Expressive Drawing Exercises

Hey there, I am glad you are here.

My name is Danielle Festa, Executive Director of The Aplomb Project and our mission is all about creating a safe space for trauma survivors to experience the healing power of art. Below are a few drawing exercises that you may find helpful in exploring some expressive art techniques*. You do not have to be an artist or an expert - just be you.

Start off by taking a few deep breaths.

• Mountain range breathing: Turn your paper horizontally and slowly draw a line across the center of the page. While breathing in, draw up from your line at an angle to make one side of the mountain crest. Breath out and draw a line back down to the middle line. Keep adding a mountain with each in/out breath. They can be big or small. If you feel inspired to do so, try adding color or detail. Maybe the line is a lake and you want to make a reflection underneath. Are they snow-capped, green or maybe fall colored?

• Spirit Animals: Have you ever thought about which animal you relate to when you feel like your most authentic self? Try drawing that animal, the footprints it might leave or space it might inhabit.
• Gratitude drawing: Identify 5 things that you are grateful for and either draw a representation of each or shapes and colors that come up when you think of them.
• Draw your tree of strength:
  When challenges come, what makes you feel grounded? Draw a line across your paper to divide it in half. Add a tree on top of the line. Maybe swirl in some wind or draw rain and label challenges in your life. Under the line draw roots coming down. Label each root with someone or something that makes you feel stronger.
• Box breathing blocks: Try this with your eyes open or closed. With a drawing tool in your hand, take a 4 second breath in while you draw a line in any direction, hold for 4 seconds while drawing the next line at 90 degrees, breathe out while drawing another line at 90 degrees and hold for 4 seconds while drawing the last line at 90 degrees. You may have made a box, but if they don’t connect that is ok too. Move to another spot and repeat, maybe they overlap or stack on top of each other. Continue as long as you like. When you are done with lines, you might choose to shade in shapes or embellish with patterns.

*While The Aplomb Project presents these mindfulness exercises that can be done on your own, we also emphasize the importance of certified therapists. If you or someone you know is seeking additional support, please find a list of resources here.

More than a collection of art and poetry, "The Portrait Project" highlights the inspiring resilience and courage of trauma survivors in the form of contemporary oil paintings, accompanying stories and powerful poetry.

All proceeds go towards supporting The Aplomb Project's mission.

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The Aplomb Project is a 501(c)3 organization that uses the transformative power of art to uplift trauma survivors, promotes creative healing and presents inclusive artistic opportunities.

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If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and are looking for support, here are some reputable organzations that are available to help.