DAY 18: FANCY A CUP OF TEA?

Welcome to Day 18 of the Painting Challenge!

Have I told you that you’re brave? When you bravely follow my guidance in this Painting Challenge, invite more colorful joy into your life, and share your beautiful creations, it can stir up some big feelings and resistance. You’re continuing to be courageous instead of falling back into old ways. That’s why today I want to honor your feelings and return to a place of inner calm and meditative joy.

I take comfort in drinking hot tea. There’s a long history of tea as a meditative practice. According to Peace Awareness*, Zen monks as far back as the 12th century would drink tea not only to remain awake during meditation but to heightened their awareness and open their hearts.

I painted this teacup and saucer for an online auction many moons ago and I still really enjoy the simplicity of the layout, and the intricate decorations. It reminds me of the meditative joy I feel when I drink tea early in the morning, with friends or together with toast as comfort food. If you’re not a tea drinker, imagine you’re about to fill this with a hot cup of coffee, or why not cold elderflower tea?

Note: if you are feeling extra courageous today, feel free to paint your favorite tea cup or coffee mug.

The Painting Practice

Remember to turn off your phone notifications before you start.

  1. Sketch a rectangle measuring 4×5 or 8×10 inches on your paper.
  2. While looking at your reference photo as your inspiration, do a simple outline of the teacup and saucer on your paper. Note that my saucer and cup aren’t perfectly round because of the perspective, and even that isn’t perfect. Drop the perfection and invite play for this session. This is a delightful painting because of how it speaks to you.
    • Note where you want the bottom of the cup to be. Then draw the body of the cup , the top edge and then the ear.
    • Now move on to the saucer.
  3. Choose your colors: While I painted poppies on this tea set, decorate how ever you want it, or leave the decoration and simply paint the various hues of the white porcelain.
  4. Grab some water and your brushes, and don’t forget a towel to clean off your wet brush.
  5. Now, set a gentle timer and paint for 20 minutes for some meditative joy and playful painting.
  6. Sign your painting to bring your intention out there that you want more colorful joy in your life, and maybe more cups of tea?

SHARE YOUR CREATION:

Take a photo of today’s painting and share it with your community. I’d love to celebrate your progress with you.

As you share, I’d love to hear:

  • How did it feel to paint today’s teacup and saucer?
  • Did this painting bring a little comfort or calm to your day?
  • Is there a favorite cup, mug, or little ritual that brings you comfort?

If you feel inspired to continue painting beyond 20 minutes, please do. I’d love to hear about that, too.