Drawing as Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment, which can be developed through the practice of meditation and other practices.

Research studies have indicated that the practice of mindfulness is strongly correlated with many benefits including improved health, a calmer mind, stress relief, more restful sleep and a greater sense of wellbeing.

Drawing is similar to meditation, in that it requires focused attention on subject matter being drawn. The drawing process is just as important as the drawing being created, and in this course process is emphasized within the present moment.

“The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.”

— Joseph Campbell

Some say “Art is Life.” This program embraces this concept by weaving together drawing with mindfulness, creating a transformative experience in Life, Mind and Being—we just happen to use pencils and pens to get a grip on life.

This weekly offering is designed for anyone, from those with no skill, talent, or experience, to those who have studied art all their lives.  It serves trained artists as well as non-artists. Founding principles of this course include the notion that drawing is a lens with which to see the world. Building upon this idea, Drawing as Mindfulness is a thoughtful approach to drawing and an invitation for you to get to know yourself on a deeper level. The class primarily focuses on practices of observational drawing. Participants interested in other practices should get approval from the instructor.

“Drawing is a way to communicate that which cannot be said with words. Communication within the wordless realm requires presence. Therefore, who you are being during the drawing process is just as important as what you ultimately produce.”

— Brigid O’Kane

Principles of visual organization such as negative space, balance, harmony, proportion, and movement, among others, merit exploring in life as much as in art. Through the same processes that creatives use to make works of art, non-artists and experienced artists can learn more about themselves, their world, and being in time. Drawing as Mindfulness is not about creating a wonderful product (a ‘work of art’). Yes, drawings will be made—usually of objects from nature provided by the instructor. The real product is a quality experience. Participants in this course report experiencing a deeper appreciation of practicing a form of visual art. With a pencil and eraser, participants develop an enlivened connection to life and art, which enhances their relationship to the world and people around them.

Join a ‘rolling’ 8-week group of like-minded individuals to explore how being in ‘the studio’ is like being in a church, an ancient old-growth forest, or prehistoric cave. The experience dissolves assumed barriers between what one thinks about oneself relative to life and art. It alters how we process the reality of being connected in the world.

Each week will include basic and refreshing guided drawing sessions as well as philosophical thinking structured around 8 principles of visual organization and their opposites. Classes are 2 hours. Each class is facilitated by Brigid O’Kane who brings her expertise and life insights to each class. Insightful discussions and thoughtful drawing processes are all central to the practice of mindfulness and are anchored in the ‘principles of the day’.