"Is painting relaxing?" Topic

I was reading an article in WSS this morning where painting model figures was likened to that colouring people do for relaxation. I enjoy painting but wouldn't say it was relaxing – in fact it can be hard work… what do you lot reckon?

For the most part I find it relaxing.

I find painting relaxing. Filing, glueing, snipping flash, etc, not so much.

Yes.

Yes. I can make myself stressed by it if I want but I choose not to. It's never work.

Generally pretty relaxing, agree with Dynaman about the prep stuff though. Only time it's not relaxing is when I realise that the cavalry brigade I promised to take to a game in four days time is still only at the primer stage!

No. I find it a pain

It is very relaxing, put on something to listen to, and paint for a few hours. Bliss.

I am with Karellian Knight. Paint, music…peace.

an escape, no question…and a sense of accomplishment

Yes it is relaxing and very enjoyable also.

Yes, I enjoy it and look forward to it…. I just wish I was better at it.

yup

For me, it depends on the figure. Most of the time it is relaxing, but if it is a figure I'm really not interested in, it can seem like it takes forever. I have some gnolls on the painting table at the moment that I just have to force myself to paint because I need them for a game.

Yes. If I stop enjoying it or feel it has become a chore I stop and wait until I want to return. Currently I have no wish to paint another figure but that will change.

Extremely relaxing. Wish I had more time to paint – another three years and I will :)

I wish I played more – or more apt at all. I normally paint everything up, get terrain and associated items, snap a few photos – and then nothing. After a few months time to sell everything….. Argh what a cycle!

It is when it's going well.

Very relaxing. I can transport myself away from stress and care for a few hours! I even like basing figures, too.

No, painting is not relaxing. I wish it were. It's not fun at all, but a necessary task.

No, not at all.

Oh, yes. It's simple, mechanical and I get a real sense of accomplishment from finished armies and units. Researching uniforms, or hand-painting flags, sometimes not so much.

For me it is. And I really need to get started back and do some more. WHat I really hate is building terrain, and oit shows.

I am the polar opposite of Dynaman8789. Painting is a chore and a burden, converting and trimming figures is relaxing.

No, I suck at painting. Designing and casting the figures are much more relaxing to me. So all you guys that find it relaxing contact me I will provide you with plenty of opportuneties to relax.

Dave

Definitely hard work, but then I'm constantly trying to up my game in terms of technique and results. If I concentrated more on the "play" end of the hobby, and just basecoat/wash/hilight, it would be more "fun," I guess--but certainly less challenging and interesting.

Varies all over the place. As many have said sometimes it's a chore, sometimes it's fun and relaxing; just depends on the circumstances and the models or even what stage of painting is being done.

Absolutely relaxing for me. I use it to unwind from other stressors in my life.

No. It is a necessary evil in order to field armies that look decent.

I'll expand my comment. I'm not a great painter, and as I prefer armies to a few figures, I often end up with a lot to paint. Sometimes it's a bit daunting; but when I'm actually applying paint to figure, I don't have to think about anything else. And I get a good feeling at the end of the process, whether that is finishing a unit or an army.
And the second time I play with the army (the first time, it loses).

Yes, except when painting Napoleonic French.

Yes

For me, yes it is.

Hell, no! I come up with swear words I never new existed when I make a mistake or the coloring and shading/highlights are not "right"…

I use painting as a form of therapy to help with my mental health issues, I find it relaxing, a good distraction and have found it also reduces my heart rate. I am Ex forces and now teach other ex service personnel with issues to paint figures. The group is doing realy well.

Yes.

For me, it's a form of meditation. Grab a brush and Zen out.

No, I hate the repetitiveness. Painting one figure is creative and interesting. Painting twenty just the same is boring and tedious. However, I want to say, "Good for you!," to andymac above.

I find all aspects of painting and modelling relaxing and absorbing. I can completely lose track of time when I'm working on a project.

Its a pain to get started, but I do enjoy it when I am painting and everything looks ok.

I used to find it a chore and unpleasant. Then I started working at a stressful job. Suddenly it became a major stress reliever. I turn on a game and listen to it as I paint. American football is great to watch while painting, thirty seconds of painting, then a 4 second play, and back to painting. (I hate hurry-up offenses.)

Listening to music whilst painting is very enjoyable.

Very. Sometimes I can be sitting there and it is as if my hands are working of their own volition with me being only a passive observer.

Yes.

Absolutely.

Not now my eyes are struggling to see the figures. Used to be tho.

Yes

Yes. I often paint with some great music on or listening to a Mariners game. It's how I unwind after a busy day.

Yes, when the paint is covering well and I can see that I am not going to have to do a 2nd coat. I always listen to music when I paint. It's a great escape for me.

Depends if you don't knock over the paint container.

When the project is going well, Its very relaxing.