Despite knowing that quarantine is good for our communities, most people can’t help but feel bored. Even with online school and AP studying to do at home, students find themselves with a lot more time. Usually, I spent that time roaming about the house back and forth, going to the kitchen and to my room over and over again. However, I recently discovered my old painting supplies in the closet, and I thought, “What if I painted?”
Although seemingly trivial, getting started with painting is a bit scary at first. What if my painting came out bad? What if I would just end up wasting time? But with the encouragement of social media, I drew inspiration from images and began painting. I found my hands reaching for abstract colors that my former self would have been too scared to use, and I went crazy.
Within a few hours, I ended up with a medium-sized painting that wasn’t too shabby. It wasn’t the Mona Lisa, but I felt proud of myself nonetheless. I had utilized my time and focused on completing a task rather than constantly lying on my bed watching Netflix. Additionally, I felt extremely serene and calm as I painted.
Painting gives individuals a chance to express their emotions without using words. One can release their inner thoughts through their hands onto the canvas. Painting can also allow one to step out of their comfort zone and overcome shyness. They learn to make themselves more open to the rest of the world, while allowing themself to let go of any fears about social norms or judgment.
Lastly, another significant benefit of painting includes the opportunity to release stress. Any concerns or anxieties that one has built up inside them now has a chance to be released through our hands. By focusing on the art of painting, one’s mind no longer strains itself and is able to relax. By relaxing, one may let go of any of the problems and demands that may have caused the stress. In other words, a painter, either amateur or professional, is able to enter a safe haven as they paint, a world in which there are no stress-inducing factors.
Although beginning to paint can seem daunting to those who don’t have a strong artistic background, I would advise to just dive right in. Nothing is stopping you from letting the paintbrush take control of your hands except for yourself. As soon as you let go of the fear of “not painting well”, one discovers that there are no mistakes in art. Even though I “messed up” plenty of times by not properly blending the colors or staying inside the lines, these flaws allowed my painting to become more alive. And personally, those flaws made it even more amazing.
Sabrina Mo, Grade 9
North Hollywood HGM High School
