As moms, we often find ourselves consumed by the responsibilities and demands of daily life, leaving little time for self-care. However, carving out moments for ourselves is crucial for our well-being. Creative self-care has proven to be a powerful tool in relieving stress, overcoming perfectionism, and fostering mindfulness.
In this blog, we’ll explore an enjoyable exercise that involves drawing one-line apples and using watercolors to create vibrant, imperfect masterpieces. Let’s dive in!
Whether you have just 10 minutes to spare or need to let go of perfectionism, the One-Line Apple Watercolor exercise is a perfect choice. This quick and enjoyable activity allows you to embrace imperfections, find joy in the creative process, and cultivate a sense of freedom and self-expression.
Give yourself permission to explore and create without the pressure of perfection. Set aside a few minutes, grab your pen and watercolors, and let your creativity flow.
Please let me know if you’ve tried this one; I would love to see it.
You can find a small video of this exercise on my Instagram @thecreativecooldown
Supplies used:
Watercolor paper 300 grams (Arches), watercolor (Winsor & Newton), aquash water brush (pentel), fineliner (Ohuhu), paper towel, and washi tape.
Alternative supply suggestions:
You can use your kids’ watercolor paints or other paint.
Don’t have any of those? You can also try it with markers, crayons, or colored pencils.
Step 1
Before you start, slowly breathe in and out a few times to clear your head. Then, bring yourself to the present, away from all the day-to-day stress.
Begin by drawing a simple apple using only one continuous line. Remember, you’re not allowed to lift your pen from the paper. This exercise encourages letting go of perfectionism and embracing imperfections. Don’t worry about making it look realistic; the goal is to have fun and enjoy the process.
Step 2
Now, add a few more apples to your drawing, still using the one-line technique. Each apple can have its unique shape and size.
Embrace the freedom to experiment and let your creativity flow. This exercise allows you to explore different variations while remaining focused on the present moment.
Step 3
Grab your watercolor palette and start with a light yellow color. Use a damp brush to apply the color to the apples, filling them with a sunny hue.
As you progress, gradually add more colors, such as orange and red, to bring depth and vibrancy to your artwork. Remember, this is not about perfection; it’s about enjoying the process and expressing yourself.
Step 4
As you apply the watercolors, resist the urge to overly control the outcome. Allow the colors to blend naturally and create their own unique patterns.
If the previous layer is still wet, the new colors will blend, while a dry layer will create a distinct, separate layer on top. This beautiful unpredictability adds an element of excitement and helps you let go of the need for perfection.
Throughout this exercise, remind yourself that it’s not about painting a realistic apple. Instead, it’s an opportunity to indulge in some much-needed creative me-time.
Embrace the joy of experimentation, playfulness, and self-expression. No two apples are the same, just like no two moments of your creative journey will ever be identical.
The one-line apple watercolor exercise provides an accessible and enjoyable way to relieve stress, let go of perfectionism, and nurture your mental health. So, grab your pen, watercolors, and a few spare moments, and embark on this artistic journey.
Remember, it’s not about the end result—it’s about the joy and rejuvenation you’ll experience along the way.
If you liked this exercise, you might also like my Discovering the magic of northern lights in watercolors exercise.
