There are various ways to improve people’s capacity to cope with the psychological burden of a chronic condition. A recent programme based on self-expression through painting demonstrated a way of discovering a person’s potential for development and self-efficacy. This report describes the structure and process of a painting workshop programme for people affected by a chronic condition. Attending one or several painting workshops, the participants used the art material to express and give shape to their inner suffering associated with their condition. Painting, with its inherent process of introspection and creation, allowed the participants to acquire self-awareness and new insights into their disease experience. The entire activity, which was led by professional artists (rather than by art-therapists), showed a clear positive impact on self-care behaviour and overall quality of life.