Painting as Prayer

God is the ultimate artist and the author of all creativity. Because we are a made in the image of God, creativity is a gift given to each of us. We invite you to experience the creativity of God within you by allowing watercolors to speak your prayer that is sometimes too deep for mere words. Praying with watercolors is an experience that will bring you surprise, delight, freedom, wonder and awe as the painting creates itself before your eyes. As you give yourself over to the painting, let go and allow God to paint the message meant for your heart.

Prepare for this prayer experience by gathering supplies:

Newspaper to spread over the floor or table where you will be working.
Large sheets of newsprint or some inexpensive paper. Don't restrict yourself to a small sheet of paper. God likes lots of space for free flowing strokes!
One large paintbrush at least 2 inch brush that will hold a lot of water.
Several smaller watercolor brushes.
A cup or a container for clean water only.
Another container with water for cleaning brushes.
Set of watercolors.
Paper towels or an absorbent rag for cleaning brushes.
Reflective music to create an inner atmosphere of quiet and receptivity.
A quiet place where you can be free of distractions.

Some Questions For Reflection

What is happening in my life at this particular time? What are the struggles I am carrying right now? What do I find that is life-giving for me?
Where am I on my spiritual journey? Who is God in my life? Where is God in my life? Where am I on my life's journey?
What are the obstacles in my life that seem to hold me back from becoming all I can? What is it that I find myself yearning for? What is God's dream for me? What is my heart's desire?

Pick one question that seems to choose you, a question that strikes a chord within you. Spend time with the question. Listen to the question in your heart. Allow God to be with you. Be aware of what is stirring within you, whether it be feelings, images or memories. Let come what will; don't censor. When you feel ready, prepare to paint your experience of your prayer and reflection.

Open your paint set and see which colors seem to draw you. Colors can express emotions, feelings and experiences. Let the colors choose you. When you have decided on your colors, take a small brush and drop water on each one of the colors so that the colors are quite wet.
Take a large paintbrush and dip it into the clean water. Apply the wet brush to the large sheet of paper. Use lots of water over the entire sheet; this will create a wash effect. Another variation is to apply
water only to the section of the paper that you are working on at the time. Ridges will develop in the paper as the water is applied. The ridges will relax as the paper dries. With experience, you will learn how much water you need.
Take smaller brushes and dip into the colors you have chosen, one at a time. Allow the paint to drop onto the wet paper. You can also apply the paint to the paper with quick brush strokes. Watch as you apply the paint to the wet surface. The water will pull the colors over the ridges causing the colors to spread and blend with other colors. It's as if the painting is creating itself!
Another technique you can use is to flick colors over the paper with quick movements of the wrist. This will create a splatter effect.
If you want to be brave you can lift the edges of the paper, causing the colors to mix and blend. This may work very well, but it also is risky; some color combinations can cause a muddy appearance.
When you are finished creating, let the painting dry.
While the painting is drying, give your painting a title that best describes the prayer experience for you. Date the picture and sign your name. In the weeks and the months to come, you will find that the meaning of the painting will continue to unfold for you.
You may want to share your experience with a friend, spouse, or spiritual director. Sometimes those closest to you can see things in the painting that you yourself have not been able to see.

Blessings on your creating!