Awakened Spring Tree Part 2: Mindful Art for Beginners

Are you a beginner artist or a busy woman looking for a creative outlet to reduce stress? You're in the right place. In this post, we're diving into Part 2 of the Awakened Spring Tree — a vibrant, mindful art project that helps you slow down, stay present, and connect with your inner calm.

This video is part of my Art & Soul Insider YouTube channel, where I blend over 25 years of experience as an Art Teacher and Well-being Practitioner to help you create more art and less stress.

🎥 What We Did in Part 2

In this video, we built upon the sketch created in Part 1 by painting the negative space — specifically the sky and grass — using bright, vibrant colours.

We focused on:

• Painting with intention, using bold, joyful colour choices

• Understanding how paper warping affects your artwork: I shared how the mixed media paper I used created unique texture patterns — with colour pooling in the dips and thinning on the raised areas

• Why purple is a tricky colour (and how to mix it effectively)

• Using the tip of your brush to add finer details and control

• Talking kindly to yourself and connecting with your Inner Child

🧠 Why This Project Matters

This isn’t just about painting a tree — it’s about creating space for yourself. When we create art slowly and mindfully, we're practicing presence. And in a busy world filled with distractions and stress, that matters.

Through the act of painting, you're:

• Cultivating self-kindness

• Building creative confidence

• Practicing mindfulness

• Learning real art techniques from an experienced educator

📓 Materials Used

• Strathmore Visual Journal (Mixed Media, 5.5"x8", 190g/m²)

• Watercolour or gouache paints (bright palette)

• Brushes (round tip for detail work)

• Painter’s tape to create a clean border

📝 Tip: Taping your borders helps create a crisp, framed look — and makes your finished piece feel polished!

⏭️ What’s Coming Next (Part 3)

In the next and final part of the Awakened Spring Tree series, we’ll be adding gold painted lines and finishing details with black ink pen. These final touches will bring depth, contrast, and a beautiful shimmer to your piece.

🎨 Ready to Paint with Me?

If you’re looking for a step-by-step project that combines real art instruction with mindfulness and wellness, hit play on Awakened Spring Tree – Part 2 and paint along with me.

🌿✨ Let’s create more art and less stress — together.

👉 Watch Part 2 now: Awakened Spring Tree - Part 2
👉 Catch up on Part 1 here: Part 1
👉 Subscribe to my channel: Art & Soul Insider with Barbara Lynn Burns YouTube channel