Perspective Painting
Materials Needed
Feeling
Self-Critical
How to Do It
Gather some painting or drawing supplies. Choose a person you’ve been critical of and imagine how they might see the world. Spend some time creating an abstract or literal piece of art that represents their perspective. Focus on how their experiences, emotions, and challenges might color their world. Once finished, reflect on how this exercise helped you see things from their viewpoint.
Why It Works
This exercise engages your creativity and empathy by challenging you to see the world through someone else’s eyes. The act of creating art helps to externalize and soften critical thoughts.
Guided Practice
Sit or stand comfortably and take a few deep breaths, feeling the weight of your body supported by the ground. As you breathe, notice any sensations of tightness or discomfort. Imagine your breath moving into these areas, creating space and softness.
Settle further into your seat, allowing each breath to soften your body and bring calm to your mind. Think of a situation or challenge you are currently facing, something that has been weighing on your mind. Notice the sensations in your body as you think of this challenge — perhaps a heaviness in your chest, a tightness in your shoulders, or a feeling of overwhelm.
As you hold these sensations, pick up your paintbrush or pencil and begin to paint or draw your challenge as you currently see it. Allow your emotions to guide your brushstrokes or lines, expressing the intensity, confusion, or clarity you feel. Stay with these sensations, letting them guide your art-making process. Notice any emotions that arise — perhaps a sense of frustration, a feeling of clarity, or even a bit of confusion. Allow these emotions to be present, knowing they are part of the process of exploring perspective.
As you continue painting, imagine stepping back and seeing the situation from a different angle. Visualize what this new perspective might look like — perhaps a more expansive view, a softer color palette, or a more abstract representation. See if any images, symbols, or patterns emerge from this new perspective — perhaps a symbol of hope, a shape that represents clarity, or a pattern of growth. Allow these images to deepen your connection to the process, letting them guide you in shifting your perspective. Notice how this visualization affects you — perhaps bringing a sense of understanding, a feeling of peace, or even a recognition of the complexity of your emotions.
When you feel ready, take a step back from your artwork and observe what you’ve created, noticing the changes and shifts in perspective. Take a few deep breaths, reflecting on the process of transforming your view of the challenge. Notice how your body feels now — perhaps more relaxed, more open, or simply more aware of your ability to see things differently. Gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of creative perspective with you into your day, feeling more empowered to approach challenges with a new understanding and an open mind.