Creating Abstract Art Through Challenging Emotions by Dr. Pranita Rao
Guest Post
© Dr. Pranita Rao
The colors on this paper are so smoothly blended, almost as though they are in harmony with each other. How amazing would life be if all our emotions and experiences were in harmony with everyone around us?
Although it might be difficult to change life obstacles fully, we can create harmonious artwork through challenging situations in our lives. Here is a fact, I was going through a major life change when I painted this artwork. This artwork is an abstract representation of my transformative journey, which was challenging at many levels. I was feeling intense and difficult emotions in my body. I began painting my emotions, and that’s when my physical discomfort began decreasing.
Research suggests that artists like Vincent Van Gogh would also channel their challenging emotions and create masterpieces that we enjoy to this day. It is said that he could have been a highly sensitive person as well. It isn’t too surprising, as highly sensitive people can be creative. They could have creative and reflective perspectives on life's experiences which they express through painting.
Artists who work with abstract art can channel their emotions into creating artwork that expresses their pain. I have been working with specially chosen colors and strokes that give me the freedom to express my discomfort towards everything transformative in my life. As an HSP empath, change can feel physically and emotionally uncomfortable to me.
In such times, I find abstract art to be a creative medicine for me. It might not change the course of my experiences; however, it gives me hope and gives me breathing space to respond to the hardships in life.
In my experience, channeling difficult emotions with art can be useful. Sometimes, there isn’t anyone available to speak with us about our challenging experiences. We may have a loving family around; however, there can be times when it is not possible to share all our problems with them. Through my practice of abstract art, I am building a life where there is space for me to express my unique HSP journey. I find it to be a resourceful tool, especially during emotional overwhelm. I find it helpful for the paper or the canvas to feel the intense emotions of my body rather than my body feeling the intense emotions. It can truly support HSPs, as when one externalizes the emotions on paper/canvas, the body can stop feeling the discomfort. I am not suggesting that art replace medical or psychological intervention; however, it can be a supportive tool for us HSPs.
I feel blessed to have found my artistic gift. As a highly sensitive person, I can sense the colors working on different senses of mine. Here is where one must appreciate the gift of high sensitivity. Our capability of feeling more than a non-HSP supports our ability to be sensitive to different colors and brush strokes. It is beautiful to feel the strokes and colors so deeply. It often leaves a relaxing and soothing effect. I find creating abstract art to be empowering. It puts one in the present moment and helps to regain control of the situation.
I encourage empaths and HSPs to try painting during times of distress. I find abstract art, in particular, to be extremely helpful on gray days, as it makes one feel less self-critical. There is also the possibility of indulging in artwork so that it brings joy and fun into our lives. One can forget about their problems when they are immersed in color.
If abstract art calls to you, I would encourage HSPs and empaths to take a trial art session with me. Moreover, if you feel like picking up the brush, but there is hesitation or inhibition stopping you from discovering your creative abilities, know I am here for you.
You are only a brush stroke away from understanding your sensitivity and creativity.
New updates
Dr. Pranita Rao is now making her artwork available for sale internationally. She is asking the universe to find loving homes for her artwork, as she created them with a lot of compassion for her HSP journey and herself. She is welcoming HSPs and empaths who wish to have a trial session of abstract art for a nominal rate (6 dollars for one 45-minute session). To learn more about her services or to buy her artwork, visit her website: www.expressivesensitive.com.
Celebrating becoming an affiliate
Dr. Pranita Rao is happy to share that she recently joined Julie’s affiliate program. She is excited to connect with other HSPs and share her experience of being part of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. She shares that she has enjoyed being a part of the Heart-centered business group, as it gives her a platform to connect with other highly sensitive entrepreneurs. She enjoys Julie’s podcasts, as they are informative and educational. One of the tools that Julie mentions in one of her podcasts is to ask one’s inner child the question, ‘What do you need? How can I get it to you?’ Dr. Pranita shares that she has been using this tool, and it has helped her be more attentive to her needs. Hence, she encourages readers to use Julie's website's free resources and courses. Dr. Pranita is also listed as an art educator in Julie’s practitioner directory. She looks forward to teaching and sharing her artistic knowledge with other HSPs.
Bio: Dr. Pranita Rao is a former dentist, a published science author, a creative intuitive, and a trained abstract artist. She is the founder of Expressive Sensitive, her virtual home that adds creativity and sensitivity to her life and that of other HSPs. She encourages HSPs and empaths to manage their overwhelm, stimulation, and lack of expression through one-on-one abstract art sessions. As an HSP empath, she understands the effects of overstimulation and overwhelm. She began utilizing her creative abilities to manage her own HSP traits, and it is supporting her in overcoming stimulation. She recommends one-on-one abstract art sessions for HSPs, as the sessions can enable them to relax, hone their artistic abilities, creative thinking, and self-expression.
Want to write for The HSP Blog?
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is an HSP Psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and founder of the exceptionally ranked Sensitive Empowerment Community. Julie's HSP Podcast is among the top 5% of the most shared and followed worldwide. Her online courses and free resources have helped millions of HSPs reduce the challenges of living with sensitivity, and her greatest joy lies in helping HSPs discover their significant value to the world. Julie's brain training program has proven to reduce anxiety within the first two weeks. Explore all her resources at JulieBjelland.com
The holidays can be overwhelming for sensitive and neurodivergent people due to sensory overload, social exhaustion, and routine disruptions. Discover 10 practical tips to help you navigate the season with ease and self-care strategies to avoid burnout. Plus, find thoughtful sensory-friendly gift ideas!