12.2 Therapeutic use of drawing media
12 min read•august 21, 2024
Drawing media in art therapy offers a diverse toolkit for creative expression and healing. From pencils to digital tools, each medium brings unique properties that can impact a client's emotional response and therapeutic journey.
Understanding these media allows art therapists to tailor interventions to individual needs. The choice between controlled pencils or expressive , familiar or sensory , can significantly influence the therapeutic process and outcomes for clients of all ages and backgrounds.
Types of drawing media
- Drawing media in art therapy encompasses a wide range of tools used for creative expression and therapeutic interventions
- The choice of media can significantly impact the client's experience, emotional response, and therapeutic outcomes
- Understanding the properties and effects of different drawing media allows art therapists to tailor interventions to individual client needs
Pencils vs markers
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- Pencils offer precise control and gradual shading capabilities
- Graphite pencils range in hardness (9H to 9B) affecting line darkness and texture
- Colored pencils provide blending options and layering effects
- Markers produce bold, vibrant lines with less control over pressure
- Water-based markers offer washable properties suitable for younger clients
- Alcohol-based markers provide rich color saturation and blending capabilities
- Pencils encourage deliberate, thoughtful expression while markers facilitate spontaneous, expressive work
Crayons and oil pastels
- Crayons offer a familiar, non-threatening medium for clients of all ages
- Wax-based crayons provide smooth application and layering possibilities
- Available in various sizes to accommodate different grip strengths and motor skills
- Oil blend rich color with a creamy texture for expressive mark-making
- Can be manipulated with fingers or tools for smudging and blending effects
- Offer a sensory experience through their soft, malleable consistency
- Both media allow for color mixing and layering techniques to explore emotions and experiences
Charcoal and chalk
- produces rich, dark lines and allows for dramatic shading and contrast
- Vine charcoal creates soft, easily erasable marks for initial sketching
- Compressed charcoal offers darker, more permanent lines for emphasis
- Chalk pastels provide a powdery texture and vibrant color options
- Can be blended easily with fingers or tools for smooth gradients
- Fixative sprays help preserve chalk drawings and prevent smudging
- Both media encourage expressive, gestural movements and can be used for large-scale drawings
Digital drawing tools
- Tablets and styluses offer a wide range of digital drawing capabilities
- Pressure-sensitive styluses mimic traditional drawing tools' responsiveness
- Layer functions allow for non-destructive editing and experimentation
- Drawing apps provide diverse brush options and effects
- Customizable brush settings simulate various traditional media textures
- Undo and redo functions reduce anxiety about making mistakes
- Digital tools can be particularly engaging for tech-savvy clients or those with physical limitations
Psychological effects of media
Color impact on emotions
- Colors evoke specific emotional responses and associations in clients
- Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) often stimulate energy and excitement
- Cool colors (blue, green, purple) typically promote calmness and relaxation
- Color intensity and saturation influence emotional arousal levels
- Bright, saturated colors may increase emotional intensity
- Muted or pastel tones can create a more subdued emotional atmosphere
- Personal and cultural associations with colors affect individual responses
- Red might symbolize love in one culture but danger in another
- Allowing clients to choose colors can provide insight into their emotional state
Texture and sensory experience
- Different drawing media offer varied tactile sensations
- Smooth surfaces (markers, colored pencils) may promote feelings of control
- Rough textures (charcoal, oil pastels) can encourage sensory exploration
- Sensory engagement during art-making activates multiple brain areas
- Enhances emotional processing and memory recall
- Can be particularly beneficial for clients with sensory processing issues
- Texture manipulation provides an outlet for non-verbal expression
- Pressing hard or soft with media can reflect emotional intensity
- Smudging or blending techniques may represent integration of experiences
Control vs fluidity
- Media characteristics influence the level of control clients experience
- Pencils and fine-tipped markers offer precise control for detailed work
- Watercolors and chalk pastels encourage more fluid, spontaneous expression
- The balance between control and fluidity affects therapeutic outcomes
- High control media may benefit clients seeking structure and containment
- Fluid media can facilitate emotional release and spontaneity
- Experimenting with different levels of control allows clients to:
- Explore comfort zones and challenge self-imposed limitations
- Develop flexibility in and problem-solving
Therapeutic applications
Self-expression through drawing
- Drawing provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions and experiences
- Allows clients to externalize internal thoughts and feelings
- Creates a tangible representation of abstract concepts or memories
- Encourages exploration of personal symbols and metaphors
- Clients develop their own visual language for self-expression
- Repeated symbols or themes can reveal underlying patterns or concerns
- Facilitates self-discovery and increased self-awareness
- The drawing process can uncover unconscious material
- Reflecting on completed artwork promotes insight and personal growth
Trauma processing with media
- Art-making offers a safe container for exploring traumatic experiences
- Allows gradual exposure to traumatic memories through
- Provides distance from overwhelming emotions through visual metaphors
- Different media properties support various stages of trauma processing
- Structured media (colored pencils) can help establish safety and control
- Fluid media (watercolors) may facilitate emotional release and integration
- Sequential art or comic-style drawings can help reconstruct trauma narratives
- Breaks down overwhelming experiences into manageable segments
- Allows for reorganization and reframing of traumatic events
Anxiety reduction techniques
- Repetitive drawing actions promote relaxation and mindfulness
- Mandala creation using various media encourages focused attention
- Zentangle patterns with fine-tipped markers induce a meditative state
- Color selection and application can influence anxiety levels
- Cool colors and gentle blending techniques may reduce physiological arousal
- Gradual transitions from chaotic to ordered compositions can mirror anxiety reduction
- Sensory-based drawing exercises ground clients in the present moment
- Texture rubbings with crayons engage tactile awareness
- Scribble drawings with eyes closed emphasize proprioceptive feedback
Client considerations
Age-appropriate media selection
- Developmental stages influence media suitability and effectiveness
- Young children benefit from large, easy-to-grip tools (chunky crayons, markers)
- Adolescents may prefer more sophisticated media (fine-tipped pens, digital tools)
- Safety considerations vary across age groups
- Non-toxic, washable materials are essential for young children
- Older adults may require adaptations for arthritic hands or vision impairments
- Media complexity should match cognitive and motor skill levels
- Simple coloring activities for early childhood or cognitively impaired clients
- Mixed media projects for adults to encourage experimentation and problem-solving
Physical limitations and adaptations
- Mobility issues require thoughtful media and tool modifications
- Adaptive grips or larger handles improve control for clients with limited dexterity
- Easels or tilted drawing surfaces accommodate wheelchair users
- Visual impairments necessitate tactile-focused media choices
- Textured drawing boards and raised line drawing kits enhance sensory feedback
- High-contrast media (black markers on white paper) benefit low vision clients
- Fatigue and endurance concerns influence session planning
- Lightweight materials reduce physical strain during extended art-making
- Alternating between fine motor and gross motor activities prevents overexertion
Cultural sensitivity in choices
- Media selection should respect cultural norms and preferences
- Some cultures may associate certain colors with specific meanings or taboos
- Traditional art forms may inform media choices (calligraphy brushes for East Asian clients)
- Consider the symbolic significance of materials in different cultures
- Natural materials (charcoal, clay) may hold spiritual importance for indigenous clients
- Synthetic materials might be preferred in more technologically-oriented societies
- Allow for client input in media selection to honor individual cultural backgrounds
- Offer a diverse range of materials to accommodate various cultural expressions
- Remain open to incorporating culturally-specific art materials when appropriate
Techniques for different diagnoses
Depression and mood disorders
- Color-based interventions to influence mood states
- Gradual introduction of vibrant colors to counter depressive symptoms
- Creating color wheels to explore and express emotional ranges
- Expressive mark-making to release pent-up emotions
- Large-scale gestural drawings with charcoal or pastels
- Scribble techniques with various pressures to externalize feelings
- Positive imagery development using mixed media
- Collage and drawing combinations to visualize hope and future goals
- Mandala creation focusing on balance and wholeness
Autism spectrum disorders
- Structured drawing activities to support routine and predictability
- Step-by-step drawing guides using clear, bold lines
- Template-based projects with opportunities for personalization
- Sensory-focused media exploration to address sensory processing needs
- Textured drawing surfaces (sandpaper, bubble wrap) with various media
- Scented markers or crayons to engage multiple senses
- Social skills development through collaborative drawing projects
- Turn-taking exercises with shared drawing implements
- Comic strip creation to practice perspective-taking and narrative skills
PTSD and trauma-related issues
- Containment techniques using structured media and formats
- Creating "safe containers" with colored pencils to symbolize coping resources
- Drawing series within defined borders to establish control and safety
- Gradual exposure through symbolic representation
- Using abstract shapes and colors to represent traumatic memories indirectly
- Progressive detailing of trauma narratives as tolerance increases
- Bilateral stimulation incorporation in drawing exercises
- Alternating hands while drawing to mimic EMDR techniques
- Creating mirrored images to engage both brain hemispheres
Integration with other modalities
Drawing with music therapy
- Synchronizing drawing movements with musical rhythms
- Using different media to represent various instruments or sounds
- Creating visual scores or graphic notations of musical pieces
- Emotional expression through color and line in response to music
- Exploring how different genres evoke unique visual responses
- Translating musical dynamics (crescendo, diminuendo) into visual elements
- Collaborative music-making and drawing experiences
- Group murals created in response to live or recorded music
- Turn-taking between musical improvisation and visual art-making
Movement and drawing exercises
- Incorporating gross motor movements into large-scale drawings
- Full-body gestures with charcoal or pastels on floor-mounted paper
- Dancing with ribbons dipped in paint to create fluid line drawings
- Mindful drawing practices combined with gentle stretching or yoga
- Breath-synchronized mark-making to promote relaxation
- Creating mandalas or labyrinths as walking meditation guides
- Exploring spatial awareness through movement-based drawing games
- "Simon Says" style directives for drawing specific shapes or lines
- Mirroring exercises where partners simultaneously draw each other's movements
Verbal therapy and artwork
- Using drawings as prompts for verbal processing and insight
- Creating visual timelines of life events to structure narrative therapy
- Developing personal symbols or metaphors to represent complex emotions
- Integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques with art-making
- Illustrating thought patterns or cognitive distortions
- Creating visual reminders of coping strategies or positive affirmations
- Enhancing communication through art-based dialogue
- "Visual conversations" where clients alternate adding to a shared drawing
- Using artwork to facilitate family or group discussions on specific themes
Assessment through drawing
Formal assessment tools
- Standardized drawing-based assessments provide structured evaluation
- House-Tree-Person (HTP) test assesses personality and cognitive functioning
- Kinetic Family Drawing (KFD) reveals family dynamics and relationships
- Scoring systems offer quantitative data for diagnosis and treatment planning
- Draw-A-Person (DAP) test uses point scales for developmental assessment
- Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) evaluates 14 specific artistic elements
- Projective drawing techniques uncover unconscious material
- Wartegg Drawing Completion Test explores personality through abstract stimuli
- Bridge Drawing Test assesses transitions and life changes symbolically
Informal observation techniques
- Process-oriented observations reveal client's approach to art-making
- Noting hesitations, erasures, or repeated elements during drawing
- Observing body language and verbal comments while creating artwork
- Content analysis of completed drawings provides qualitative insights
- Identifying recurring themes, symbols, or color choices across sessions
- Examining spatial relationships and proportions within compositions
- Comparative analysis tracks changes in client's artwork over time
- Documenting shifts in media preferences or drawing styles
- Noting evolving complexity or emotional expression in sequential pieces
Interpreting client artwork
- Collaborative meaning-making engages clients in the interpretation process
- Asking open-ended questions about specific elements or overall impressions
- Encouraging clients to title their artwork and explain their choices
- Contextualizing artwork within the client's personal and cultural background
- Considering individual symbolism and cultural significance of imagery
- Relating drawn content to client's presenting issues and life circumstances
- Balancing objective formal analysis with subjective emotional responses
- Examining line quality, color use, and composition for technical information
- Exploring therapist's and client's emotional reactions to the artwork
Ethical considerations
Confidentiality and artwork
- Maintaining client privacy in the creation and storage of artwork
- Ensuring private workspace for art-making during sessions
- Obtaining informed consent for any display or reproduction of client art
- Balancing documentation needs with confidentiality concerns
- Using secure digital storage systems for photographed artwork
- Developing protocols for de-identifying artwork in clinical records
- Addressing confidentiality in group art therapy settings
- Establishing clear guidelines for sharing and discussing artwork within groups
- Implementing strategies to protect individual privacy in collaborative projects
Storage and disposal of drawings
- Developing secure storage systems for physical artwork
- Using locked cabinets or dedicated art storage rooms with restricted access
- Implementing a cataloging system to track and retrieve client artwork easily
- Establishing clear policies for artwork retention and disposal
- Defining retention periods based on legal requirements and clinical needs
- Creating protocols for safe, confidential destruction of artwork when necessary
- Addressing ownership and return of artwork to clients
- Clarifying artwork ownership policies in informed consent documents
- Developing procedures for returning or transferring artwork upon termination
Boundaries in art-making process
- Maintaining appropriate therapeutic boundaries during creative activities
- Avoiding excessive personal disclosure through the therapist's own art-making
- Establishing clear guidelines for physical touch when assisting with art techniques
- Respecting client autonomy in the creative process
- Balancing directive interventions with client-led exploration
- Avoiding imposing personal aesthetic preferences on client artwork
- Addressing potential dual relationships in art-based communities
- Establishing clear boundaries between therapeutic and social art-making contexts
- Developing policies for exhibiting or selling client artwork ethically
Group vs individual settings
Collaborative drawing projects
- Designing group art activities to foster cooperation and communication
- Creating group murals to explore shared themes or goals
- Implementing exquisite corpse drawing games to encourage turn-taking
- Facilitating interpersonal learning through shared art-making experiences
- Observing and discussing different approaches to the same drawing prompt
- Exploring group dynamics through role assignments in collaborative projects
- Addressing challenges in group art-making processes
- Managing conflicts over shared materials or space
- Developing strategies for including diverse skill levels and preferences
Sharing artwork in groups
- Establishing a safe, supportive environment for artwork sharing
- Implementing clear guidelines for respectful feedback and discussion
- Offering options for anonymous or partial sharing to respect comfort levels
- Utilizing structured sharing formats to enhance therapeutic benefits
- Incorporating pair-share activities before full group discussions
- Using gallery walk techniques to allow quiet reflection on multiple artworks
- Addressing potential triggers or conflicts during artwork sharing
- Preparing clients for emotional responses to others' artwork
- Developing strategies for containing and processing intense reactions
Individual expression techniques
- Tailoring drawing interventions to address specific individual needs
- Designing personalized art directives based on treatment goals
- Adapting media and techniques to suit individual preferences and abilities
- Encouraging self-reflection and insight through individual art-making
- Implementing visual journaling techniques for ongoing self-exploration
- Using series work to track personal growth and change over time
- Balancing structure and freedom in individual art therapy sessions
- Offering choice within defined parameters to support therapeutic focus
- Gradually increasing complexity of drawing tasks as client progresses
Art therapy room setup
Organization of drawing supplies
- Implementing efficient storage systems for various drawing media
- Using clear, labeled containers for easy identification of materials
- Organizing supplies by type, color, or frequency of use for quick access
- Creating designated areas for different drawing activities
- Setting up separate stations for wet and dry media to prevent contamination
- Establishing a cleaning area with appropriate materials for each medium
- Ensuring accessibility and safety in supply arrangement
- Placing frequently used items at easily reachable heights
- Storing potentially hazardous materials (fixatives, sharp tools) securely
Creating a safe drawing space
- Designing the physical environment to promote psychological safety
- Using calming colors and natural lighting to reduce anxiety
- Incorporating soundproofing elements to ensure privacy and reduce distractions
- Arranging furniture to accommodate various drawing positions and group sizes
- Providing adjustable easels and drawing boards for different working angles
- Ensuring adequate space between workstations in group settings
- Implementing health and safety measures for art-making activities
- Installing proper ventilation systems for use with odorous materials
- Providing personal protective equipment (smocks, gloves) as needed
Accessibility considerations
- Adapting the art therapy space for clients with diverse needs
- Installing ramps or wider doorways for wheelchair accessibility
- Using adjustable-height tables to accommodate different mobility levels
- Incorporating assistive technologies and adaptive tools
- Providing magnifying devices or task lighting for visually impaired clients
- Offering a range of adaptive grips and extended-reach tools
- Ensuring clear navigation and organization for all clients
- Using high-contrast labels and tactile markers for supply identification
- Creating visual schedules or guides for session structure and material use
Key Terms to Review (23)
Art assessment tools: Art assessment tools are methods and instruments used to evaluate an individual’s emotional, cognitive, and social functioning through their artistic expression. These tools facilitate the understanding of clients’ feelings, thoughts, and behaviors by analyzing their artwork, which can be particularly beneficial in therapeutic settings. Through various drawing media, therapists can gain insights into a client's inner world, helping to inform treatment strategies and measure progress.
Artistic development: Artistic development refers to the progressive evolution of an individual's creative skills, expression, and understanding of art over time. This process often involves mastering various techniques, exploring different mediums, and developing a personal style or voice. It is influenced by individual experiences, education, and practice, making it a vital aspect of the therapeutic use of drawing media.
Case Studies: Case studies are in-depth investigations of individual instances or cases within a specific context, often used to explore complex phenomena and gather detailed qualitative data. They are particularly valuable in settings like medical art therapy, where unique patient experiences and therapeutic processes can provide insights into the effectiveness of interventions. By examining specific situations, researchers can understand the nuances of art therapy applications in various populations, including trauma survivors and those in addiction recovery.
Charcoal: Charcoal is a form of carbon produced by burning organic material in the absence of oxygen, resulting in a soft and versatile drawing medium. Its rich, dark tones and ability to create both fine lines and broad strokes make it popular in artistic expression, particularly in therapeutic settings where it can facilitate emotional exploration and communication.
Contour Drawing: Contour drawing is a technique used in art that emphasizes the outline and essential features of a subject, capturing its form without focusing on details or shading. This method encourages artists to observe closely and translate their observations into lines, resulting in an expressive representation that reveals the subject's characteristics and essence. It is particularly effective in therapeutic contexts, as it promotes mindfulness and allows individuals to express emotions through visual means.
Crayons: Crayons are colored sticks made of wax, chalk, or a similar substance used for drawing and coloring. They are a popular medium for both children and adults, allowing for creative expression and fine motor skill development. Crayons are known for their vibrant colors and ease of use, making them an essential tool in therapeutic settings to help individuals express emotions and thoughts visually.
Digital drawing tools: Digital drawing tools are software or hardware devices that allow artists to create illustrations and designs using digital technology. These tools provide a range of features that mimic traditional drawing techniques while offering unique capabilities such as layering, undo options, and a vast array of colors and brushes. Their use in therapeutic settings can enhance the creative process, making art more accessible and versatile for both artists and clients.
Draw and tell technique: The draw and tell technique is a therapeutic method that combines drawing and storytelling to facilitate communication and expression, particularly in children. By allowing individuals to create a visual representation of their thoughts or experiences, this approach helps to uncover emotions and narratives that might be difficult to articulate verbally. It is often used in art therapy to promote self-exploration, enhance understanding of personal experiences, and foster emotional healing.
Edith Kramer: Edith Kramer was a pioneering figure in art therapy, known for integrating artistic expression with therapeutic practice. Her work emphasized the healing power of art and its ability to facilitate personal growth and emotional healing, making significant contributions to the development of art therapy as a recognized profession.
Emotional Expression: Emotional expression refers to the ways individuals communicate their feelings and emotions, often through verbal, non-verbal, or artistic means. This concept is crucial in various therapeutic settings, as it allows clients to convey their inner experiences and process feelings that may be difficult to articulate.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Enhanced emotional regulation refers to the ability to effectively manage and respond to emotional experiences in a healthy manner. This concept involves improving one's capacity to control emotional responses, leading to better coping mechanisms and overall mental well-being. In therapeutic settings, particularly those utilizing drawing media, enhanced emotional regulation can be developed through creative expression that helps individuals process feelings and experiences.
Gesture drawing: Gesture drawing is a quick, expressive way of sketching that captures the essence and movement of a subject. It focuses on the overall form and action rather than fine details, allowing artists to convey dynamic poses and emotions in a short amount of time. This technique is especially useful in therapeutic settings, as it encourages spontaneity and self-expression, helping individuals connect with their feelings and experiences through art.
Humanistic approach: The humanistic approach is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the individual's inherent capacity for self-actualization, personal growth, and the importance of subjective experiences. It focuses on understanding individuals in a holistic manner, considering their feelings, thoughts, and relationships, and is central to many therapeutic practices, including art therapy.
Increased self-esteem: Increased self-esteem refers to a positive change in an individual's perception of their own worth and abilities, often leading to greater confidence and a more optimistic outlook on life. This concept is important in various therapeutic settings, as it can empower individuals to engage more fully in their personal development and social interactions, fostering a sense of belonging and accomplishment.
Markers: Markers are versatile drawing tools that use a felt tip or porous point to deliver vibrant color and ink to a surface. They come in various types, including permanent, non-permanent, and specialty markers, allowing for diverse applications in art and therapy. Their bold colors and ease of use make them particularly effective for expression and creativity, making them a staple in activities that promote self-discovery and emotional processing.
Oil pastels: Oil pastels are a drawing medium made from pigment mixed with a non-drying oil and wax, allowing for vibrant colors and smooth application. They are known for their blendability and versatility, making them a popular choice in various art forms, including therapeutic settings. Their unique texture can create both bold strokes and subtle shading, which can be particularly beneficial for self-expression in art therapy.
Pastels: Pastels are a medium used in art that consists of powdered pigment mixed with a binder, typically forming sticks. They offer vibrant colors and a soft, blendable texture, making them a popular choice for creating both detailed and expressive artworks. Their unique characteristics allow for diverse applications in various artistic practices, particularly in therapeutic settings.
Pencil: A pencil is a writing and drawing tool that consists of a slender rod of graphite encased in wood or plastic, allowing for controlled marks on a surface. It serves as a versatile medium in artistic expression, offering various degrees of hardness and darkness that contribute to the richness of drawn images and the therapeutic experience in art therapy.
Psychodynamic theory: Psychodynamic theory is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the influence of unconscious processes and early life experiences on behavior and emotional well-being. It connects to various therapeutic practices by exploring how unresolved conflicts and repressed emotions manifest in art, allowing for deeper insight into a client's psyche and promoting healing.
Qualitative analysis: Qualitative analysis is a research method focused on understanding and interpreting the meaning behind human experiences and behaviors, often using non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and artistic expressions. This approach is essential in various therapeutic practices to explore clients' feelings, thoughts, and personal narratives, allowing for a deeper understanding of their emotional and psychological states.
Shaun McNiff: Shaun McNiff is a prominent figure in the field of art therapy, known for his contributions to the understanding and practice of integrating creativity with healing. He has emphasized the importance of art as a means of self-expression and has advocated for a deeper exploration of the relationship between artistic processes and therapeutic outcomes. His work connects with various aspects of art therapy, highlighting the interplay between creative expression and psychological well-being.
Symbolic Representation: Symbolic representation refers to the use of symbols, images, or drawings to convey ideas, emotions, or concepts that may not be easily expressed through words. This concept is crucial in various therapeutic practices as it enables individuals to communicate their inner experiences and feelings non-verbally, facilitating deeper understanding and connection in the therapeutic process.
Visual narrative: A visual narrative is a story told primarily through visual means, often using images, symbols, or other artistic expressions to convey ideas and emotions. This type of storytelling transcends language barriers and can foster understanding across diverse cultures, while also serving therapeutic purposes in art-making processes.