Pour painting helpful therapy for domiciliary Veterans

For social worker Larry Johns, working with Veterans is a personal connection. As a Marine Corps Veteran now working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Orlando VA Domiciliary, Johns found pour painting to be relaxing and calming while attending the University Central Florida.

Pour painting is an art form that uses a fluid acrylic paint mixture which you pour over a canvas using various paint pouring techniques.  

“I knew Veterans could benefit from this, and when I approached my leadership team, they supported the idea and I ran with it. I do abstract art and pour painting. I do it because I believe it will help Veterans relax and pick up a skill that they could use to help them deal with the stressors of life,” Johns explained.

In the art therapy sessions, domiciliary residents can express their emotions through pour painting. It helps to cope with and heal depression, anxiety and trauma.

Canvas proof of their creativity

Sessions are offered twice a month for one hour. The step-by-step process of pour painting is demonstrated by Johns. Residents then pick and choose paint colors. Then they create a beautiful unique canvas they can take with them, serving as a reminder of the creativity they possess, as well as calmness that these kinds of creative exercises can provide.

“Trust the process and give it a try. My mind is at ease during the hour I am pour pairing with Johns, and I appreciate what he has taught me,” said Army Veteran Charles Fogleman.

Navy Veteran Michelle Rodriguez concurred. “I learned to let go and be creative. I can show my art to my family and it is something to be proud of,” she said.

In the top photo, Johns and Army Veteran Rosalind Jackson are pouring paint during an art therapy group session at the domiciliary.

Veteran smiles keep Johns motivated

Art therapy sessions with Johns has become a an integral part of many Veterans’ journey at the Domiciliary.

“All the items that are used, the paint and supplies, I purchased. I do it because I love to see the lasting effect pour painting has on the Veterans. I feel elated. I love watching Veterans grow and explore their own creativity as they are going through the pour painting techniques. I am at peace when I watch them,” Johns said.

The smiles on Veterans’ faces are what keeps Johns motivated to continue to offer the classes each week.

“To see them come in grouchy and not sure if they really want to do this, to thanking me at the end and then ready to sign up for the next group, gives me great joy,” he added.

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