Art helps relieve present stress

By Gisselle Washington | Big Stick Editor |

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

In the times of COVID-19, it is good to remove yourself from environments of high stress and take a break from your responsibilities to unwind. One way I’ve been keeping my sanity and self-care in check is by drawing or sketching in a notepad.

In the past few weeks, I have been given various drawing assignments from my Art teacher. I understand teachers need to keep instruction going but during these stressful times, I feel the last thing I want to do is be directed to draw fruit in a bowl. I have found relaxation by drawing from my own imagination. Drawing without constraints or restrictions lets your creativity flow free in your mind and sketching with your hand puts your soul at ease. 

If you have no prior experience in drawing and are looking for some guidance with how to do the basics, I recommend Youtube Channel Infinitus Learning’s playlist “The Ultimate Drawing course for beginners.” Each video lesson is around 10 minutes and the instructor teaches you good art techniques and how to apply the principles of art. Lessons include How to create good composition, Sketching the human form, and adding value to your photo drawing. I began watching the videos to help brush up on some of the skills I was lacking while I was taking in-person Drawing II. The series has been encouraging because I have seen improvement in my work and with enough practice and attention to detail, anyone can become a great artist. 

 Creating artwork activates the functions of the right side of the brain, while the left side deals with critical thinking and logic. As a student, any opportunity to relax the left side of your brain from intensive thinking from your math and science courses is a plus. Art is an outlet that helps relieve your mind. 

Art can be created through any medium such as a pen, pencil, or marker. It all is subject to your preference then let your mind guide you. Take a deep breath in and out then let your hand run free. 

My art teacher once said, “Art is like putting on your favorite playlist and relaxing.” 

The Ultimate Drawing course for beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fmp9oRthtSg&list=PL7bv_IAP9gGe8vQYxCtynhjB20llTSuGv