Showing myself

Today in therapy, everyone works on a self-chosen theme. They have written this in the corner on their paper and an abstract drawing is made within that theme using oil pastel.

What they don’t know, however, is that after 10 minutes they have to pass their drawing on to the person sitting next to them, and they can work on someone else’s drawing for a certain period of time.

She chooses the theme ‘peace’ and works with soft colors.

When she gets the drawing back with the additions/changes that others have made, she takes a look at the drawing. What was a very calm drawing has now become very bright.

The colors have become much brighter and more intense. But it doesn’t bother her. She finishes the drawing by working on various color transitions. She actually likes the bright colors.

What will you take away from today’s exercise?
To this, she answers that she is always gray, does not stand out, just acts normal, something she has heard and done from an early age. She has realized that she likes the bright colors and that they suit her. She wants to show herself more. No more gray, but letting her own colors shine.
Because the drawing has become much warmer with these new colors than it was in the pastel variant. She likes what she sees.

What a wonderful discovery and decision!
And what a great example of how art therapy can work!