Doors. When you stop and think about it, for much of our days, we are surrounded by doors, gates, entrances and exits.
Especially with lockdown. We’ve been spending a ton of time behind closed doors; we might take delight closing a door to our room to snatch some alone time or we might love the sound of opening the front door to escape for a run or walk in the sunshine.
“…doors and openings provide the transition point to change” – gorgeous words I found in this beautiful article on the symbolism of doors.
So as we spend a little longer in lockdown, surrounded by doors, let’s consider a new way to look at the doors inside of, and outside our homes and all the potential that can be behind a closed door.
This week, I wanted to create something quick, simple, but FUN based on doors.
Mindful moments with doors uses imagination and our new gained appreciation of doors.
Before you start, consider for inspiration:
- Doors that make you stop and say ‘wow’
- Take a moment of stillness, close your eyes – what’s the door you see?
- What colour is it? Is it exotic from a far-away place you’d like to visit? Or is it the door that leads to the safety and comfort of your own home?
- What’s behind the door…adventure? a friend? something you wish for?
- Consider what you want around it – a winding path? cobblestones? more doors??
And if you want to add in some extra mindfulness this week, try this tip suggested using doors to connect into the present:
“Every time you pass through a door, direct your attention to the present for a moment. Leaving your home, getting in and out of your car…visiting a friend, and returning home. There are doors everywhere reminding you to pay attention to your world and connect with life.”
The Symbolism of Doors (psychologycentre.co.nz)
What you’ll need:
Material: Paper – any size.
Medium: Watercolour and felt tip pen to outline.
Technique: Imagination and inspiration for a quick, easy creation.
Set-up:
Grab some images of doors from magazines or online for visual inspiration. Scatter your paints about and go for it!
Step 1: Sketch your door so you are happy with the dimensions/ position
Step 2: Add in detail on the door – handle/ panels/ any glass
Step 3: Sketch what’s around your door
Step 4: Add paint. Consider what is behind your door – can you show a glimpse of this? (eg. I imagined brilliant streaming light behind my door – reflecting the light and potential inside all of us – so I wanted to paint in that glow).
Step 5: Use a felt tip black pen to outline where needed.
May you never look at a door the same way again :) Happy painting.