simply a way to relax my mind.
Creativity is such a wonderful gift from God. He is The Creator and made us mere mortals, in His Image, and by definition of creating us, we are all inherently creative. You may scoff at that but you are far more creative than you may give yourself credit.
And because this gift of creativity comes from God, I find such joy in acting this gift out by using my hands to create beauty on a blank page through watercolours, illustration and / or lettering something. It is a way for me to consider God and how much more creative, loving and inspiring He is than I could ever imagine. Joy is this steady, stable feeling of contented peace one has in something. And for me, it's not something but someone.Â
Being a rather tactile process, it is a gentle way to focus on what's in front of you and somehow this grants space for your mind to work through what's mulling around. I'm sure there is a more scientific explanation I could offer (perhaps for another journal post) but the tactile experience allows us to be more mindful of the moment you're in and keeps you attentive to what you're creating.
Simple creative moments means that I try to either paint one thing in the time I have, or not complicate the time I have when I paint - that then dictates me keeping limited art supplies, or having a dedicated space to create, or keep a handful of easy ways to just get started. Things like warm-ups, prompts and ideas to play around with are great to keep as a resource to refer to when you want to paint so being prepared helps me act when the creative time strikes!
It's through these moments that when I'm not creating, that I'm thinking about creating. I'll see a branch that I want to paint, or an occasion I want to add value to, or test out a new way to make marks on the page that keeps me going. It excites me that there are so many things I am yet to explore and play with.
You may be interested in creating with watercolour, and perhaps, if you're not, I have put together a list of 20 simple, yet creative ideas for you to weave joy into your day that will allow you to unplug, on your own or with someone. It is a vibe!
An inspiring list of 20 simple yet joyful acts of creativity
- paint the colour wheel with your least used primary colours
- hand letter the alphabet
- journal an encouraging prayer
- illustrate a few objects from your day (food you ate, things of gratitude, clothes you wore)
- hand letter a beloved verse or inspiring quote
- a quick sketch of a photo from your camera roll
- paint a simple bookmark for your Bible or reading book
- enjoy a few moments colouring in a page with a friend / your child
- pick up a fallen leaf or flower from your walk and illustrate it
- arrange a small posy of flowers to display on a shelf
- change out an art piece's frame to a new frame for a simple update
- rearrange an open shelf
- write a quote about joy in your planner / diary for the day
- plan a fun activity to look forward to (bonus tip: to do with a loved one)
- bake for someone else and drop it off
- add a thoughtfully written card with your next gift
- paint a set of gift tags in a particular style or in a particular colour as your own bespoke gifting stationery
- place a fun puzzle book on your bedside table to complete a page before going to bed
- attempt a free tutorial, lesson or course in a creative hobby you'd like to try
- jot down a list of simple creative acts you'd love to do
Carving out time to get creative can be tricky if you feel like you don't have enough time. But rather than setting a aside a couple of hours or a full afternoon, why not choose to spend 10 minutes instead doing something that allows you to pause, catch your breath and enjoy while you create? It's a quiet act of rebellion in our fast-paced world, and a wonderful way to connect with God.
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