Woodworking is a hobby for some and a profession for others, but it can be a powerful therapeutic tool for just about everyone. In fact, many military veterans with PTSD have benefited from this particular activity. Most people who try out woodworking for the first time quickly become addicted. Creating something with your own two hands can instill a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment. Giving Yourself a Purpose Everyone needs to feel as if they have a purpose in lif

"Why do you make art?" Hear from the students of MBodied's watercolor class. Common responses to the question are: "because it's relaxing/stress-relieving", "to express my creative side" and "I get absorbed in the process and lose track of time!" Why do YOU make art?? #Westminsterpaintingclasses #Westminsterartclass #Westminsterdrawingclass #Westminsterartstudio #artclass #paintingclass #drawingclass #learntodraw #learntopaint #learntopaintWestminster #artclasses #denverartc

Find out the last 2 steps of MBodied's system for helping people overcome this common issue with making art. #Westminsterpaintingclass #Westminsterartclass #Westminsterdrawingclass #art #artandcommunity #artclass #learntopaint #learntodraw #artforintroverts #artasmeditation #destresswithart #stressrelief #newhobby #creativity #Denverpaintingclass #Denverartclass #Denverdrawingclass #Denverartstudio #Denverlearntopaint #Denverarttherapy #Denverwomensgroup #denveradultartclasse

What is the reason most people don't make art? MBodied has a 5 part system for overcoming this common issue! Find out steps 1-3 right now! #Westminsterpaintingclasses #Westminsterpainting #Westminsterpaintingclass #artandcommunity #artclassarvada #Westminsterartstudio #ArtStudioWestminster #artastherapy #timeforart #relaxingthroughart #makingtimetomakeart #Westminsterartclass #Art #artclasswestminster #Denverpaintingclass #Denverartclass #Denverdrawingclass #Denverartstudio

I’m sitting in a roomful of people who are silent, totally absorbed in what they are doing, soft music playing in the background and a sense of community and belonging. This is one of my favorite things as an introvert, enjoying the company of others while totally engaged in what I am doing. Now, we’re not silent all the time. We talk, we laugh and engage. The difference is, that’s not the focus of our gathering. We gather to paint, our focus is on creative expression and

Do you know what the art process is, really? When I want to paint a canvas, for example, what are the steps I got through to complete this task? First, I need an idea. “What am I going to paint?…What do I want to share with the world?” Then I have to visualize it and figure out what it’s really going to look like. Third, I need materials. Gather up the paint, brushes, palette, canvas and any other things I might need to begin. As I work on my painting there will be inevi

There’s something magical in Michelle’s studio. Some combination of Michelle’s true passion for her art – her actual paintings and, more loosely, her art of shepherding students through learning about painting and themselves – the good conversations in the studio, the freedom to create and learn and make mistakes, and something…magical. I found out about MBodied Art Studio because I wanted to relearn about the art techniques I so loved in high school and then forgot about in

I love the community that is forming among the painters at MBodied! If you walk in during Introduction to Acrylics or Open Studio you will hear people chatting about life, about their painting process, making jokes or singing along to the music. Other times you hear nothing at all. That silence is the absorbed focus of painting known as the “flow state.” Making art can take you into a deep state of presence where it feels like only you and the painting are there. How coo

About a year ago I was dreaming up the idea for MBodied Art Studio with the help of the book, Creating on Purpose: "the spiritual technology of manifesting through the chakras” by Anodea Judith and Lion Goodman. The process in this book helps you find a vision that is in line with your life purpose and to the benefit of others. From this place, I envisioned how the studio would feel, what it would provide and how the core of the offerings would be from the heart. When I go

A lot of people use art as a means to deal with sadness, stress and trauma. Others use it to explore their inner talent and creative voice. While other forms of therapy rely on verbal language to express thoughts and feelings, art therapy uses art media as its primary mode of communication. Keep in mind, though, that you don’t have to be an artist to enjoy the benefits of art therapy because it is focused on the process of making art rather the final product. If you are curio

MBodied Art Studio is a special place where art takes on new meaning. Owned and operated by an art therapist, the vision of MBodied is to provide a safe space for personal reflection, community and healing. Art becomes a path for self-discovery, for pushing through boundaries and bonding with others. Within this vision, MBodied is proud to offer Art after Divorce, a free meetup group for parents and children of divorce. The studio will be a gathering place for parents and chi

Photographs, drawings, paintings, any of these can instantly warm up a space and transform it into a home. It’s time to liven up those empty walls and add color and life to your space. Here are some tips to help you fill your walls in a welcoming, homey way. Buy art that you love Follow your heart. It may sound cheesy, but it’s actually a great advice. The key to successfully investing in art lies in knowing what you want. Remember, the art is for you. So be sure to get somet

Art therapy can be beneficial for children, even at such a young age. As with most therapies, art therapy is also used to help improve a child’s emotional state or well-being. It is an effective way of working with kids who may be going through a difficult time. While kids may also benefit from traditional therapy, they often find it scary especially if it is done in a clinical setting. Art therapy provides kids an easier way to express themselves and be creative. Plus, it g

A personalized photo book is a great way to help your little ones remember the names and faces of the most important people in their lives. If you live a thousand miles from your family, it’s also a good idea to include grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins in the photo book. Aside from that, you can even use it to help your kids identify animals, shapes, colors and other things. Of course, you can do this the easy way and create one online. There are a lot of sites that c

A gift really is as good as its wrapping paper. But when it comes to giving gifts, there is one area where most of us are hesitant to splurge on - the gift wrapper. Oftentimes, you would choose the prettiest gift wrappers on the store, but it still doesn’t have that Martha Stuart touch that you’re looking for. Now, you can bid farewell to the typical wrapping paper and boring gift tags. These clever DIY gift wrap ideas are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, you ca

Every child is a prodigious Picasso. As a parent, you are likely to feel that every drawing, painting and macaroni collage is a masterpiece. You are so proud of your little artist that you want to showcase every artwork on the fridge. You are hesitant to toss any but your fridge is starting to get too cluttered. Here’s a system to help you save, sort and share your child’s masterpieces with family and friends. Create a photo book of your kid’s artwork If you have already coll

A lot of people believe that creativity is an inborn talent. But the truth is, creativity is more of a skill that can be harnessed. And you, as a parent, can help them develop this skill. By fostering your child’s creativity, you are helping him/her mature emotionally, mentally and socially. These ideas will provide them with an opportunity to explore their artistic side and even develop their analytic skills. Ditch the usual art materials While it is important to provide you

“I am so stressed out!” Most of you have probably uttered this phrase a number of times. While exercising, trying to focus on the positive and deep breathing exercises are all helpful in reducing stress, you might want to try something a bit different this year like art therapy. If you are about to stop reading this blog post thinking you don’t have a creative bone in your body, then we would like you to know that you don’t have to be an artist in order to embrace the benefit

...continued from The Origin of Tiger Woman After many months of contemplation, I was ready to change “mediocre woman” into “tiger woman”. Working with the shape of a human’s face and a tiger’s stripes, I added dark markings to her face and toned her skin orange. The marks felt definite and permanent; she would never be the same again. Once the marks were down it became easier to go along with the new identity. I gave her tiger-like eyes and kept her human nose and lips.

In the summer of 2012 I had just graduated with my Master’s in Art Therapy and could not find a job. 3 years of hard work, introspection and experientials to find that no one thought I was qualified to do the work. So I went to the art store, bought a large, beautiful blank canvas and went home to paint. I did not begin with a sketch or an idea, just yellow paint and movements that felt right. After awhile a face started to form and I went along with defining the features.