This paper takes clinical examples to explore the idea that paintings made during the course of therapy may be used by the client's defence mechanisms so that the picture and picture-making process are utilised against expression of creativity. It is argued that art is not inherently creative but is subject to the same processes of resistance and defence as encountered in other areas of the client's life and therapy. Some of the literature is reviewed followed by clinical examples. The conclusion drawn is that once resistance has been interpreted new layers of creativity become available to the client.