There’s a magical moment that happens when painting, a moment when it feels like time slips away.
You’re no longer thinking about what’s for dinner or what’s on tomorrow’s to-do list. It’s just you, the colours, the brush, and a feeling of effortless focus.
This is called “flow”—a state of deep, joyful immersion where creativity comes naturally. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term, describes flow as being “completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies.”
The flow state for me, is what makes creating art a wonderful tool for mindfulness. My mind is noisy at the best of times, and these quiet times, when I'm full absorbed, is a true bliss, sanctuary from the noise and sporadic thoughts that go hurtling through my mind, a landscape as busy as a city centre.
So how do you invite this state of mind when you sit down to paint? Here are five ways to help you slip into flow and make your painting sessions feel both freeing and fulfilling.
1. Start With Intention, Not Perfection
Flow thrives when there’s clarity of purpose without pressure.
Instead of worrying about creating something “good,” start with a simple intention:
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I’m here to explore colour.
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I’m here to enjoy the process.
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I’m here to see where this painting wants to go.
When the focus is on process rather than outcome, your mind relaxes—and that’s when flow has room to show up.
2. Clear Away Distractions
To reach flow, your brain needs uninterrupted focus.
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Silence your phone or put it in another room.
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Create a cosy, inviting space with your tools ready and within reach.
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Put on music that inspires you but doesn’t demand attention—instrumentals, nature sounds, or something rhythmic and calming.
Think of this as creating a “creative cocoon”—a space where the outside world can’t pull you away.
3. Choose the Right Level of Challenge
Flow happens in the sweet spot between too easy and too hard. If the task is too simple, you’ll get bored; if it’s too complex, you’ll get frustrated.
When painting, find that balance:
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Try a new technique, but don’t set unrealistic expectations.
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Experiment with colours or tools you haven’t used before, but keep the composition simple.
This balance keeps your mind engaged but not overwhelmed—perfect conditions for flow.
4. Let Your Body Take Over
Flow is as much physical as mental. Allow yourself to paint with instinct rather than overthinking every stroke. Use bigger brushes. Work on a surface that feels comfortable—maybe standing, maybe sitting.
Consider starting with warm-up marks or abstract shapes—just moving paint around. The physical motion can quiet your inner critic and get you into a creative rhythm.
5. Set a Timer and Forget the Clock
Time can be one of the biggest barriers to flow. Ironically, setting a simple timer—30 or 60 minutes—can free you from checking the clock. It gives you permission to dive in, knowing the outside world will wait until your painting session is done.
Final Thought
Flow isn’t something you force—it’s something you invite. By creating the right space, mindset, and rhythm, you can let painting carry you into that effortless state where creativity feels like play, and nothing else matters.
Because sometimes, the best art happens when you’re not thinking about the end result—only about the joy of making.
How to Get Into a Flow State for Painting.
This post is a collaborative effort between AI and myself in order to work a bit faster.
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