Art as Alchemy: Transforming Emotion Through Paint and Presence

Your intuition and wisdom are the alchemists within you, capable of transforming emotions into insight, uncertainty into flow, and discomfort into beauty. Through creative expression, you engage in a powerful alchemical process—one that moves energy, embraces change, and reveals deeper meaning in what arises. Art becomes the vessel for this process, turning raw emotion into something new, something true, something uniquely yours.

In this six-week process painting course, you’ll step into the alchemy of creativity, using paint and canvas as a tool for self-discovery and emotional transformation. Through mindfulness practices, inspiring painting prompts, and supportive group reflection, you’ll learn to trust your inner process, release stuck energy, and witness the magic of your own unfolding. This is an invitation to embrace the beauty of transformation—both on the canvas and within yourself.

Can't make all 6 sessions? A link to the recording for each day of the course will be sent to all participants to view when convenient.

Materials needed: 

• Acrylic paints – A variety of colors (basic primary set works well)
• Brushes – Different sizes and shapes for varied strokes
• Large canvas – 18x24” or larger recommended
• Palette or mixing surface – A plastic palette, paper plates, or even a large piece of cardboard
• Jars or cups for water – To clean brushes
• Rags or paper towels – For wiping brushes and spills
• Apron or old clothes – To protect clothing

Optional materials for exploration

• Oil pastels, paint sticks, or crayons – For mixed-media layers
• Palette knives or credit cards – For texture and scraping techniques
• Sponges or rags – To create different effects
• Masking tape or painter’s tape – For creating sections or borders
• Spray bottle with water – To thin acrylics and create drips
• Glue and collage materials – Scraps of paper, magazine cutouts, fabric

Optional materials for exploration

• Journal or sketchbook – To reflect on your process
• A quiet space – With room to move freely
• Music or a playlist – If sound inspires your creativity

Facilitated by Art Therapist, Elizabeth Carovillano, MA, LPCC

Hello! I'm Elizabeth Carovillano ~ I am an art therapist and I believe in the transformative power of creativity. I also have over 25 years of experience teaching yoga and mindfulness and I integrate these practices with art to help individuals navigate emotions, release stuck energy, and unlock self-expression. I love to foster deep exploration, healing, and personal growth and to create a supportive space where art becomes a tool for emotional alchemy, self-discovery, and embracing inner wisdom.