Mindfulness in Art: Breathe in Calm Creativity; Breathe Out What’s Uniquely You

Meditation and creativity become intertwined under the gentle guidance of Living By the Brush’s mindful art teacher, Erin Scaia. The room is filled by the energy of student artists with every level of ability. Their hurried minds are reset and refreshed by a brief, quiet meditation. Their breath is guided to slow down, becoming deliberate, steadied, and more conscious than it is in everyday life.

Aromas of watercolor paints, glue sticks, and Crayolas, coming from participant’s tables, mingle with the subtle notes of a flute, filtering into the open space from elsewhere in the building. The music is quiet enough that you first question if you’re hearing it at all, as your mind settles into the meditation. Then you wonder: “Is it live, or is it Memorex?”

At the start of this 3-hour mindful art workshop participants are instructed to work quietly, not chattering away or making judgements of each other’s work. Even praise, admiration, and compliments are discouraged, as they invite judgement into the space. Instead, each artist is to focus on the work they are creating, right there in front of them.

Artists are encouraged to sync their breathing to the motion of their pen, brush, or marker. Just see what happens. What comes up, in the mind? What comes out, on the paper. My interpretation is to breathe in. . . calm creativity; breathe out. . . art that’s uniquely me.

Scaia has more than a decade and a half of experience working as a graphic designer, followed by 6 years teaching art to adults and children at Purple Dog Art Studio. Now she has pivoted once again, creating Living by the Brush, a business that brings her passions for art and mindfulness meditation together.

Through art experiences for adults, mindfulness is encouraged. “Our classes and workshops are an opportunity to explore and express your authentic self through art.” (Living by the Brush website)

Just about anything is welcomed as inspiration — a feeling, memory, or vision, images, sounds, and impressions. Artists can bring their own tools and supplies, but also lean on the instructor and other students for supplemental resources. We move quickly from one mindful prompt to another reflective exercise. Journaling and self-exploration are components of the workshop. Much is accomplished during class, but continued experimentation is encouraged.

The spring workshop I attended was hosted in the art complex that is McConnell Arts in Worthington, OH. Formal classes, performances, and exhibitions are offered there, along with more informal workshops, artist talks, and community events. Walking into the building just moments before class starts, as I do, I’m single-mindedly focused on getting to the third-floor classroom – determined and focused on that goal.

I’m known to keep busy, trying to get “it all” done and sometimes taking on too much. I wasn’t sure I would make it to class at all, but made every effort to be there and was both pleased and relieved to participate.

As I exit the building, reluctantly and 3 hours later, I have several pieces of art under my arm. Most are half-finished. Perhaps I’ll return to complete them another day. Or perhaps they can stand as they are, a moment-in-time expression of what I was feeling, experiencing, seeing, and thinking that day.

Workshop description: “In this 3-hour workshop you will learn simple and fun mindful art practices that promote relaxation, stress relief, and an increased sense of well-being. These are exercises anyone can do regardless of skill level. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to do it. It’s about the process, not the outcome. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the tools to continue practicing mindfulness through art on your own.” (McConnell website)

As I exit the building I’ve slowed my pace and my mind enough to notice the Ohio student art exhibition on display, showcasing work in every medium, from muted to vibrant, realist to abstract, whimsical to heartfelt. I’ll return another day to take in the immense talent on exhibit!

Before I made a living as a portrait photographer I had a hard time calling myself an artist. At the beginning of my career in the studio it continued to be a challenge, perhaps because of the population that looks at photography as a ‘point and shoot’ endeavor, not taking into account things like composition, color theory, and artistic interpretation.

Today, I’m an art maker, collector, and promoter. I display art in my home, my own and pieces created by fellow artists from around the city and around the world. I see the world through an artist’s lens, ‘Steal Like an Artist’, and make art every day. . .

. . . even in the parking lot of the McConnell Arts center.

Important Disclaimer, by Scaia: “While mindful art has some overlap with art therapy, it is not art therapy and I am not an art therapist. If you would like to use art for deeper psychological work then you may want to seek out a licensed art therapist.“

Join me on my next (art) adventure,

~ Kat

Living by the Brush: https://livingbythebrush.com/

Living by the Brush on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingbythebrush

Mindful Creative Muse: Mindful Art and Meditation Teacher Training Certification: https://learn.mindfulcreativemuse.com/mindful-art-and-meditation-teacher-training

McConnell Arts: https://www.mcconnellarts.org/

Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition: https://www.mcconnellarts.org/2025-ohio-governors-youth-art-exhibition-regional-show-of-region-1/