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A Rose Grows in Rehab-Using Watercolors as a Healing Tool
By art coach | July 16, 2007
As a visual artist, I am always discovering ways that art can be used to enhance the lives of others. One of those ways is to aid in the healing of those mentally or physically ill.
My Tools
This year I started traveling with a small watercolor kit. The size of the kit is a “4×6” block. I also use the Strathmore blank post cards. The imperial watercolor paper works well for this kind of thing.
I went to a physical rehabilitation facility on a Monday evening equipped with these tools. The woman and friend I was visiting was in her seventies and recovering from surgery on her neck.
After we chatted for a while, I asked her if she would like a picture for her room. Her answer was a resounding YES. I should note that she already had an assortment of my prints in her home. Consequently, it was not a hard to convince her to allow me to paint.
A support while I worked
My wife entertained her with a modern day version of a familiar bible story while I worked. I drew the rose first and completed it with the watercolors in her favorite color-Yellow. This enabled me to complete the work quickly.
When the rose was completed, this woman with hands still fighting for mobility reached out to touch the painting. Her face glowed as she looked with awe at her picture. I signed it and wrote a note of encouragement before I hung it where she could see it at all times.
Her roommate then begged me to paint a picture for her also. I did.
I am convinced, as many artists reading this will agree that artists must constantly work on their craft. Therefore, if you work on your art while visiting someone it can be a win-win situation.
You do not have to give away your masterpieces
Please know that I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT YOU GIVE AWAY YOUR MASTERPIECES. However, believe that the person who is ill will see what ever you can contribute as a masterpiece. You will also be donating your time and healing concern. Isn’t that what art is all about?
Lets all keep working to bring healing art to the world.
Your Art Coach
Ray
Topics: Heal with art |
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July 16th, 2007 at 5:06 pm
Hi Ray,
What a thoughtful and healing thing to do. I was touched by the story. Thanks for sharing it. I’ve spent lots of time visiting the sick in hospitals and nursing homes. It also makes it better when the patient gets a special present. Yours was priceless.
November 28th, 2007 at 9:25 am
I enjoyed reading your story. It’s nice to see that someone else does these things. When I was teaching, I had my students create things to take to the local hospital and nursing home, and we made cards to mail to the area VA Hospitals, and to people in service. We made a trip to the nursing home and hospital to deliver our creations. The patients loved having the young people visit, and treasured anything we brought them. Now, as I am a retired art teacher, I have an aunt in a nursing home. I noticed that a lot of patients are just plain bored, and lonely. I asked if they have art therapy, and they don’t. I offered to do some art work with the patients, but I am not able to go regularly. Your idea of doing some painting while I am there, sounds like it might work to help pass some time. I thought of taking some Prang watercolors and large paper over there, or even modeling clay, and let the people play or express themselves. One lady can’t talk due to a stroke, another is deaf, but they might be able to paint or manipulate clay. My aunt has quit using one hand and it is just curling up. There is a big therapy center there, but she won’t cooperate with them so has become helpless.
Anyway, thanks for posting your ideas. I’m encouraged to see what I can do, now.