It is so hard to know what to do or say in these strange and frightening times, but I know that whenever I have been in a dark place or struggling I have found painting to be my life line.
Strangely it heals me and then often people who see those paintings say it heals them too which is wonderful.
I suppose I would just love to share that method of escape with as many people as possible so please do enter my competition. There are no rules, you can paint on any surface with any paint.
‘Sunlit Water’, oil on board, 30 x 23 cm
To enter please email an image of your work and your name(s) to jessica@jessicazoob.com.
If you would like to, you can also include:
Your age
A message about your painting
The dimensions of the piece and the materials you used
Images of you creating the work
Your social media details
Please only send images and details that you are happy for me to share on social media.
If you wish to share your entry on social media please tag me @jessicazoobart and include the hashtag #paintingforjoy. We are showcasing all the submissions on my Pinterest account. To see all the beautiful entries so far, click here.
The winner will receive this original oil painting entitled ‘Sunlit Water’ (Oil on board, 30 x 23 cm), from my Inspired by Asia Collection. Three runners up can chose an A2 print on paper. Submissions will be accepted until 12pm on the 16th of May. The winners will be announced on Instagram on the 16th of May. The winners will also be notified via email.
This competition is open to all ages, and all abilities. Please share this with parents who are homeschooling and need a project for their children, the elderly, care workers and teachers, and anyone who might need cheering up!
Why we should be painting for joy.
I know this is an incredibly strange and upsetting time for most of us but painting has always got me through my dark days so I am hoping this competition might help you find some distraction!
Neurobiologists have found that creating and viewing art results in the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that controls the brain’s pleasure and reward centres. Isolation and stress caused by coronavirus has made many of us feel down, detached and lethargic, painting can calm the body to help you feel more grounded and clear in this confusing and overwhelming time. Psychologists have also found that creating and observing art can reduce cortisol, known as the ‘stress hormone’, at the same time creativity releases endorphins and can even increase open-mindedness and heighten your ability to problem solve!
‘Dreams Do Come True’, Oil on Canvas
So, try to create a painting which you would like to call ‘Joy’, and most importantly enjoy the process! Play your happiest music, dance around and remember what it felt like to paint when you were a child. For the sheer pleasure of it with no judgement!! If you need some inspiration, just think about what brings you joy with a pen and paper in hand. You could write it down, or just see what your hand doodles as you think about it. Taking photographs can be a great place to start and Pinterest is full of incredible art, ideas and photographs. You can see my works in progress, and art that inspires me here.
Even if you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since you were a child please have a go! You never know, you might discover a passion, or at the very least have a fun distraction for a few hours!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with and good luck!
Please share this if you can, let’s try and get as many people as possible painting for joy!
Lots of love,
Jessica xxxx