Painting Gives Me a High and an Escape from Depression

 

I have suffered from depression for most of my adult life. I have a very supportive, healthy, and loving family and there is no reason to feel depressed, in my life, but it's there. Ever present and insidious, if not controlled.  I've never been on medication for it nor would I consider it although I know it's the only alternative for many.  

 

 

 

It might sound lame or simplistic but when I wake up in the morning, I make a deliberate choice, by telling myself,  to "be happy today".  It's always a struggle.  One might go throughout the day, busy, doing a million things at once and out of nowhere, depression creeps in!

 

 

One other thing that I do to ward it off, is create art.  I paint pictures of landscapes, still life, or portraits.   I stop my thought process, and focus on the painting itself.  The sheer process and concentration required for painting is the ultimate "high" for me! As I paint, I'm praying (sounds silly, but true) that someone will find some measure of joy in that which I'm painting.  The themes of Cuba, (either the landscapes or still lifes) that I love to paint bring back many wonderful memories, for me and many of my collectors.  Each painting that I make has a calming, positive influence.

 

 

I'm mostly a self-taught artist and I've only been doing this for six years, so I find that there is still a lot to learn.  One of the things that I've been focusing on lately is on becoming a better portrait painter.  So, right now, I'm offering Practice Portraits.  This is a free 5x7 oil painting (only $5.00 for shipping and handling) of a head shot (from the shoulders, up) of you or someone you love. You can go to my blog and check it out here at  http://artbymsr.blogspot.com.  Or you can email me, [email protected],  for more information.

 

Thanks!  cariños,  Maria Soto Robbins

Comments

[Linda Reynolds]

Very touching and inspiring article by msr. I enjoyed reading it and am delighted by her art regularly as part of the Unique Women in Business on Etsy.

[Tammy]

I love Maria's art! It's colorful and warm!

Tammy Dishner, Eclectic Paintings

[Karyna]

Your art, colors and subject matter is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing! (And those practice portraits are such a great idea!)

[SewDanish]

I'm the very happy owner of one of Maria' beautiful mini paintings, an ACEO. Please check her art work, it is just beautiful!
And on a different note, I totally admire Maria' will power, coming though in this great interview.
Good for you!!
Birgitte

[Capecodjewel]

Maria, you are an amazingly talented artist! I feel the joy in your paintings... I'm especially drawn to your flowers - they are so juicy and vibrant. :)

I am also glad that you can fight your depression with your art. You have a great spirit.

[maria]

Thank you, Kathy & Barb, for the opportunity to post about my art in your wonderful blog. And thanks to all my friends from UWIB who took the time to leave wonderful comments! I appreciate you guys so much!
cariños,
Maria Soto Robbins
http://artbymsr.blogspot.com

[Robin Maria Pedrero]

Keep painting!!! Great post. Very honest and touching, so helpful. Your work is wonderful.

[Bridget]

Great interview. I love Maria's work and I often check her website to see her vibrant and gorgeous art.

[Audrey]

Maria, Thank you for being so open and honest about sopmething so many battle with and try to keep hidden. You are an amazing talent, perhaps it is the "medication" God gave to lift you up.
AudreyGardenLady

[Balance from Within]

Maria -love your honesty and sharing a part of who you are behind your work!

[Jennifer Maroney]

Maria, beautiful artwork and thank you for sharing!

[Uggs Clearance]

We've run it by the authorities and yes, the rrrrrrr is a Northern thing.

[North Face Jackets]

So fun article is! I agree the idea!