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Spontaneous sketching

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The freedom of lines: A guided spontaneous sketching journey

Have you ever experienced a whirlwind of emotions that seemed elusive to understand? At times, our words can fall short. Imagine if there was a method to access that inner world and express it through creative means. Embrace the world of spontaneous sketching! This technique promotes the freedom of hand movement, bypassing the conscious mind's influence and enabling the expression of subconscious emotions onto the page.

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This worksheet will walk you through a spontaneous sketching session, a journey of self-discovery with unrestrained lines and forms. So take your favourite drawing instrument, turn off the inner critic, and prepare to explore the depths of your emotional environment!

MATERIALS

Gather your supplies

  • Large sheets of paper

  • Drawing materials (crayons, pencils, charcoal, paints)

  • Timer

  • Journal (optional)

  • An iPad can be used with a variety of drawing apps, such as Procreate.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Your intention

Set a loose intention for the session. This could be:

  • "Exploring my emotions"

  • A specific question like "Where is my stress coming from?"

PREPARATIONS

Find your creative zone

  • Find a quiet, comfortable space with minimal distractions.

  • Gather your art materials. Choose whichever feels most inviting.

  • Put on calming music if that helps you relax.

  • Take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.

PART 1

The sketch (5-10 min)

  1. Set your timer.

  2. Let go of expectations about what you'll create.

  3. Hold your chosen art tool, and allow your hand to move freely across the paper. Don't think about what you're drawing; just focus on the feeling of the movement. Scribble, draw lines, shapes, blobs of colour—whatever feels intuitive.

  4. Keep your attention on the physical sensations of creating art. Notice the way the tool feels in your hand and the sounds it makes on the paper.

  5. Resist the urge to erase or control the outcome. Let the artwork unfold organically.

PART 2

Reflection

  • Take a step back from your creation and observe it mindfully. Notice the colours, lines, shapes, and textures.

  • Journaling (optional): Write down any thoughts, feelings, or memories that arise as you look at your artwork. Don't analyse or judge; just allow the subconscious to speak through your observations.

  • Interpretation (Optional): Explore what the imagery in your sketch might symbolize. Look up common meanings of colours, shapes, etc. in art therapy resources, but remember, your own interpretations hold the most weight.

Keep in mind

  • To track shifts in your emotional landscape, do multiple spontaneous sketches over time.

  • If emotions surface that feel overwhelming, take a break and ground yourself with deep breaths or calming activities.

  • There are no right or wrong ways to do spontaneous sketching. Trust the process and enjoy the exploration.

 

Remember: This is a journey of self-discovery. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process.

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