Watercolour
Intended Audience
All members including people living with cancer, family members and significant caregivers.
Program Description
This is a fun, informative and inspiring delve into the many beautiful aspects of working in watercolour. The program offers professional instruction in a warm, caring, no-pressure setting. Members appreciate the easy pace as they are exposed to the basics of many different watercolour concepts and then encouraged to practice what resonates. There is no performance expectation and no previous art experience is required.
Benefits and Impact
Self-expression through the creation of art can have meaningful effects on the health of people living with cancer. Research on art therapies involving painting, music, dancing, and many other creative media has found evidence of a broad range of health-related benefits, such as improvements in anxiety, fatigue, pain, and quality of life (Boehm et al., 2014; Bosman et al., 2021; LaPenna & Tariman, 2020; Puetz et al., 2013; Wood et al., 2011). A 2017 study on the effects of a painting art therapy program on cancer patients receiving chemotherapy noted significant improvements in quality of life following the therapy (Bozcuk et al., 2017).
What to Expect at a Session
Sessions begin with a brief review of the previous week’s lesson, and then guidance is provided for the current week’s lesson. Students work on their creations together, and they are encouraged to ask questions, share work, relax, and enjoy taking in the techniques and ideas presented. Generally there is friendly banter, a few laughs, and lots of encouragement as thoughts and ideas flow. Occasionally someone will experience an ‘artistic breakthrough’ which indicates a personal growth moment and is cause for celebration.
