What happens during a process painting workshop?

There is a short opening circle where people introduce themselves and the facilitator explains the basic rules for process painting. Then everyone goes into the painting room, puts on an apron, puts paint on a palette, picks out some brushes, pins up a sheet of paper and starts to paint. While you are painting, the facilitator will check in to see how things are going. After two + hours of painting, it is time to clean up and then share what you want about the experience in the closing circle.

Two + hours sound like a long time to be painting.

Most people find that one thing leads to the next in the painting so time passes quickly. If you get bored or stuck, it often means that you are either painting something that your judgement wants but your subconscious doesn't care about or you are avoiding something that your subconscious wants. The facilitator can help you figure this out. And if you do need a break, you are encouraged to take care of yourself and step out of the painting room if needed.

What are the basic rules?

1. Don't comment on other people's paintings
2. Be considerate of other painters. Don't chit-chat in the painting room. 
All of the rest of the "rules" are really just suggestions to help you get the most out of your painting experience. Read more here.

What should I paint?

Anything you want! Just keep checking in with yourself and be ready to let things change and develop over time. If you don't know what to paint, just pick a color, paint a line and see what wants to come next. If you still aren't sure, check in with the facilitator.

I don't know how to paint; I paint like a pre-schooler

That's perfect! Paint like a three-year-old and see what happens. Some people discover feelings of playfulness, freedom and joy. Others find it an opportunity to confront their inner critic, finding out what it is like to paint "badly" when no one else cares. Check out the gallery to get a sense of how very different painting styles each serve to express something of a painter's inner experience. Your painting won't look like any of the examples - it will be uniquely you.