Happy Place: Art as a Tool for Calm & Reflection

Art can be a powerful way to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with a sense of calm. In this project, you will create a visual “Happy Place” — a space that helps you feel relaxed, grounded, or secure.

This does not need to be a real place. It can be:

• A real location (a beach, a bedroom, a grandparent’s house)

• An imagined or fantasy space (a castle, forest, cloud world)

• A metaphor (sunset, ocean waves, floating shapes, a cozy room)

  
  

There is no right or wrong happy place — it should simply feel calming to you.

I will be completing this project alongside you and answering the same reflection questions to model the process.

🎨 Materials

Choose one or more:

• Watercolors

• Colored pencils

• Oil pastels

• Paper

🧠 What Is a “Happy Place”?

A happy place is a mental image you can return to when you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious.

Sometimes, certain sounds, smells, or situations can make us feel uneasy — these are called triggers. Triggers are different for everyone. This artwork is not about reliving difficult experiences, but about practicing how to return to calm.

If imagining a safe place feels difficult, that’s okay — use a symbol or metaphor instead (light, color, nature, shelter, repetition, pattern).

✏️ Art-Making Process

Step 1: Visualize

Take a moment to think about a place or image that brings you comfort. Ask yourself:

• Where do I feel calm or protected?

• What colors feel soothing to me?

• Is this space quiet, warm, open, soft, or still?

  
  

Step 2: Create

Using your chosen materials:

• Fill the space intentionally — avoid tiny, rushed drawings

• Add details that enhance calm (light, texture, patterns)

• Make thoughtful choices with:

  • Color

  • Line

  • Shape

  • Space

  • Texture

  • Value

Your artwork should feel complete and cared for.

Morro Bay at sunset (Ms. Holmes's Happy Place)

Medium - Watercolor & Colored Pencil

✍️ Reflection Questions

Answer these on a separate sheet of paper in full sentences. You may keep your responses general — do not overshare.

1. What elements of art did you focus on most in your Happy Place? (Color, line, texture, shape, space, value — explain why.)

2. Are there images, environments, or sensations that help you feel calm or safe? (Examples: quiet places, specific colors, nature, routines.)

3. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, what healthy tools help you cope? (Examples: listening to music, drawing, journaling, talking to someone, breathing, movement.)

4. How could you use art as a tool for relaxation in the future?

You will be graded on thoughtfulness and effort, not on personal disclosure.

⭐ Rubric: Happy Place Artwork & Reflection (4 Points)

Score	Criteria
4 – Exceeds Expectations	Artwork is fully developed and shows strong intentional use of multiple elements of art. Composition is thoughtful, detailed, and complete. Craftsmanship is excellent. Reflection responses are thorough, thoughtful, and clearly connected to the artwork and process. Student demonstrates deep engagement and care.
3 – Meets Expectations	Artwork is complete with clear effort and intentional use of the elements of art. Composition feels finished. Reflection questions are answered clearly and thoughtfully. Student demonstrates understanding of the purpose of the project.
2 – Below Expectations	Artwork is partially complete or rushed, with limited use of the elements of art. Details or effort are inconsistent. Reflection responses are brief, vague, or incomplete. Shows minimal engagement with the process.
1 – Far Below Expectations	Artwork is incomplete or shows little effort. Elements of art are not intentionally used. Reflection is missing or extremely minimal. Student did not engage meaningfully with the assignment.

💛 A Final Note to Students

This project is about slowing down, being intentional, and using art as a tool — not perfection. Take this seriously, be respectful of yourself and others, and allow the process to matter just as much as the final image.