Supplies for Self-Administered Art Therapy?

Question

Greetings!

My sister is bi-polar, and she has recently found self-expression via artistic means to be extremely therapeutic. For Christmas, I was hoping that I could provide her with a decent set of supplies so that she may continue this "art therapy."

Can anyone recommend a kit or set of supplies to get her going? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Art is good for the soul indeed! The art supplies store where I've worked for 12 years has more than a few regular customers who are bipolar. They all seem to have things in common - they like to work BIG, they like texture, and they like to work in bright colours.

Also, we once worked with an Art Therapist, and these were the kinds of materials she also used in sessions with her clients.

Acrylics seems to be one favourite because it dries quickly, can assume many textures, and can be cleaned up with soap & water. They seem to love getting it on their hands too (so do I!)

Another favourite material is air-dry modeling clay - it can be painted after with acrylics.

Third in line is charcoal and chalk pastel - it's very expressive and does not have to be expensive. I think what makes these materials so attractive is the way they feel in the hands.

One young man in particular loves to paint geometric shapes with acrylics on watercolour paper using his hands instead of brushes, then he cuts them out and glues them to another paper or board. He buys big tubs of inexpensive student-grade acrylics and uses them up quickly when he's on a roll.

What a wonderful gift to give anyone - but especially when you know how much joy and healing it will bring.

Answer 2

Hi:

Check out the current sales at Jerry's Artarama or Art Supply Warehouse (I think they are actually related companies). There are some really cool and relatively inexpensive sumi sets, and I think Jerry's currently has a sale on a set of Stabilo Tone pencil set. These are pretty cool and can be used similar to colored pencils, and are watersoluble, so a wet brush can be used on the color once it has been applied to a support. Also, I think they can be heated, and sort of applied like an encaustic crayon.

Watercolor traveller sets are a cool item too, and you can get sets of these that come with small bags, a sketchbook, small containers and other supplies so that you can take them just about anywhere. I've heard that Winsor and Newton watercolors are generally considered to be the best, and their less expensive brand, Cotman has a travelling watercolor set that might be good.

There's also an online artist community, wetcanvas with 92,000 world wide members. Membership is free, and it is really a great place to get support. You or your sister might check it out.

Hope this helps, and I hope you are able to find some fun supplies for your sister. Have a great holiday! :)

Answer 3

It depends on what she's doing.

If pencil Waldon Books hard bound sketch book, Prismacolor colored pencil set, .05 mechanical pencil

Paints depends on what she's using. Most art supply stores have starter sets of oils, acrylics, and water colors along with any brushes canvas' and water color paper she could use. Plus if the staff is any good they'll be able to hook her up with everything she'd need plus give you other suggestions as well.

sculpter basic tool kit, and a non drying clay.

Stay away from cheap stuff though. The colors and quality isn't as good and they just don't cut it. Go for the good stuff.

Answer 4

Blick art supplies has a lot of nice sets of art supplies.Find out what medium she like to work with the best.

Answer 5

Get several mediums and see which she likes. Get a tin of water colors, a big box of crayons,a box of watercolor pencils. And some acid free paper in a table. She will love them and they are easy to clean up unlike oils or pastels.

How sweet you are to think of this neat gift!

Ps. get some nice brushes too!