How intuitive painting brings you back to yourself

How often do you listen to your intuition? Do you feel that special tingling in your stomach, a quiet voice trying to tell you something? You probably aren't even consciously aware of your intuition, because as adults we rarely let our inner voice guide us. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it often gets lost. When too much is happening externally, we forget to look inward. We constantly have a clear goal or certain expectations in mind, which we use as our guide and follow—almost blindly.

What do we mean by intuitive painting?

Intuitive painting is primarily about one thing: reconnecting with your feelings, letting yourself drift, and following your inner voice – without pressure or judgment. The focus is less on the result and more on the creative process. The journey is the destination.

Intuitive painting allows you to connect deeply with your inner world, your own thoughts and emotions. It requires no special techniques or knowledge. The focus is on experimenting with colors, surfaces, and tools, as well as personal, creative expression. 100 percent freedom and self-expression. Of course, that's easier said than done, and yes, truly embracing it can sometimes be difficult. But each and every one of us can learn to (re)trust our own intuition and consciously perceive it.

Remember your childhood

If you were given a sheet of paper, some paints, and brushes, you probably didn't ask what to paint or whether to use blue or red. You didn't give a second thought to how best to impress your parents, grandparents, or other relatives. A child simply paints. They enjoy the colors, the experimentation, the process, and self-expression.

And although creativity is something so natural and innate, this connection to our original, wild, and free creativity gets lost over time. External expectations and the pursuit of praise have shaped and changed us and our painting habits. Dad's hair can't be blue, the grass has to be green, and the sun has to be painted yellow. That certainly sounds familiar, doesn't it? The wonderful thing is: intuitive painting is like riding a bike—you don't forget how. We might be a little out of practice, but we can reclaim that natural creativity.

You can relearn intuitive painting

I, too, had to (re)learn intuitive painting. And this despite the fact that creativity has always played a major role in my life. Even as a little girl, I would paint for hours in my bedroom (while listening to Tabaluga on cassette). Later, I took art as an advanced course in high school, and during the Corona pandemic, I founded my first small stationery label. But a demanding full-time job left me little room for my passion. 

At the end of 2023, I decided to dedicate myself to art again and to make more time for it. I needed a balance to work, something that would give me inner peace. Even though painting would have been the most obvious choice, I first tried yoga, meditation, and even kickboxing.

Unfortunately, I didn't find what I was actually looking for there. By a happy coincidence – and sometimes you need that initial spark – I got to talking with a friend about art, painting, the search for one's inner self, and the dream of having my own studio. And what can I say? What started as a "what if…" quickly became reality.

We fulfilled our dream of having our own studio and created a space where we can experiment, develop our ideas, try out new techniques, and grow together. But just because you have a separate space, a studio, doesn't mean that intuitive painting will work right from the start. Quite the opposite.

It takes a burst of courage

I first had to learn to let go of my perfectionism and my own (often very high) expectations for a perfect result. A large drop cloth (where spills were allowed), various materials, paints, brushes and spatulas to test, anticipation of trying something new, and above all, the courage to just do it certainly helped.

The key to intuitive painting is simply "doing it." We had this breakthrough in the studio with a collaborative piece – affectionately called "Outburst of Courage." Before that, we painted on small canvases and papers, and although the surface was there, we limited ourselves spatially to one square meter and mentally to perfection.

We knew we wanted to break free. So it took a real burst of courage, and we grabbed some paints, a large pad, and an (old) blank canvas, which we simply nailed to the wall. We deliberately had no concrete idea of ​​what we wanted to create. We only knew: We just wanted to throw paint on a canvas! Yes, throw it! And it was incredibly fun. 

From that moment on, I felt lighter, freer, and inspired to follow this new feeling—that special tingling in my stomach. I fondly remember that burst of courage, not because I'm celebrating our final result, but rather because I like to recall that special moment. A moment of letting go that feels good.

Conclusion: Intuitive painting begins with letting go and trusting yourself

Of course, not every attempt has resulted in a "real" work of art, which I consider beautiful. But that's okay. Because for me, intuitive painting is a meditative experience where I engage with the creative process, can try things out, consciously give myself space to experiment, and surrender to the moment in order to arrive in the present moment. For me, art is more than just a few brushstrokes and paint on a canvas.

Art is a feeling. It allows me to turn my inner self outward, break old patterns, and feel free. Because creativity often begins precisely where we stop striving for perfection. As soon as I enter the studio and begin to paint, I feel myself connecting with others and letting myself be carried away by the flowing movements of the paint. 

As a freelance artist, I can say today: Taking the plunge is good for you and often holds something very special in store for us. That's how it was for me, and that's how it will be for you too. 

Go for it! Your inner voice is always with you, you just have to listen to it.