Awakened Spring Tree - Part 3 

Finish Your Tree & Free Your Feelings with Gold Paint

A mindful art project with golden watercolours and a message for your soul

Add Calm to Your Canvas with Gold Watercolours

Welcome to Part 3 of the Awakened Spring Tree art series! In this final step, we add luminous details with gold watercolours, followed by fine black ink outlines to highlight the tree’s beauty. It’s a peaceful, meditative way to finish your project—perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike.

Painting in one colour, especially gold, and focusing on gentle line work can be deeply relaxing. It becomes a form of creative mindfulness, drawing you into the moment and quieting the mind.

A Personal Reflection: How Art Helped Me Heal

During the video, I also share something more personal—my own wellness journey.

As women, many of us have been raised to keep our pain, anger, sadness, and grief beneath the surface. We're taught to “stay strong,” push through, and hide anything that might seem messy or vulnerable.

For years, I was a Type-A, workaholic teacher in the public school system. I pushed myself constantly. I held everything in. Until life—and illness—forced me to stop.

When the Body Says No – A Life-Changing Book

During my cancer journey, I found the book “When the Body Says No” by Dr. Gabor Maté. It opened my eyes to how our suppressed emotions affect our health, and how vital it is to express, release, and feel.

That book marked a turning point for me. I realized that healing wasn't just physical—it was emotional and spiritual, too.

Enter the Visual Diary Journal (VDJ)

I began creating what I now call the Visual Diary Journal (VDJ). Through simple art, intuitive mark-making, and writing, I started to express my feelings. I gave myself permission to stop doing and start being.

VDJ allowed me to get thoughts out of my head and emotions out of my heart—onto the page where they could be seen, held, and healed.

And slowly, I began to play. I rested. I reconnected with my true self.

VDJ literally saved my life.

Mindful Art Is for You, Too

This project—adding gold watercolour to your Awakened Spring Tree—isn’t just about finishing a painting. It’s about making space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect. It's about choosing rest and beauty, even for just a few moments.

Whether you're a busy mom, a caregiver, a professional, or someone simply needing a break—this time is for you.

Try It Yourself: Supplies & Substitutes

Here’s what I used in this final video:

🎨 Supplies Used:

• Strathmore 500 Series Mixed Media Visual Journal (5.5"x8")

• Fine-Tec Pearl Colors (Gold Watercolour)

• Waterproof black ink pens or black fine-liner

🖌️ No gold watercolours? Try these instead:

• Metallic gel pens

• Gold acrylic paint

• Gold markers

• Watercolour pencils or gouache

Creative Mindfulness for Busy Women

This project is part of my #ArtHeals and #MoreArtLessStress philosophy—helping busy women slow down, create, and breathe.

Let this golden moment be one where you tend to your heart, not just your to-do list.

Watch the Video & Join Me

▶ Awakened Spring Tree - Part 3

Follow along as I walk you through every step—and open up about a truth that changed my life.

With golden light and creative joy,
Barbara Lynn Burns
Art & Soul Insider
Helping women de-stress, express, and reconnect through art & wellness.