Materials: canvas paint brushes palette water paper towels pencil mirror www.renaissancelifetherapies.com
In a world obsessed with body image, it is no wonder that we have hang ups about our physical appearance. As a result, we can struggle with low self esteem and we find it difficult to accept ourself. For some people, looking into a mirror can be really challenging. They choose to see flaws or faults in how they look. With these flaws and faults, comes negative emotion. www.renaissancelifetherapies.com
This is a great exercise that helps you become more comfortable looking at yourself. By practising non judgement, you can alleviate some of the critical thoughts towards yourself when looking at your reflection. This exercise is about seeing the beauty in the face, viewing it as a set of shapes, lines and colour, as well as resisting the urge to find fault. www.renaissancelifetherapies.com
Having a different experience when you look in the mirror, will give you a different perspective, and with practise, you will learn not to judge. Begin by sitting comfortably in front of a mirror, so your face is visible.
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Using a pencil, start by outlining your head on the canvas. A rough sketch is fine, do not be critical. The aim of this exercise is to spend time with yourself, learning the curves of your face, colour of your eyes, and the beauty of you. www.renaissancelifetherapies.com
Experience the therapeutic properties, afforded by the art materials. Spend some time painting your portrait, paying particular attention to shading and blending. When you are finished, do not judge. Fighting your inner critic is the hardest part of this exercise. www.renaissancelifetherapies.com
Make notes about the creative experience. Include details of how it felt to be tactile with the art materials and of course how you felt, when you saw your finished portrait.