Paintings are a traditional form of art, as people hang portraits and frames on their walls, but did you know they can even help you sleep? Think of the symbols or abstract designs of paintings, and how the artist envisioned them. Think of a peaceful floating cloud or just a combination of soft colours in an abstract portrait, there are paintings that can help you relax and lead into a good night’s sleep. Let’s look at some styles that are known to emit peace and quiet.      

Nature Art

There are different styles of paintings out there. Nature paintings are one popular art style and for good reason; the capture of nature’s beauty through paint is both captivating and peaceful. The latter can certainly help you in relaxing. Even more, nature paintings help you heal mentally, as you remember the sights and abundance of nature you may have once seen and made you feel happy. Think of flowing river water, green trees, mountains, and other elements of nature that you would like to see on your bedroom walls. Certain paintings may be based on your past experiences in nature, like the ones below

• Mountains: Think of a gentle breeze on top of a hill you once experienced alone.
• Streams: The gentle trickle and stream of a river you once saw can emit relaxation in you.
• Animal Guardian: Your favorite rare animal you once saw, feeling happy with its presence.

Cultural Art

 You may be fond of ethnic art, even outside of your culture, as you do live in Toronto and inevitably acknowledge the different people around you. Check out the culturally oriented art galleries of Toronto to see if any paintings make you feel peaceful. One popular form of art that originates from Southeast Asia is Zen Art, adapted from Buddhism. Zen art is simplistic, black and white, but with a deep meaning, emphasizing emptiness and the simple needs in life. There are different Zen paintings out there and you should select one that makes you feel the most peaceful. Meditate in your bedroom just before you go to sleep, while observing one of these paintings. If you have your own personal culture, hang those kind of paintings, if they make you feel peaceful, like religious symbols associated with your beliefs. Tap into your own background.

Make your Own Paintings This is more of a personal hobby, but painting your own pictures can be beneficial in helping you sleep. You gently stroke the brush, use watercolour paint as it is light and airy, giving off a relaxing vibe. The whole experience of painting might lead you to feeling tired and peaceful, thereby preparing you for bed. Hang these paintings in your bedroom, after you have organized it of course, to your standards. Another bonus of having paintings in your bedroom is it allows you to acknowledge what should be in your bedroom and what shouldn’t. And you never know, your very own painting can give you pleasant dreams.  

Babak Eslami | Writer