Painting is the art of depicting natural landscapes on canvas or paper, and was long considered central to Western and Chinese artistic traditions.
Philosophers throughout history have speculated on the nature of art. Plato, for instance, believed that painting was simply a copy of reality and discredited any painters as mere craftsmen.
It Promotes Critical Thinking
Parents can foster critical thinking in their children by exposing them to art, which demands observation, interpretation and decision-making skills. Furthermore, it fosters creativity, attention to detail and problem-solving abilities which may improve academic performance.
Painting has long had its own set of rules that roughly define its practice: flat, rectilinear surfaces smeared with color pigments are generally seen as characteristic. Contrastingly, other art forms like installation, conceptual and performance art allow artists to essentially do whatever they please with regards to creation – while painting still adheres to certain set parameters that can only be bent so far before it ceases being considered art altogether.
Why is painting often discussed as if there are no fundamental techniques that can be taught? Particularly when current painting professors who lack formal training in philosophical theory make incomprehensible statements about what painting means or conveys; such statements obscure aspects of painting which are tangible and teachable.
It Improves Memory Recollection
People who take part in artistic pursuits like painting, drawing and journaling tend to be less susceptible to memory loss illnesses such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, as these forms of expression help recall visual bits of information more quickly while at the same time sharpening the minds through conceptualization and implementation.
Seniors who take up painting often gain an increase in self-confidence as their skills advance, as well as experiencing an improvement in fine motor skills when dexterously manipulating a paintbrush. This can be especially encouraging for seniors whose gross and fine motor abilities have decreased due to age or illness.
Seniors participating in art workshops such as those offered at Rooftop may discover they can overcome their shyness through self-expression through art. It allows them to connect with others nonverbally while alleviating loneliness – something crucial for mental wellbeing. Furthermore, participating in these classes gives seniors an incredible sense of pride as their masterpieces take form right before them!
It Promotes Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is a critical element of being an artist and communicating effectively with viewers. It allows individuals to understand both their own and other people’s emotions, leading them towards living happier lives while becoming more understanding. Painting promotes this form of emotional intelligence while helping painters find solutions to problems they are currently experiencing in life.
Problem-solving through painting also encourages creative solutions and an innovative mindset, both essential to individuals across all ages and careers alike. A painter may face unexpected color restrictions or unintended results during their artistic process which requires them to quickly find ways to resolve these challenges quickly.
Art is also an effective way for people to express themselves without resorting to words. Many therapists suggest painting or drawing as an outlet for trauma victims’ emotions; and expressive art can even help shy individuals overcome social anxieties.
It Reduces Stress
Painting can be one of the best ways to combat stress. It allows artists to escape the trials and tribulations professional painters of daily life and enter an imaginary realm that’s solely theirs.
Painting provides people with an opportunity to focus on observing and taking in the beauty of a scene before them, as well as relax into an almost trancelike state, helping them forget any stresses or worries in their life.
Studies conducted with adults demonstrated that they could reduce cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels through just 45 minutes of painting, as shown by one such study. Even simply viewing artwork can lower a person’s stress levels as evidenced by studies showing reduced blood painter in brisbane pressure and heart rates when viewing paintings of natural landscapes. Art is therefore an excellent stress reliever that makes for a great hobby across age ranges.
