Kevin Sheldon

LEI 4724
Activity 18
Activity Title: Inspirational abstract painting
Source: Buchanan, M. (n.d.). Painting with Music. Retrieved October 17, 2015
Equipment: Canvas, paint (watercolors, acrylic, tempura), paintbrush, apron
Description of Activity: In this activity, the participants engage in expressive art. Upon a short
discussion about inspiration, influence, and music, the participants will be asked to listen to
several different clips of music genres as they paint abstract artwork. The idea of this activity is
to see how people can be inspired with various types of music. Upon completion of the artwork,
the activity will conclude with a discussion talking about how each felt with the different genres
and how it affected their artwork.
Leadership considerations: This activity works better in smaller to middle size groups (between
2-15 participants). With this activity, it is important to create a secluded, blank atmosphere. The
idea behind this is to decrease any outside variables that could influence or trigger a participants
artwork; the less distractions/ influences the better. The only influence each participant will
receive is strictly from the music given. Also, it is best to have the participants take a few
seconds before and during the painting portion so they can truly absorb any emotions or
inspirations that may occur. I found that it is beneficial to have the lights off (minimal light)
during this activity as well since it helps to soften the mood and adds to the secluded atmosphere
the therapist aims to obtain. As the therapist, it is encouraged to remind the participants to try and
keep the paintings abstract and refrain from solid, concrete ideas; let the paint brush flow with
the music. In the discussion portion, the therapist will facilitate the topic and probe the
conversation (how did you feel with each genre? Why did you choose the colors you chose?
What do you think the painting looks like?).
Adaptations:
Clients with depression: Music is a great tool to bridge and express the way we may feel.
Encouraging the clients to engage and pay attention to these feelings is great and could improve
their self-awareness. Adding this portion to the discussion is a great way to set the tone and mood
of this activity; encouraging and explaining to the participants that all our feelings are normal
and learning how we manage those feelings is critical. A great addition to this activity is to also
pay close attention to the colors and music presented to the participant. For example, refrain
from using darker colors and lower tempo, heavy-set music. Music has a strong impression on
everyone and keeping an upbeat classroom is sure to encourage a healthy environment for
participants with depression.
Clients with CP: Most times, people with cerebral palsy may have difficulty with their fine motor
skills; it is typical that they are spastic in motion and find it difficult to grasp objects. Two great
adaptations for this activity include using a modified brush (with a wider handle to make it easier

to grasp) or possibly throwing out the brush entirely and replacing the brush with finger painting.
Finger painting is a great alternative and in my own experience I have found great success with
it.