Intuitive green lights in painting
Intuition can be a powerful guide in decision-making, yet many people struggle to trust their inner guide, especially when it comes to crucial choices like selecting a romantic partner, choosing a career path, or determining their next life step.
As an intuition coach, I’ve encountered countless individuals who’ve lost faith in their decision-making abilities. My response? “You can absolutely trust yourself!” I introduce them to a simple yet effective metaphor: imagine your intuition as a traffic light. This concept not only aids in personal decision-making but also proves invaluable in creative pursuits, particularly in painting. Let’s explore how this intuitive “traffic light” system works and how it can illuminate your path forward.
Understanding Body Wisdom
The body is one big intuitive antenna that is connected through our aura to, well, everything! By tuning into the corresponding vibrations within our body, we can gain valuable insights that guide us towards our highest experiences. This principle can be applied to various aspects of the painting process.
Applying Green Lights to Painting Decisions
When faced with artistic choices, painters can use the following method:
1. Formulate an either/or question about your painting, such as “Should I use warm or cool colors for this composition?”
2. Imagine each option in a different hand - for example, warm colors in your left hand and cool colors in your right.
3. Pay attention to the energy sensations in each hand and throughout your body.
4. Notice which option feels “light and bright” - this is your intuitive green light.
Practicing Body Awareness
To develop this skill:
1. Recall a recent positive painting experience. Notice how your body feels - perhaps light and expansive in the chest area.
2. Remember a challenging painting session. Observe any tension or contraction in your body.
3. Use these sensations as a reference for future decision-making in your artistic process.
Incorporating Green Lights in the Painting Process
Color Selection
When choosing colors, hold different options in mind and notice which ones elicit a positive bodily response. This can guide you towards a palette that resonates with your intuition.
This sounds easy enough but a few years ago almost every time I reached for paints, I gravitated toward pink, orange and magenta. After a month or so of this, I thought this is crazy, when did I become a such pink and orange person? I had never really liked the color orange. Plus, shouldn’t I paint with the popular colors that people tend to buy, which according to art marketing trends is anything with blue in it. Yet, whenever I picked up the blue paints, I felt my energy deflate. After a short internal debate, I gave up on the blue paint and followed the intuitive pull towards pink, orange and magenta. I don’t why this color combination worked for me, while a different combo works for you. All I know is that I’m happier painting, and I tend like the outcomes better too, when I follow these nudges.
Composition Decisions
As you consider various compositional elements, pay attention to which arrangements feel “right” in your body. I remember hearing Louise Fletcher with the Art Juice podcast say that she notices many of the photos she takes always have people off to the side in an isometrical fashion. I’m sure to her it just “feels right” (clairsentient). Many others taking the same photo would put the people center stage. When we honor and incorporate our preferences in our artwork - it makes our work unique. Resist the urge to follow trends or copy other artists. Follow your own inner nudges and preferences and the results with be unique and one of kind artwork.
Subject Matter
When deciding on subjects to paint, use your intuitive green lights to guide you towards themes that truly inspire and energize you. I’m irresistibly drawn to painting animals. Occasionally, I’ll venture off and create a landscape-oriented series, but the animals always pull me back. What subjects light you up? It’s simple really, follow your intuitive green lights and do more of those!
Technique Exploration
As you experiment with different painting techniques, let your body wisdom help you discover methods that feel most authentic and enjoyable. Some people paint exclusively with palette knives, some love cutting up bits of paper and building a painting with collage. You can be sure each is follow their inner green light.
By incorporating these intuitive green lights into your painting process, you can tap into a deeper well of creativity and make decisions that align with your artistic vision - and your most authentic art. Remember, this is a skill that improves with practice, so don’t be afraid to start with small decisions and gradually apply it to larger aspects of your creative work.