Can Throwing Paint Help Reduce Stress

Stress relief comes in many forms exercise, meditation, therapy but what about throwing paint? More and more people are turning to splatter paint studios as a creative way to release tension and process emotions. The question is: Can flinging paint at a wall really help with stress and anxiety?

I visited Therapaint, a paint-throwing studio in Nashville, to find out. What started as a curiosity turned into an unexpectedly cathartic experience. Here’s what I learned about the potential benefits of paint throwing and how it compares to art therapy.

What Is a Paint Throwing Studio?

A paint-throwing studio is exactly what it sounds like: a space where you can fling, splatter, and smear paint onto a blank canvas or wall. The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece but to engage in freeform, expressive movement that can feel both exhilarating and meditative.

At Therapaint, the studio was designed to be calm and inviting, with private rooms, cozy spaces, and a beautiful garden. After selecting four colors of non-toxic paint, I suited up in protective gear and entered the studio. What followed was 40 minutes of pure, messy, stress-relieving fun.

The Emotional Release of Throwing Paint

The first few minutes felt structured I focused on how the paint landed, the colors blending, and the patterns forming. But as I let go of expectations, something shifted. The act of throwing, smearing, and dripping paint became an emotional release.

Memories surfaced, thoughts quieted, and my stress literally splattered across the canvas. By the end of the session, I felt lighter, calmer, and even a little dazed in a good way.

And I wasn’t alone. According to Therapaint’s founder, Jackie Laurian, visitors come in for all sorts of reasons:
Everyday stress relief–Overwhelmed by work, family, or responsibilities
Processing grief or life changes–From breakups to health diagnoses
Celebrating milestones–Birthdays, new jobs, or personal achievements

How Paint Throwing Differs from Art Therapy

While paint throwing can be therapeutic, experts clarify that it is not the same as art therapy.

Art therapy is:

• Led by a licensed therapist trained in psychotherapy and creative expression

• Designed to help process emotions and mental health concerns

• A guided experience where a therapist helps interpret and discuss the artwork

Paint throwing is:

• A self-guided activity for fun, relaxation, or emotional release

• More about play and movement than deep emotional exploration

• A great option for those looking for a creative, low-pressure experience

That being said, art therapists may incorporate paint throwing into their sessions when it aligns with a client’s needs.

Can Paint Throwing Help with Anxiety?

While there’s limited research on paint throwing specifically, studies show that art-based activities can help reduce stress and anxiety:

A 2016 study found that making art lowered cortisol (the stress hormone) in 75% of adults after just 45 minutes.
A 2022 review in Cureus showed that art therapy can improve symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.
Creative activities, including painting, activate the brain’s reward system, increasing dopamine levels and promoting relaxation.

Therapists suggest that paint throwing taps into the joy of childhood play, making it easier to release tension and stress.

How to Try Paint Throwing for Yourself

If you’re interested in a paint-throwing session, here’s how to get started:

1. Find a Studio Near You

• Search for "splatter paint" or "paint throwing" studios in your area.

• Check Instagram or TikTok for local recommendations.

• If you see a therapist, ask if they know of any therapeutic painting spaces.

2. Set an Intention

• Do you want to release stress, express emotions, or just have fun?

• Don’t worry about creating "good" art focus on the experience.

3. Let Go and Enjoy the Process

• Choose colors that resonate with your emotions.

• Don’t hold back splat, smear, and flick paint however you like.

• Take a deep breath and notice how you feel before and after the session.

The Bottom Line

Paint throwing may not be a substitute for therapy, but it can be a powerful tool for self-expression, emotional release, and stress relief. It offers a space to let go of perfectionism, reconnect with creativity, and have fun in a way that many adults rarely do.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply curious, a paint-throwing session might be just what you need.

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