Throwing Paint and Finding Peace: Inside the THERAPAINT Experience

BrandingHeadshots + BrandingAdvertisingCreative

Jul 24

I recently had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot for THERAPAINT, a unique studio that combines art and therapy in an innovative way. Located in a beautifully transformed historic house in Nashville, offers a serene and welcoming environment. They provide private studios flooded with natural light where participants can freely express themselves through paint throwing. This therapeutic process allows individuals to release their emotions and transform them into something beautiful.

A woman sits confidently on a wooden stool in Therapaint Studio, surrounded by a creative backdrop and floor covered in colorful paint splatters, reflecting the studio's vibrant and artistic atmosphere. — After meeting Jackie Laurian Long, the visionary behind **THERAPAINT**, I knew she had a heart of gold and truly wants to help others heal. She has created a space where ***art meets therapy***, providing a unique and transformative experience for all who visit.
Her dedication and passion are evident in every aspect of the studio. From the moment you walk into the waiting room, to the “Zen Den”, to the painting rooms and out into the tranquil garden, every element is thoughtfully designed to put you at ease.

The “Zen Den” is a delightful haven where you can unwind and find your inner peace. It's a cozy spot filled with books and various relaxation tools, perfect for meditation, journaling, or simply sitting back and clearing your mind. This safe space is designed to provide a serene environment where you can take a break from the chaos and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Whether you want to read, meditate, or just relax, the Zen Den offers a perfect retreat.

Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 58mm
ISO 100 • f/2.8 • 1/125

The transformation at THERAPAINT begins with a pristine white suit, like a blank canvas, and evolves into a vibrant, beautiful mess as the session progresses. For the website main page portraits, we used painter's suits for an aesthetically pleasing touch. By the end, the models are adorned in a chaotic masterpiece of paint splatters, symbolizing release and creativity. Photographing in this environment felt like a colorful, high-stakes dodgeball game, capturing dynamic movements and raw emotions. It was an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, filled with vibrant energy and spontaneous moments.

A person dressed in a white protective suit and goggles is in the midst of painting a window, splattering vibrant pink, orange, and purple paint in a dynamic motion at Therapaint Studio. — Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 58mm
ISO 125 • f/2.8 • 1/200

A woman in a dark jumpsuit covered in colorful paint splatters sits confidently on the floor of Therapaint Studio, wearing safety goggles and surrounded by a vibrant, creative environment. — Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 58mm
ISO 100 • f/3.5 • 1/125

A person in a white protective suit and goggles sits on a wooden chair against a backdrop of vertical wooden slats at Therapaint Studio, exuding a calm and contemplative demeanor. — Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 58mm
ISO 125 • f/2.8 • 1/200

A man in a dark green jumpsuit, splattered with colorful paint, stands thoughtfully in Therapaint Studio, holding a paintbrush and surrounded by walls covered in vibrant paint splatters. — Canon R5
Canon RF 24-105 @ 58mm
ISO 125 • f/3.2 • 1/200

THERAPAINT takes sustainability to heart by composting the paint used in their sessions. This compost is then used to enrich the garden out back, creating a full-circle experience. Before or after your session, you can spend time in the garden, connecting with nature. It's a beautiful reminder that the released trauma and the vibrant mess created during the sessions are transformed into new life in the garden, symbolizing growth and renewal.