Art Therapy Through Mixed Media: A 7-Day Journey of Self-Discovery

1. Introduction : Hey, everyone. Welcome to Mixed Media, a creative journey of self exploration. My name is Sana Asad. I'm an artist, art educator, and holistic art therapy practitioner. This journey, we are not aiming for perfection. We are embracing process over outcome. This is about self discovery, emotional healing, and personal growth. One creative moment at a time. Over the next seven days, you'll explore simple yet powerful prom designed to help you connect with your own thoughts. Reflect on your emotions and prioritize self care all through the magic of mixed media art. Each day includes a short lessons, a creative prom and a guided space for expression. You don't need to be an artist to do this. Just bring your curiosity and open heart. You deserve time to slow down to reflect and to express. Let this be a gift to yourself. Take a breath, pick up your tools, and let's begin this journey of self expression one day at a time. 2. Material Guide : Hey, everyone. Welcome to our material guide for this mixed media series. For Mixed Media, you can use any medium you already have. I don't want you to invest first and then start your creative journey. Whatever you already have at home, such as maybe watercolor, color pencils, markers, any brand will work. You don't have to invest in fancy art material to get started with your creative journey. Now let me show you the basics like oil pastels. I do have oil pastels, water soluble, as well as regular oil pastels. I also like to add gelatos from Faber castle. Faber castle gelatos work beautifully on any medium. I also use ink a lot as a first layer, but as a substitute of ink, you can use watercolor. Washi tape is optional. Hot glue gun is I think essential because when you want to stick something and don't have time for waiting, so that works. Posca markers, again, you can use any regular markers. After this, I do have STEM pads and you can use these stem pads for stamping afterward, just for adding details. I do have affirmation stamps and a lot of others. I use highlighters when I just want to finish and bring more vibrant and beautiful florescent colors. I feel highlighters were the best. You can use any medium for mixed media projects, and that's the beauty I feel. I use mod podge instead of a regular glue stick because I can easily apply on top of it and once it's dry, it gives a nice gloss, your art journal, different sizes of the paint brushes and acrylic paints. You can use gouache paint, acrylic paint in tube form or in bottle form. The most important, I feel as an artist, sometimes you feel stuck, no matter you already have a prompt or you're following along, but sometimes you want to get inspiration out of the world, something you can just connect with. Then comes the storybooks and magazines. Now, let's collect all the art supplies and begin your creative journey with me. 3. Resources Downloadable PDF : Hey, everyone. In this video, I'm going to show you how you can use the class resources, and you will get this PDF downloadable version in your resources section in which you will have the complete material guide. And step by step lessons with picture to guide you through each day's creative process. The most importantly, the class project worksheets, where you will document your personal transformation across three timelines, your past, your present and the future you are stepping in. You can bring your memories onto the paper in writing or through the symbols. Use this worksheet to reflect honestly what have you overcome? Who are you becoming? What do you want to carry forward? Remember to create without judgment means letting go of the need to make it look right. Remember, to create without judgment means letting go of the need to make it look right. It's about how it feels. Allow yourself to be messy, to be honest, to explore. This is your space. Every math you make on the page is part of your story. By the end of this challenge, you will have a deeper connection to your inner world, a better understanding of the emotional patterns. Practical tools for using art as a self care ritual, a finished art piece that tells the story of your transformation and most of all, a sense of freedom to express without fear or pressure, low down, to reflect and express. Let this be a gift to yourself. Let's begin this journey together, grab all your supplies and see you in the class. 4. Experiments with Techniques and Medium. : Hey, everyone. Welcome to our introductory video where we will experiment and make some small mini abstract tiny doodles to understand how the medium and how the different materials mix together to create that mixed media feel. But first, I want you to explore your color wheel, understand the color theory, which will involve primary color, secondary color, tertiary color. But the most important is primary and secondary, cool colors, warm colors, and complimentary colors. Now, primary colors are red, yellow, and blue, and by mixing primary colors, you get the secondary colors. These three colors are the safest option. The only thing what you need to remember that do not mix complimentary color. The colors which are opposite on color wheel are called complimentary colors. So we don't mix them or if we want to mix, we always add the barrier means a lot of water if you are using watercolor or maybe a lot of acrylic white paint if you are using acrylic paint. Let's begin adding the small swatches and I'm using watercolor first to begin with. Here I already completed these three swatches and then I remember that I did not press the record button. So please ignore that. Let's begin again. I will start with the red color, watercolor and make sure that you are not using a dry brush. There is enough water in your brush and in your palette. Blend them. Use lots of water to mix the color. And if you want to make the color light, again, you need to apply water because in watercolor, we don't use much of white. We use water to blend them. Red and yellow are safest option because they are primary colors, and by mixing them, we get orange color, which is the secondary color. You can blend them, do the splatters however you want to. First as a beginner, try to blend primary colors. That means red and yellow, yellow and blue or red and blue. In this way, you will see the second color automatically, the third color will automatically generate in between. Here I'm using purple and blue because they are from the same family. Colors beside each other are called analogous colors. That means they are like a neighbors. So if you are mixing them, you are still safe. But remember to add lots of water. In case if the colors are turning a little bit muddy, the water will help you not to turn into the dirty shades. Now here my mini watercolors watches are ready, and it's time for me to add another medium. I will start with markers and oil pastels and just go with a flow, use different shapes, lines, whatever comes in your mind and keep adding. This is the layering. The first layer was watercolor. It can be just one color or it can be multiple. The second layer is oil pastels and I'm going with different colors as well as different lines and shapes. And then after that, whatever mediums comes, that will be your next layer. So I am using oil pastels and then Posca paint marker, and then I will use a little bit of color pencils. So watercolor layer will be the fluid layer, and then on top of it, you are adding more mediums, which is completely fine and easy for you to work with. The next box, I'm using Mt patch to apply collage layer like papers or newspaper, anything you want. So for this first apply Mt patch on your swatches or on your background, and then choose your medium what you want. Here I have these old like writing newspaper kind of papers. So I'm just sticking them in horizontal movement to create the rhythm and motion on my swatch, and then I will see. For these kind of an abstract, you can only choose your color scheme and the layers, medium or what you are going to add. But how to do it, what to do it, and when to do it. This is completely intuitional, it really reflect your personality, your imagination, and your feeling at that present moment. You cannot copy anyone. Even after doing this, you will not be able to copy yourself or recreate this because that's unique. This is the reason I think the handmade things are more precious and more valuable. After the collage is done, you can use oil pastel or you can use markers. I'm using oil pastils and then I think I'll add affirmations on top of it because itself, it looks very pretty. Here I am using watercolor paints and for the skin tone, it's always personalized, what tone you want to do it warm tones, cool tones. For me, I'm using orange with a little bit of red and lots of water. Then by adding water, I can always make my tint lighter or by adding a little bit of browns and ochre, I can make it more on the warm tones. Keep mixing till you feel that, this is the color I wanted and then start with a slightly darker shade. Towards the hairline and the cheek bones and the chin and then quickly take water and blend the color so the paint won't dry, and it will create a very soft transition to the blending. In this journal, we are not creating something realistic. So just keep practicing and go with the flow how you want it. I like to add lots of makeup in my whimsical girls. So I always add a little blush while the paint is still damp and it creates a very nice diffuse look when you add a soft blush on the wet paper. Once the paint is completely dry, I will use colour pencils to add the further details, like outlining the eyes, eyelashes, nostril and lips. Also outlining of the hair and the strands of the hair. Color pencils will be the best option to create your faces, girls in a very soft and cute and innocent look. Keep practicing till you feel that now your transition of the blending is good and you want to start for your journaling. You can always practice on a separate paper, and once you feel confident with your skin tone, you can just start with it. Don't stress yourself to make a perfect skin tone or a perfect blending because in the end, we want to enjoy the process to relax ourself as a self care instead of being in a pressure to make something perfect and beautiful. For the color pencil, it's easy for us to give that nose dimensions as a form because we need to create that little three D popping effect, for me, it's most important that a little bit of impression is there. I don't want to have a very defined nose and the other features. I just add a little bit of color pencil in a rounded shape around the nostrils and then comes the lips. Keep going how you feel, how you want to do it, and can't wait to see your practice in the class resources. Don't forget to upload these mini experiments, what you have created, and I would love to see for any feedback, you can always add in discussions, and I will be there to help you out. 5. How to cover your journal - make it personalize : Hey, everyone. Welcome to the first lesson on how to create and customize your own journal. In today's video, I'll show you how you can make a beautiful cover using old fabric. Let's get started. You can choose from a variety of material to personalize your journal, whether it's fabric, wrapping paper, or even your own drawings and sketches. The beauty of customizing your journal is that it allows you to truly make it your own, creating a space where you can express your thoughts and feelings regularly. Now for this particular journal, I want to consider naming it something like create without judgment or art therapy, Myself Care. These names encourage our mindset, focus on creativity and self exploration. I want to do something in green, that's currently my favorite color. So first, I try to do some stripes with designs, but then this fabric I feel will be easy for me because it's a pure cotton fabric, and it's nice and easy to stretch. I don't have to work a lot. So this is the small flower print fabric I'm using. Start with the size, and you can always use a small swatches if you have. A rectangle will be perfect. This is taking me to my childhood memory when I used to cover my school books or for my children's school book. There are a few things when you are doing it, it just remind you for those beautiful memories you have created. For this fabric, I will use the Decopage glue. You can also use mot page or you can use any PVC white thick glue. Now this journal comes with a rubber band like a band which can hold all the papers. So if I'm adding some different envelopes or scrapbook papers, it will keep them all safe. It has this string. So I am just going to make a small hole and take out that string. If you don't have this kind of a journal, then it will be much easier. But if you have something like this, always remember to do this hole and take out the string and just let it be. Once you are done with all the sticking and pasting, then you can easily use this string. Let's the fun begin. Pour the glue, whatever you are using and use a big brush and just apply all over. Then if you are a little non messy person, then I would suggest you to wear some gloves. Otherwise, you can just use your hands and press it nicely and stretch the fabric. You can follow along, stop the video, pause the video, and replay the video if you don't understand any step. Over the course of this series, I'll be sharing step by step instructions and various themes. I also want to encourage you to bring your own unique ideas to the table. Let's brainstorm together, find inspiration in nature, flip through magazines or draw from your own life experiences. Remember, this journal is a canvas of your story. Let it reflect who you are. After the back of my cover, now it's time to give a finishing. I use hot glue gun and going to apply the hot glue gun and then fold the fabric inside. And once I'm done with this, then I'm going to take a new page and that also I'm going to stick it, so my journal will look neat. Otherwise, if I'm not going to stick the paper, my journal will look very untidy. I hope you got my point and just do the finishing at the end, remove the extra piece of fabric or you can just push it in. If you're using a paper, then the paper must be a bit softer paper like a little tissue paper or deco pach paper or if you're just doing sketching or painting, then you don't need to do all this step. As you can see, I'm almost done with my cover and I decide to keep it simple for now, but that doesn't mean I won't add extra sketches or stencils later. Sometimes less is more. But as your creative journey unfold, feel free to embellish it as you go along. And remember, I'd love to see your creativity. When you finish your journal cover, don't forget to share it with me. It's always inspiring to see what everyone comes up with. 6. Class project - Warm Up : Hey, everyone. Welcome to the class project. And in this video, we will create a large mixed media collage that visually narrates your journey from childhood to present, capturing significant memories, experiences, and aspirations for the future. As a brainstorming, reflect on key milestones and experiences in your life. Consider events, feelings, people, and lessons from childhood. To the present day and think about what you envision for the future. For my mixed media project, I'm starting with the background with gelatos. You can use oil pastels, watercolor, acrylic paint, however you want to start with, and whatever colors resonate with your feelings in the moment. I have no idea about what exactly I will be doing. So first thing, I'm going to start with my background, complete the background painting, the colors which I want to do it, and then we will take it to the next step. While I'm waiting for the background to completely get dry, I am taking some inspiration from the magazines. I will look around the pictures which I can connect with my childhood to present or maybe future. Found some clock which can be a time to represent how the time is taking and through the time everything is changing. I'm going to definitely take this page out and then keep exploring till I find my inspiration. For you to begin with, this is the best way you can use your childhood photographs, magazines, storybooks, or even you can printout. Think about what you can truly enjoy as a past, present, and how you want to see your future. When you decide your theme and structure, decide on a layout for your collage. You might organize it chronologically from left to right, or thematically cluster of childhood, adolescence, adulthood. Create sections for key phases of your life. It can be childhood, what did you love? What made you happy? What were your dreams? In adolescence, what challenges did you face? What interest shaped you? In adulthood, what are your current positions? As an adult, what are your current passion? What life lessons have you learned? For future aspiration, what are your dreams and goals? All these points you can write down and you can think about it while you are creating. You can gather images and words that resonate with each section of your journey, cut out pictures, how I did it from the magazine, find motivation quotes, begin layering your images and words if you have on the collage according to your planned layout. Feel free to overlap items, creating a dynamic and energetic compositions and there is no right or wrong while you are creating. Don't forget to keep breathing and listen to your favorite song, maybe a meditational music, something related to sound healing. Whatever you feel will make you calm and enjoy those moments secure each piece with glue. I'm using mot podge here and make sure to smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles. As a mixed media artist, most of the time, we start with something and we end up with completely different thing. This is called intuitional art. Intricating the concept of intuitive art into your collage project can enhance your self discovery experiences and allow for a deeper connection to your creative process. Intuitive art is all about letting go of expectation and focusing on the spontaneous expression of your emotions and experiences. That's exactly what will happen in this class project. This is how you get comfortable with your material, your thoughts, and how to bring your emotions and memories onto the paper. Now here you can see, I'm done with my childhood picture and a picture of future. Now, while I'm doing this, I just start with adding oil pastels and I thought that let me add a tree behind the old lady. While I'm creating this tree, I'm trying to go with the dark colors. I started with a brown, but then I want to add more of the black. The vision of my imagination right now is that I'm going to add the tree with lots of leaves on both the sides. But the colors will show the transition of life and even the flowers. While I'm adding this, you can think about how you can create the background and it's not a compulsory thing to add background all the time. You can just play with your pictures, add random strokes, do some writing, doodling. Plan how you want to do it. As an artist, when you create, you get a lot of different ideas while I'm doing this, I just thought that in between the empty space, if I can add the middle age, like the adulthood. I just quickly grab a magazine where it's a fashion magazine and I can have a lot of different figurative people, different posture, different positions. While I'm just thinking about what exactly look nice and what will fit, I'm going to take few and then I will see how I can arrange them. This is something completely intuitive and it just pop right while I'm doing this work. Now, this is perfect. It fill up the empty space, and now I feel that this is creating a transition of life. I can name this artwork as transition of my life after I smooth all the wrinkles, and then I'm going to start with my lease. On one side of my tree, I'm going to add lots of dark green, browns and yellow. And on the childhood side of my art journal page, I'm going to add lots of yellows and greens only. After that, I'm going to find some treasure from my flower treasure box and going to collect all the pretty colors, which will symbolize the joyful and vibrant energy of my childhood as a foundation of my life. And with flowers, I can bring all those memories that represent hobbies, interest, and joys from that period. On other side, I collect some flowers and leaves which represent fall leaves. Thinking about the shades of red, yellow, and brown, these colors can evoke feeling of reflection, wisdom, and the beauty of aging. Add some final touches such as the meaningful quotes or words about wisdom and growth that integate seamlessly with the flowers and leafy imagery. This can enhance the emotional impact of your collage and provide viewers with insight into your self journey. I can't wait to see your project, so don't forget to upload this artwork in your own style with your memories of childhood as a self discovery in our class project. 7. Day -1 Chakra girl: Welcome back, and I'm so excited to have you in the second class of this mixed media journey. Today we are creating a vibrant Chakra girl in our journal. For this project, I'll be using assortment of materials, including mixed media paper, watercolors, acrylic paints, color pencils, oil pastels, glue, glitter, marker, whatever you have, you can just gather. Let's begin with sketching a face. You can either use a template or you can create your own unique design. You will find the template in the resources. I'm opting for a whimsical face and I want to emphasize that it's okay to be a little asymmetrical. The journal is not about perfection. It's about allowing your creativity to flow and enjoy the process more than looking for the final product. You will find easy steps in the template. On one side of the template, I have added these steps what I'm creating. Normally, when we draw a face, we start with a circle. I divide a balanced line, vertical, and then divide as a horizontal line. To create a whimsical phase, I usually do horizontal in the middle of the circle and then at the eyes. The technique and the trick is that you need to draw three eyes, one in the middle and then two on both sides using the same size. You can use any template as a ruler with ovals or circles. For the nose, you can only have just the two dots or you can have a line if you feel it's little hard for you to create a nose like a button nose. I'm a fan of button nose, so I will do the button nose, and then you can make your shape according to your choice, whether it's an oval or more rounded circular shape. Once you're happy with your face and everything looks perfect for you, you can start adding the hair. Here, I am getting inspired by Frida Carlo with flower crowns, so I want to add flowers on her head, and the hairs are more flowy. You can choose your own style for the hair, and if you wish to do the flower crown, definitely, you can follow along or bring your own imagination. Once the sketch is done, let's focus on our background. Here you can again, think about what inspire you the most and the medium you want to start with. I am going to choose oil pastels and taking out all the chakra colors, trying to go more on the pastels, lighter colors. I will add circles that symbolize the cycle of life, the good deeds we do or the lessons we learn from the less favorite experiences. These circles represent the flow of energy, illustrating how our actions impact our lives and the world around us. I encourage you to incorporate colors that represent the Chakras and then add layers of watercolor and enhance the vibrancy. Next, we will start painting the dress using watercolor. For the skin, I will mix orange and white. With just a touch of pink or red, I like to apply the colors mainly at the corner and blend them with water to create soft light tones. Remember this is a journey, so feel free to choose alternative palette resonate with you. In your resources, you will be able to see the skin tone chart, along with even if you want to change the medium, please feel free to do it. If you think that you just want to use oil pastels or just simple color pencils, definitely go for it. Once my skin first layer is done, I will start painting flowers with first oil pastels or maybe I can go with a watercolor everywhere and then add more texture with oil pastels. I really like this pink, so I'm planning to add a little bit above the eye and a little blush to make her look more shiny and vibrant with lots of makeup around her. And this is again, optional. You don't have to do it, but I like to make her with a lot of makeup, although I don't know how to do the makeup, but this is something where I really play with colors. Now, keep this aside and start taking a separate piece of paper and apply the chakra colors, red for the root chakra, orange for sacral, yellow for solar plexus, green for heart chakra, blue for throat chakra, indigo for the third eye, and let for crown. Each of these colors carries specific meaning and vibration that enhance the energy of your artwork. If you want to focus just on one chakra, you can just do one color. According to your preference, I'm incorporating all the chakras because right now I'm not focusing on any energy. I just want to make this girl who's representing all the seven chakras and bringing a balance in her life. After that, I will take a color pencil and start adding color pencils in her eyes. Choose your own color. I'm taking blue and green. Then I will add with black. So I don't use markers or paint. I will only go with color pencils mainly. After my color pencils, towards eyes, nose, I'm using oil pastels and applying different lines and different texture. Whatever comes in my mind, there is no right or wrong, and I don't have any reference in front of me. Just going with the flow, whatever colors resonate right now and whatever movement I feel I want to do it. So keep going according to the flow. You can always mute this and just play some song. So that way you will be able to connect with your artwork, which is more important because this journal is mainly for self expression and enjoying the process more. This is the reason I choose the first page of this journal as a reminder to embrace my creativity and celebrate what I love. And you can take a moment to explore the concept of Chakras. Chakras are energy centered within our bodies that influence our physical, emotional and spiritual well being. Each Chakra correspond to different aspects of our life, affecting everything from our sense of safety and stability to our creativity and communication. According to research and people incorporating Chakra themes into your art allow us to tap into these energy centers. Promoting healing and self awareness, when we create with intention, we can align with the energies of Chakra helping to release blockage and foster a deeper connection to ourself. Oh After most of the outlining, now it's time for my gouache paint. You can use acrylic paint. And because in gouache, I have this vibrant pink colour, otherwise, I have used acrylic. And I am mixing acrylic soft pink and guage dark pink, bright pink. Now you can take your papers, piece of papers and now start just use different shapes, whatever comes in your mind. For me, it was hard. And then I just trace one heart and to keep all the heart same size, I'm just using that as a template. So feel free to choose your own shape. And first, I thought that I can add these hearts on her, but then the hearts become really big. So I thought that let me do it on one side. So you can always plan your artwork. There is no right or wrong. Whatever comes, that is your personalized artwork and you can stick them according to your own choice. You can make a flower, you can stick on it or maybe you can write on the heart however it feels. So right now still I'm struggling what to do. But now I think I got it. So I'm going to add the line of heart overlapping and then adding some doodles around with the black marker. On the other side, I still have a lot of pieces, like small cut out. So I thought, let me just make some small circles and I can give her a button of chakra colors. You can always skip this, but I really like this. Now, as the final and last step for this journal, it's time to personalize more and we'll personalize our art even further by adding affirmations. Before that, I am just adding a little more depth on one side of her portrait, like adding more. So my chakras and my hearts and my circles will be more prominent. As the love of butterflies and wings, I'm just adding wings that she is ready to fly. So taking a flight so these are small doodles and small things what you can do it, what you are hiding inside you, and what makes you feel happy and you are afraid of sharing with the world or with your children or because now you are an adult and you feel that if you will do these things, people will think about, Oh, how childish you are. Let's do this in your journal. Adding glitters and sparkles, whatever makes you feel happy. Now it's time to promote self love or motivate you to embrace your creativity. Writing these affirmations in your artwork makes it a powerful tool for healing and self discovery. To wrap up, feel free to add more details, doodles, designs or whatever you feel inspired to include. This final touch allow you to really put your personal stem on your Chakra girl. Don't forget to share your artwork, see you in the next class. It 8. Day -2 Dancing Sea Horses. : Hey, everyone. Welcome to the new lesson. And in this lesson, as you engage in this creative process, think about a friend in need or someone you wish you could dive into the ocean with. Let this art session be the right for you to forget all the worries you have on land and connect with a person through your artwork. To start with, we will begin with watercolor, wet on wet technique, and you can use the colors of your choice. I will be using shades of green and blue. Before you apply the color, make sure you use enough water to make the paper damp and then start with your painting. You can go with deep blue or whatever colors you want. I'm just adding little bit splatters and strokes of color and spreading them with more water. Till I feel that they look more diffused and mixed together, go with the flow and feel the blending and mixing like you are in ocean and you can touch the waves and you can feel the water around you. Once this is done, you can add a heart. I'm using a curve line on both the sides of the paper. You can try different things. Maybe you don't want to add the heart and you might want to add just the corals and leaves. But here I am making a heart shape and adding more water with water bottle spray. So the lines will not be very harsh and they will be very soft. Once the line is done, I'm using the same colors and pressing my brush on the paper and lifting it up as a brush strokes leaves. The paper is still damp, it's not dry. That's the reason the colors are very soft and they are blending. Adding a bit of splatter in between and creating this more as a watery effect. While I'm adding these brush strokes, leaves all around my lines and going with the flow, I want you to connect with the background music and feel the water around you. This will help you to relax and unwind yourself with a busy schedule and juggling with a lot of responsibility and feel like this is your time. After I'm done with my heart lines, now it's time for you to just play with the lines, strokes, splatters, whatever comes to your mind, you can add small fishes or other sea creatures, or you can just add more water and splatters to create more depth like an underwater life. While the background is drying, take a fresh piece of a watercolor paper to sketch sea horses. You can choose to draw free hand or use a template to trace go with what inspires you. I have already added the template in our resources, so don't forget to download, and each and every step is there already. A Once you completed your sketch, carefully cut them out. And once you have both the seahorses ready, then we will start with applying texture and paint. Painting is completely optional. You can use watercolor ink, acrylic, just simple oil pastels or colour pencils. Consider using color psychology to guide your choices and let your emotions flow on the page. Here I'm using oil pastels to add some extra texture before layering on my favorite colors. Apply oil pastels as a line and texture. Choose white because after applying watercolor, you will be still able to see the white lines. This technique can also be done with white masking fluid like the watercolor masking fluid. But for that, we need to wait for the masking fluid to get dry and then apply. So it's a little lengthier procedure, and I'm a little impatient right now to complete this, so I'm using oil pastels. Once you're done adding texture, then you can start applying watercolor according to your choice of colors. Mix two colors together or three colors or just use one color. And after the paint is dry, you can add highlighters or markers or more decorations, whatever feels right at this moment. It's time to assemble everything. My background is dry completely. Before I'll bring my sea horses on the background, I'm going to add a little dazzling sparkles. I do have this transparent one. Applying mot podge, you can use liquid glue or glue stick. And then I'm going to sprinkle all the magic, like all the beautiful glitter. And I don't know if it happens with you or not. Do let me know, because with me when I see glitter, it excites me. I feel an extra like an extra shot, extra boost in my body. And that's why in most of my work, I love adding glitters because that makes me feel happy. And you can't see this on the camera, but I can see those beautiful shimmer and dazzling glitter all around. Now it's time for me to use the hot glue gun because this is faster and I just want to stick them and don't want them to move around, sticking my sea horses as a partner and they are really enjoying the flow in the beautiful whimsical sea. Just go with the flow and add your sea horses. If you want to add more sea animal, maybe instead of two sea horses, you might want to do three or four or maybe small babies as a family or friends, feel free to do that. As we wrap up with our creative journey today, remember that art is not just about the final piece. It's about the emotions we explore and the connections we make along the way. Just like the sea horses we brought to life, we too can float gracefully through the challenges, celebrating the bond we share with others. Keep connecting and always remember, you have the power to transform your feelings into something beautiful until next time, stay inspired and let your creativity flow like the gentle tide of the ocean. 9. Day 3 Memories: Hey, everyone. Welcome to our enchanting class title Whimsical Dreams. Discovering magic through Imagination. I'm so excited to have you all here today as we embark on an adventure into the world filled with magic and wonders. While I was planning for this class, I knew I need to do something from the past, from my beautiful memories of my childhood. I grabbed some storybooks, and this storybook is all about Unicorns birthday, dragons I just want to do something with unicorns. So here I started with my sketch and you can use the template to trace if you are following exactly the same way I have done this lesson. But if you are doing some changes, first, you can follow along, go with this, and then you can bring your own imagination into this lesson. In this lesson, throughout our time together, we'll explore the power of imagination, dive into our childhood memories, and unleash our creativity as we connect with the whimsical themes of unicorn, castles, and everything that sparks joy in our heart. Take a deep breath, let go of any worries, and prepare to let your mind soar. Together, we'll create something truly magical. Are you ready? This artwork begin with unicorn. And then for the unicorn, I decided to add myself very close to the unicorn, almost hugging him. You can always try to do something different with your favorite animal or the animal from your childhood. Still, I am following some of the storybooks to get inspired, and this is one of the storybooks. I really feel that I need to add some castles because this reminded me of our visit to Scotland, and unicorns are the national animal of Scotland. So I thought, let me just create a beautiful European style background. While I'm making this background, let's discuss why living out our fantasy dream is essential. Our imagination is not just a playground for children. It's a sanctuary for adults too. When we engage in creative activities, whether it's painting, writing, or daydreaming, we allow our mind to explore, expand, and unwind. Studies shows that immersing ourselves in creative pursuit can lower stress levels, improve mod and foster problem solving. Each color representing a feeling, a memory or a dream. By creating something beautiful, we express our thoughts and feelings, transforming the chaos of daily life into something magical and serene. Here I'm starting with my background using watercolor, and each stroke of color is like a magic for me, taking me to my childhood memory when my father used to take me for horse riding lessons. So cherish the memories which makes you happy and connect with the loved ones you miss a lot. Now let's imagine ourselves as a child, full of wonder and laughter. Perhaps you might be riding a unicorn, or you are discovering colorful landscapes only found in your dreams. Using the art supplies provided, I want you to create your magical scene. Incorporate bright colors, fantastic elements, and most importantly, your feelings and memories, like how I'm adding beautiful light blue color sky with watercolor. What does your unicorn look like? What colors represent your dreams? As my first layer, I will finish all the objects with watercolor. For Castle, I'm using also watercolor first trying to go over the greens and yellows combinations, adding lots of water to keep the translucent effect in my background. Once the background is done, then I'm going to start with a second layering. You can start with a watercolor and wait for the watercolor to completely get dry and then begin with our next layer. Now, after the background of castles is done, I'm going to start with my unicorn because unicorn is still in middle ground. And the face of the middle ground is on in front of the girl. First, let's begin with the unicorn and I want to make it completely magical and out of my imagination. I'm using some warm colors, pink yellow with watercolor, mixing them a lot with water, the colors will mix beautifully, and I won't be able to see any strokes. You can choose your own unicorn with any color of your choice. You can leave it white with lots of beautiful colors in the main, or you can make it same like how I'm doing it. Try to connect with your colors. What colors connect with your emotions in today's moment. Painting the face with watercolor with skin tones, we have already covered in the first few videos of experimenting with techniques. So if you want, please revise that lesson once again to begin with. It's a very simple one. We don't need to go with our complicated shading and a lot of realism because it's a imaginary and whimsical portrait. So begin with your watercolor, depending on the skin tones you wish to do it. I love to add lots of makeup all around, like pinks and blushes. But again, if you want to keep it simple with color pencils, instead of watercolor, that will be a good choice as well. The eyes are close to create a very calming and peaceful mood for the girl and using some dark shades under the neck and around the face, and then taking lots of water to blend the color so the skin will not look like a patches all around. The first layer for watercolor is done. Keep this journal on a side and grab some watercolor paper. You can doodle some flowers, whatever you like it. I am inspired by daisies this season, so I'm doing daisies and few other flower, small, bake, try to fill the paper with lots of flowers and leaves. Try to doodle them. No need for perfection or realism. Just create however you want it. Once you are done, outline them with a marker, paint the background with some watercolor, add more watercolor marker color pencils and just paint them, color them according to your choice. Once this is done, then wait for this to dry completely and then you can cut out and keep aside. Grab some markers. I have these alcohol markers which works beautifully and I can easily do lots of layering. As mentioned that this is a mixed media project, feel free to use whatever medium, whatever material you wanted. I'm using color pencils by Derwin. These are easy for me to use, and this is a graphite pencil. I will try to go with a combination of graphite pencil, Derven pencil. These are the color soft pencils and going to start with an outlining first. For the outlining, I prefer to go with a color pencil outlining or graphite outlining because this will create a very soft look to the work. You can make this artwork completely with color pencils only or only with oil pastels. You don't have to do so many layering. But as it's a mixed media work and I really like to connect with different mediums. That's the reason I like this approach. Create the lines, strokes, flicking effect, shading, however you want. You can always get some inspiration from storybooks or Pinterest or Google magazines, and just continue with your second layer to bring the shapes and outlining, add more depth into your portrait and your work. I'm using skin color just to add a little bit more depth on the eyes and go as you wanted. The nose is also done with the colour pencils, exactly the same way we did in our first lesson experimental with technique. Color pencils are the best way to keep the artwork, give you the softness and very cool effect. So without having a very solid effect in my work, I am going to continue with my color pencils. No. Now back to the flowers, using markers to enhance the colors and bring some more vibrant effect into the flowers because after the watercolor gets dry, they become a bit faded and I want the vibrancy in my flowers. The background, my girl, my unicorn, my castles are a bit softer, but I want the vibrant effect in my flowers. Here I'm adding some markers. You can use color pencils. Here I have some painted paper which I use different colors and these are something which we often use in our studio. You can add some greens, leaves, bushes, whatever you want. And then just add as a filler. Arrange the flowers according to your choice wherever you want, and it's your imagination. It's your creativity. This is the background. Now for the background, I'm going to start with markers. Because I want to finish it fast, first I try to start with the color pencils. But then I thought that it might take a lot of time I want to finish this. I'm starting with a marker, starting with the darker tones, darker shades first, and then going with the medium tones. You can follow along. If you're using the color pencil, start with the dark colors and then apply the light colors. If you're doing with watercolor, you need to still follow the same to bring that depth and illusion of the form, a little more realistic look into the bushes and creating the difference between the front ones and the back ones. Just go with the flow and enjoy the process more. Keep breathing. Don't forget to breathe. Keep adding some doodles, whatever makes you happy, and I like to add small hearts, small wings, most of my mixed media projects. In this studio setting, when I'm taking the workshops, once we finish the work, we often gather in a circle, sit together, share our work, share our thoughts. So while we are doing this online, I would suggest you to sit in front of the mirror or just take a moment after you complete your process work and keep it in front of you and reflect how you feel. How do your memories connect with your art? What feelings did you experience while creating? You can always write down if you wish, maybe on a piece of a paper or maybe you want to add some small thoughts and memories. I really want to do that, but then I thought, no, I will add these doodles in my on the main, and now I'm going to use some more whimsical looks, splatters and glitters. At the end of this lesson, I want to remind you all that our fantasies and creative expressions are valuable tool for relaxation and healing. Just like our enchanting unicorns and magical castles, they can transport us to a place of joy. Whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, close your eyes, envision your magical world, and let it fill you with inspiration and tranquility. Looking forward to see you in next class. 10. Day 4 Tiny doodles : Hey, everyone. I am so glad you are joining me in this soothing exploration of watercolor. Today's class is all about relaxation, experimentation, and finding joy in the simplicity of art. Let's jump right in. Start by grabbing some washy tape or masking tape. We'll use these to create small boxes on our watercolor paper. I recommend working on both sides of your art journal. On one side, we'll make our mini boxes and on other side, we'll get creative with the artwork itself. For my mini boxes, I'm using playful mix of blues, greens, pink and purple referring to my color wheel and you don't have to worry about making everything perfect. Just let your intuition guide you. Using color wheel can also help you decide on your colors. It's always preferable to choose your colors before you start painting. You won't turn out with the muddy and messy colors. So let's begin our painting. Now for abstract painting, you don't need to follow any direction. But yes, if you're painting realism or landscapes, then definitely, you need to follow the right direction. But here I'm just going with the random strokes of color. First, begin with green and then adding water. The color which will go well with green is blue for me, because they are analogous side by side colors on color wheel, and I'm going to keep adding with different strokes of color on one side of the paper first and then the opposite side of the paper with contrasting colors like blue and purple and then pink. Also, I'm going to add lots of splatters, so the colors will stay on top of each other as a contrast. Remember, you have a freedom to choose colors that resonates with you, whether you want to stick to a traditional color wheel or let your imagination run wild with unexpected hues. It's all about what feels right to you at the moment. Now here, this is done and this looks beautiful itself, I might not do anything on this side because I really love the colors and the empty white spaces as well. But for the other side, I need to remove him because he's taking half of my table space. By the way, meat bicho. He's my arts can, he's my son, he's my buddy while I'm painting, he's my furry friend and I will be painting him very soon in this journal series. Let's start with our other side of the paper. On the other side of the page, let's take a different approach. Pick one color from the palette and mix it with water to create a beautiful tint. This soft variation remind us that even the simplest adjustment can lead to stunning results. As the color dry, note how beautiful the layers can be. It's a great metaphor for our own growth and experiences. Once all the paint is dry, it's time to let your imagination soar. Take a moment to sit back and observe your mini boxes. What lines, shapes, and color combinations stand out to you. Each observation is a chance to connect with your inner self and discover what truly inspires you. Feel free to doodle, sketch, or simply let your pencil or brush flow. Allow your inner artist to take over and remember there is no rules. This is your opportunity to unwind, relax, and enjoy the process. Embrace the freedom of creation. Let it fill you with joy. Research shows that daily art practice can be form of mindfulness, drawing your focus away from stress and redirecting it towards creativity and expression. It's a beautiful way to check in with your self and cultivate a sense of peace amidst life's challenges. As you can notice that I am only going with the same color but darker shade of green, adding few lines and this box remind me of nature. So when it comes for nature, the first thing is leaves. I'm mixing the colors of blue, greens and browns. And just going to add a line and add leaves on it. Maybe you also want to connect with nature in one of the box if you have used the same green and you want to add a field of flowers or maybe just the splatters, or maybe you want to add only the affirmations to feel free to customize and personalize your own box. For the next box, I have another box filled with ribbons, stones, beads, a lot of different craft items, which I always collect them. Because of the studio classes and the summer camps and winter cams, we do collect all these things. And some of the things, I bring it back home with me so I can use them in my journal. Here for the next box, I think that I can use some ribbons for the red one because I found a perfect red and white ribbon. So you can collect anything you want newspaper, collage, magazine, whatever feels or you can just use color pencil marker and doodle it. So let's see what comes in my mind and how I'm going to make this. This looks perfect. Let's begin with your box number three for box number three, I can have another box. This box is all about stickers, collage papers and magazines and a lot of different goodies for me. Even I have some of my painted papers when I do exploration of color mixing, even I can use them. But for the browns, I think that what I can do it give me the feeling of the desert like uh um sad or maybe, like, a sand or so I collect I found this very pretty net fabric. So I think I can just use this fabric and use mod podge and apply this on my paper. I'm sure you got the idea that how you can add layers of collage, mixed media, different objects, stickers, magazines, just the color pencils or marker, doodle or affirmation. Now I'm going to complete my rest of the boxes with similar things and use mod podge and different objects to layer them, and then we will complete this side off. So keep doing relax yourself, keep breathing. Don't forget to breathe because sometimes we get so intense in the process that we forgot to breathe. For the yellow one, I have a lot of things. This paper connects with me for the yellow box. I'm just going to make some stripes and use the flower and let's see how I'm going to arrange them. I can't wait to see your final projects as well because this is something which is very unique and no one can copy anybody. I'm excited to see your original pieces. Now, last two boxes are left and for the last two boxes, I will use a little bit of acrylic paint, especially for the blue one. I will also show you how you can add washi tape into your art piece as a layering. I have this one, which is with the greens and blues, which I feel it looks perfect. I'm just going to add, I never used this before because I feel that washi tape looks beautiful as a borders. But let me try an experiment, and this is your chance to experiment with something you haven't done it. As we wrap up, take a moment to reflect on how the simple art exercise can help you relax and recharge. The beauty of watercolor lies in its unpredictability. Each layer add depth and richness, just like our experiences in life. Every stroke you make is a celebration of your creativity. Thank you for joining me today and I hope you found joy in these small expressive doodles. Remember, art is a wonderful scape, continue to experiment with colors and shapes as you explore the vibrant world around you. Also, never underestimate the transformative power of your artistic expression. It's a vital part of your journey towards well being and self discovery. H. 11. Day 5 Fill your cup first : Hey, everyone. Before we begin, take a moment. Gently close your eyes, inhale and exhale. You are here and that's enough. Today we are creating a mixed media piece called fill your cup first. I start with random paint stroke using watercolor and ink. I don't plan them. I just let the colors move. Using acrylic ink or watercolor, you can start with acrylic paints or pastels, whatever is available. Using acrylic ink, I use lots of water to spread around and let it flow on its own. It's not just art, it's an invitation to slow down to listen inward, and to reconnect with a part of you that may have been quietly waiting for attention. The stage is about release, letting go of what I'm holding on without any judgment. The brush become a vessel for all the feelings I haven't set out loud. Sometimes art therapy isn't about the outcome, it's about the unloading. It helps us translate emotions into form, color, and texture when words feel too heavy. Once the background of acrylic ink is dry, I'm going to try out this water soluble oil pastels. This is a completely new bag, so I'm not sure whether it will work with water or not, but let me give it a try. You can use the regular oil pastels glato or you can continue adding another layer of watercolor or acrylic paints. For the second layer, I'm choosing colors intuitively, more yellow, blues. They reflect where I am emotionally, tender, hopeful, tired, but still here. Once the paint is dry, oil pastel is done, I am going to add lots of water to see how it will blend together. Now it's time to shift on to collage. I grab an old magazine and start flipping through. I'm not looking for perfection, I'm looking for resonance, which I can just feel. Yes, this is something I want. I pause when I see an page of a pet dog resting peacefully, eyes gentle, unpoered by the world. I tear the paper, trace the image on my paper, and that become my anchor. To transfer this dog, I will use carbon paper and it will be easy for me to transfer on the pre painted paper. If you don't have a carbon paper, you can just cut out the template, cut out the image, and then you can use the outlining. Now I begin sketching a girl softly outline, holding a teacup close to her heart. Her eyes are closed. She's not performing or posing. She's just being. She is me. She is you. She represents all of us who give, give, and give until we feel like we are disappearing. As I draw her, I think about what the cup symbolizes. It's not just a mug. It's a vessel of energy, your emotional capacity, and your creativity. The truth is, you can't pour from an empty cup. We glorify business and sacrifices, but ask, how am I? Really? What do I need today? Art give us that sacred space to check in and to witness ourself. For this lesson, I did not add any pre sketch template in the resources because I really want you to train yourself to use your own imagination by using collage or photographs, but use the prompt instead of copying exactly what I am doing today. Your prompt is fill your cup first. Now, how you can visualize this and how you can create. That's more important. Once I'm done with my sketches, as you can notice that I am only adding more and more colors as a background, so my images will start popping. I will keep the dress as it is. Combining the oil pastels and color pencils together. I will add the details. But first, I will wait for the background to completely get dry. At this stage, if you want, you can leave her face just as it is. I'm using acrylic paint, white and peach color. I will differentiate between the background and the portrait, like the face because I want to use the background color for her dress and the mug. I'm only going to use some white and peach for neck, face, and the hand. After that, I will try to use some color pencils, oil pastels to add more depth and using pastels for the hair. Mixed media allows for emotional layering just like life. Some days are messy and textured, others soft and quiet. As I blend shades into one another, I realize how much I've neglected these quiet rituals. I've been rushing through life, forgetting that rest is not a reward, it's a requirement. Every line, every smudge, here is sacred. For the dog, keeping the reference in front of me, just following the colors and the directions is more important. I don't want to make a realistic dog because I don't want to stress myself. I just want to follow the colors, what is there in the picture and using acrylic paint, oil pastels, and some color pencils to add the depth. Go as a flow however you want. The beauty of this lesson is not to stress yourself, embrace the process. After using mix of medium pastels, color pencils, acrylic paint, now it's time for me to start with some extra collage for the background. Here I have this beautiful gift wrapping paper from one of the stationary shop, and it has a lot of abstract shapes, hearts, eyes. In Arabian culture, the eyes represent the evil eye just to protect yourself. So I really want to add this one, and I'm just giving a random shapes, and I will stick them on top of the paper and just at the bottom with the help of mot pot. You can use newspaper, magazine or collage, or you can just skip this step if you don't want to add. No Now it's time for me to give a little more extra details with color pencils. Instead of using markers or acrylic paint outlining. I prefer to do color pencils or charcoal pencils for my outlining. It creates a nice soft look. The same thing I will be doing with a face and lips and even the eyes for the dog, I will add just the outlining with color pencils. Now I pause. I sit with the piece and ask, What do I need more? And the immediate answer is, let's add some flowers leaves that she's in the forest or she's in the garden. Because I feel relaxed when I am outside in grass walking with trees and birds. This is what me, myself, how I feel relaxed, definitely bicho is always there, but these are the few things and that's what come from inside. Let's add some leaves and flowers. Here I am just using acrylic paint, green and yellow stroke by stroke, going upward direction. Once the green is dry, then I'm going to add flowers. And So just to add a little extra fun, I take out a few empty tea bags and begin writing words that feel like medicine. What I want candles, what I love, definitely taking more nap in the afternoon and so more. These are my self care intentions. Tiny reminder of what I so easily forget in the chaos of everyday life. This exactly you can try doing it with my glue gun, I carefully tuck the t bag strings in like they are brewing right inside the mug. Symbolically, this is my list of what I will pour into my own cup first. As I look at the finished piece, I don't see a perfect painting. I see an emotional record, a quiet conversation between my inner world and my hands. This is the heart of art therapy. It teaches us to pause, to explore. And to tend to ourself without judgment. Self care is an indulgence. It's preservation. When we learn to fill our own cup, we begin to show up in the world with more compassion, more clarity, and more presence. Thank you so much for creating with me. I hope this practice remind you for your word. How deeply you deserve your own time, energy, and kindness. If your cup feels empty lately, this is your sign to slow down and refill. Be gentle with yourself. You are doing the best you can. You are allowed to rest. You are worthy of joy. You are enough, even in your quietest moments. See you in the next class. 12. Day 6 Set yourself free: Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the new lesson. This piece explore how reconnecting with nature through symbols like birds, flowers, and textures can reflect personal growth, emotional healing, and the courage to move forward. Each bird represent a stage in self development, grounding, connection, and freedom. In the noise of everyday life, we often forget how deeply we are connected to nature. I begin by layering the background with tone paper. I use the same papers, what I have used in my previous lessons, same scrapbook papers, handmade papers, newspapers. Just see what you have. You can use fabric papers, maybe gift wrapping papers, anything you want to create the layers. Then I cover part of soft acrylic washes. This layer this layering mirrors our emotional landscape, something hidden, some exposed. Growth is never linear. Healing is never neat. Each layer says something. What do I need to let go of? What I'm ready to bring to the surface. Once the painting layer is dry, I'm going to grab some affirmation stickers, which can resonate my emotions and my feelings. I'm just going to take them and stick them with mod podge. You can write by yourself, or you can write on a separate paper and then stick them as a sticker. Next, I begin adding flowers with soft pastel and gelatos from Faber Castle, soft pink, calming blues and few bright yellows with greens like sunlight breaking through. In nature, flower blooms in their own time. In life, so do we. The these blossoms symbolize self compassion, new beginning, the beauty that comes after the storm. Each petal a reminder, healing isn't always loud. Sometimes it's soft and slow. In nature, everything serves a purpose, rest, decay, bloom, flight, and so it is with us. When we create with symbols from the Earth like birds, bricks, branches, blossoms, we are really telling a story of becoming. Next, I draw three birds on a separate watercolor paper. You can use any paper if you are not planning to add watercolor. I have these small cutout, so I'm just going to begin with sketching my birds. I want to add the birds in a very soft and natural form, so I'm not going to add lots of colors. The birds are ready, and now it's time to think how I'm going to arrange them. I'm not sure what exactly and where exactly these birds will be on this page. But while I was arranging, it just came in my mind that birds often represent freedom. So I feel that let me add some branches, and I want to make one bird on a brick wall. The brick wall reminds me strength is built over time. And just trusting my intuition, I start sketching my brick wall. Grabbing some oil pastels, browns ocher and going to add the line. After that, I'm going to just add those shapes to represent the brick. I don't want to add a realism, but I want to give an impression of the brick. One bird will be sitting on the brick wall and the other two will be sitting on the branch. So it will give me the feeling of they become part of the environment. I'm creating my inner garden. So you can visualize where you want your birds or butterflies or what you are creating and how you can represent them. While I was arranging all these birds, I immediately thought that let me just make my background a little bit more subtle and light because it's too much of wage everywhere. So I quickly take my acrylic paint and start giving a very soft wash on top of my wage layer. Now, I feel that, okay, this looks much better than the previous one here my birds are here. I'm going to use mot podge because my hot glue gun riffles are finished, so I just need to use mot podge and wait for the layer to completely get dry. This is how you use your liquid glue or mot podge if you don't have the hot glue gun. I am going to add lots of glitter and sparkles because that makes me feel happy. Thank you so much for joining me in this creative journey, and I can't wait to see your work. So don't forget to take a picture and share it with me. See you soon. Take care, everyone. 13. Day 7 Layers of Well being : Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the last lesson of this creative journey. In this video, I'm going to show you how you can bring your emotions and then add layers to heal them. My creative process is guiding force of my life, allowing me to see the magic around me. In this lesson, we are going to think about people places. What makes us happy? What makes me happy. I'm going to list them as my first layer. This process will be all about layers of well being. In this lesson, we will weave symbols of self care. When it's finished, this piece may serve as a reminder for how we nurture and support our well being. Let's begin adding the list. To begin with, spend a few minutes reflecting on the ways that you show up for yourself. What things do you do to support your emotional and physical well being? Are there any special places you like to go where you feel calm and at ease? Are there certain people that you feel good spending time with? Starting anywhere on your paper, make a list of words for the objects, actions, places, and the people that support your overall well being. Your list will of course include different things than mine, and that's perfect. As this is a very individualized activity, once we made our list, choose a few of the words that stand out and loosely sketch some simple symbols to represent those aspects of well being. For my list, top of the list is family home. Spending time with my children is the most important aspect of my life, and then spending time with my husband, especially a walk on a beach or maybe with nature, birds, butterflies. These are something which I feel that is the essential part of my well being and my cats, as I have seven cats, but one of the cat is like my son Bisu he is my supporter. He is someone who heals me and he can sense what is going on. Add this list, add the symbols, and then let's create on the next layer. Next, I will grab some oil pastels and I'm going to use my pastels in pink, peach, cream colors, which I feel I want to do it today. So you can refer to your color psychology, and then I'm going to create the symbols large and covering my writing. So you can use oil pastels, markers, paint whatever medium you want to or you can layer up with collage magazines. I will first start with oil pastels and then I'm going to add layers of papers handmade papers, newspapers, and a lot of other things. With Mt Podge, it's a very similar to the previous lessons, how we do the layering with different mediums. Now it's time for me to think about what other layers or paint or color I can add. Once some paint is down and dry, we'll take a look at each area we feel drawn to. Lightly circle any area that appeals to you and that you'd like to keep as we move forward with the next layer. I'm adding some acrylic white after adding the collage and just keep going till you feel that now I'm ready for sketching those symbols and adding yourself into the art. Let's begin weaving in symbols. It's like you are just adding what you want. It can be yourself as a figurative art or it can be just the symbols what you have mentioned. I'm going to represent myself in this artwork and using willow stick because I feel that charcoal will be a bit easy for me to sketch because my layers are still not completely dry. So let me begin with sketching very loose. And here in this video, I'm not going to share a lot of template because I want you to come up with your own idea of this. And I'm going to start with the head over and then create a very flowy structure for the hand and the dress. Not going to show a lot of different details. This is completely intuitional. It is taking me step by step. I don't have any plan right now, let's just dive into and let's create some lose sketches. You can use paints to build up layers and details of the large symbols that you have sketched, or you can just use oil pastels. After using Willow, I am using oil pastel and sparing it with my finger. Just give light soft massage on the paper because the first layer is still not completely dry, the charcoals and oil pastels will mix together with my acrylic layer. After that, I immediately thought that let me add some castles because that also make me feel happy when I see them and these are from my childhood storybook memories, why not castle instead of just a regular house? And adding wings like ready to fly. Then keep adding the symbols, what represent your self compassion. I'm adding a letter which I did not write or add as a symbol in my first layer where I was writing the list. But while I was doing it, quickly, it just came in my mind that let's add the personal growth letter because letter will represent as my personal growth, as my personal journey from where I started and where I am today. You might think about or you might get a new idea while you are creating. Once my loser sketch is done, I'm using watercolor and the colors I want to keep it same neutral tones. Let's see, maybe I want to add more colors. Beginning with watercolor, you can just use acrylic or you can add layers of pastels. It's completely your choice. Oh You may notice that I start with something, but then I end up with something completely different. And after adding few bits of pastel colors with my cer, I'm just going to dry this layer and then I'm going to add the symbols. Before that, I will add some Posca paint marker for the face. I don't want to create any realistic face. It's just a Posca marker to add the layer, and then I can add some color pencils to add the features. So go with the flow, keep adding how you want. And embrace your journey. The face is done, the hair is done, and now it's time to add the symbols. And instead of adding random symbols everywhere on the paper, I thought, let me add like hanging. So the first thing is my family, my two son will be in one string, my two daughters will be in another string, and then my husband will be exactly on top of my head in a single string. Then comes the cats, hearts and Bhu because he's very close to me, will be with me and I'm holding him. And then comes the mother and three son and then two adoptees also there is another heart where is my cat who is always like, it's not our cat, but she loves to stay in our backyard. Look for areas or marks that are distracting to the eyes or that don't add meaning or interest to your piece. Those may be areas or marks that you like to remove or paint over. Look for areas you may want to calm down by making them a bit more of solid colors so that your eyes have a resting place within the painting. This also helps you create a comfortable contrast and balance between busier area and areas with more breathing room. For me, my dress is more flowy and calmer side, along with the houses and the buildings. I did not add much because in my background, there's a lot going on. At the end, I'm going to add some affirmations stickers. You can write down if you wish to Walla this is done. It looks fantastic and I feel so relaxed and I really enjoy the process. I hope you feel the same and can't wait to see your final piece. Don't forget to share with me, and thank you so much for joining me for this well being layers. No, layers of well being. Util next time, take care of yourself and keep creating. 14. Thank you: Thank you so much for joining me on this creative adventure. I hope you found inspiration to connect with your inner self, as well as a way to revisit those whimsical childhood memories we've always cherished. Remember, this journey doesn't have to end here. I encourage you to embrace the techniques we've explored together and let your imagination flourish on your own time. Each stroke, layer, and colors hold the potential to reveal new insights about yourself. So keep the playful spirit alive. If you enjoy the class, don't forget to share your experiences by sharing your artwork with me. I would absolutely love to see your personalized journal, and you deserve to be celebrated. Thank you for letting me be a part of your creative journey. Till next time, see you and take care of yourself.