Painting with Leah Guzman video is at this link: Lotus Painting Video
Hello!
I’m excited to guide you on this journey to tap into peace through painting. Here is a step-by-step guide to the project. Be sure to watch the video. Enjoy!
“The best use of imagination is creativity. The worst use of imagination is anxiety.” ~ Deepak Chopra
I look forward to seeing your creation.
All my best,
Leah
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
I’ve been reading Deepak’s books and meditating with his teachings for over a decade. They have truly impacted my life and art in a positive way. The meditation practice started as a way to calm my own anxiety and then turned into a necessity when beginning my art practice. This class infuses a meditation, then painting symbols that represent Deepak’s vision of an enlightened world. The experience is designed to tap into the feelings of peace, open your heart, and gift yourself compassion.
We will be using symbols associated with Deepak Chopra and his teachings. The lotus symbol represents enlightenment and sacred geometry symbol, Flower of Life, signifies interconnectedness. We will also discuss the Golden Rule and how it infuses into the art piece to bring harmony.
MATERIALS:
- Canvas or Wood 10” x 10”
- BASICS Acrylic Paint: Cadmium Red, Phthalo Blue, Cadmium Yellow, Bright Aqua Green, White, Black
- Brushes
- Paint palette
- Water Container
- Pencil
- Oil Crayon
- Stencil (Flower of Life or create your own)
- Glue Stick
- Gold Foil
- Exacto knife (for stencil)
- Tracing paper (for stencil)
- Heavy paper or folder (for stencil)
STEP 1
Meditation
Take your time and settle down in a seated position. This is an opportunity to calm your mind and get grounded in order to paint with peace. Here is the breathing exercise.
- Breathe in on a count of 4
- Hold for a count of 4
- Release on a count of 6
- Repeat 4 times
- Place your hands on your heart
- What is your intention for painting today?
STEP 2
Gather supplies
A complete list of materials is listed above.
STEP 3
Mix Colors
Mix Colors
- Phthalo Blue with some white and black
- Phthalo Blue with some white
- Cadmium Orange with some white (or red with yellow and white)
- Bright Aqua Green with some white
STEP 4
Create background
Create the background by playfully painting a single color around the canvas. I purposely left the top part blank for the white paint. Once I added the colorful bottom of the canvas I painted the top part white. Allow the paint to dry.
STEP 5
Make Stencil
Use the image provided as a template for stencil creation. You can print it out and cut out shapes with exacto knife making an image that looks the one above. If you cut on copy paper it will only last for about one use. If you transfer image to a heavier paper (cardstock or folder) it will be used on many occasions. If you don’t have a printer you can easily trace the image directly from the computer screen using coping paper. You can also order directly online. I got mine from Amazon.
STEP 6
Draw Out lotuses
Draw out lotus flowers with pencil first in order to get the correct size of each. You can erase the flowers if you do not like placement or size. Once you find the size you like then use black oil crayon to trace the flowers.
STEP 7
Paint the lotus flowers
Use the white paint to block in the lotus flower. You can add the leftover blue, greens and oranges as shadows and highlights. I like to use the blues as the shadows and the orange on the tips.
STEP 8
Add the Flower of Life Stencil
Place the stencil in the sweet part of the Golden ratio. Where the spiral will start. Use a brush to press the paint on the stencil. I like to be sure to touch the corners in the stencil to give it a cleaner look.
STEP 9
Add the Gold Leaf
Use the glue stick, add glue to desired areas of where you want the gold to be placed. Place the gold leaf on top of the glue. Use a dry brush to release any extra gold leaf.
STEP 10
Final Touches
For finishing up the painting I like to playfully add and take away color around the canvas. I like to keep the flow the resembling the Golden Ratio pattern of the swirl.
STEP 11
Hang your Art
Congratulations!!! You completed your painting. Hang for display in your meditation corner or somewhere as a reminder to keep the peace within.
Images for Resources:
