January 11th, 2009 4:00pm EST
http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2009/01/11/ron_wood_s_art_therapy

Rolling Stones star Ronnie Wood finds painting a more therapeutic way to deal with his problems than rehab. The legendary guitarist walked out on his 23-year marriage to Jo Wood last summer after his affair with 20-year-old Ekaterina Ivanova was revealed in the press.

He subsequently underwent a stint in a rehabilitation centre in England in an attempt to kick his addiction to alcohol.

And Wood, who has forged a successful sideline as an artist, is adamant that spending his time working on a new canvas is much more beneficial than professional treatment.

He says, "Unlike music, it's a solo effort, there's no one else to blame. Then again, no one else gets the satisfaction out of it. There's no kind of therapy like what you get from starting and seeing a picture through. Over the years you're never quite satisfied and, like music, you're always learning and trying out new techniques."

I agree an art hobby is good therapy. When I was recovering from in injury a while back and was depressed over it, the Dr recommended an art class and it actually did help take my mind off my troubles and turned that negative energy into creativity.