Art projects for any age: unblocking path to our hidden resources

Art classes and art projects for everybody

When somebody says they attend art classes, other people usually understand that it means practicing and learning to become an artist. That’s pretty much incorrect because as the current research reveals, there is no other activity more beneficial to prevention of brain aging, avoiding loss of memory and related disorders than drawing, painting and sketching. Art projects in art classes are usually suitable for beginners, for hobbyists and for anybody with interest in creation.

Brain exercises

The unique features of creation boost ability of the brain to create new neurons, as well as the existing have longer life span. Do you believe that brain aging is not inevitable? That is not true. Our brain is just as any other part of our body, yet, it contains all the vitally important tools for regulating and managing the other systems. Therefore, it’s crucial we keep exercising our brain every day, every hour and every minute. Anything which is not in use deteriorates and loses flexibility, it degenerates.

How drawing helps the brain flexibility

Drawing connects the brain function with our fine motor functions, and does even more than language. It allows expressing feelings, emotions, states of our mind, mood, our character, hidden thoughts and memories. As we draw, our hand transfers the ideas onto paper. It is a reflection of the most intense mental work, conversion of one type of energy into another. That is why drawing is used in determination of our brain health. It signalizes earlier than any other tests whether everything is still fine, or maybe it’s time to get advice.

Mental fitness

We need to move and exercise all our body parts, but mental exercise increases the rate at which our new brain cells survive and make functional connections to the existing networks of neurons. The more active a particular brain cell is, the more connections it develops with its neighboring neurons. That is where art classes come in. As we learn, we intensively think about each line we are putting down on paper or brushstrokes. This boosts our memory cells, thus, preventing them from cell death. Activities that require using all our senses, breaking our routines and engaging in new experiences are extremely good for brain health.

Age is not of essence

Age does not matter because it is equally important to have good memory in young and even more so in old age. Creative exercises like our Fun and Pleasure acrylic painting afternoons or sketching and watercolor exercises should not be undervalued. It seems like a play or some brushing around with different colors, but, in fact, it is a very strong brain ability booster. Images show my still life sketches, but students did very well, too. I’d like to simply publish only my sketches in this post.

My journey

I can share my own experience. I was reading a book a day and painting or drawing every single day for about 1 hour between ages 8 and 16. I was reading systematically through everything library had to offer. That involved history, geography, art, music, science of the corresponding century starting with ancient Egypt. We didn’t have internet back in the 70-s. When I moved on and started to study at the University I was only 17 because I could and I had developed extraordinary visual memory   thanks to reading, drawing and painting,

Best memory booster

I hardly had to study because I was able to remember up to 60 pages of text which I read through within some half an hour using the diagonal approach. I still can remember every single tough term in texts which I was translating 5 years ago. I never have to make any lists and write notes to myself. In my case, drawing and painting showed an enormously positive effect on memory, cognitive function and reasoning so far.

Art is important part of learning

For young children, artistic activities are as important as physical exercising, especially because they are under-using their own cognitive ability due to the overuse of mobile devices. We are always welcoming new participants in our art classes!

Pen line and watercolor wash

Plain and simple: creativity unblocks the pathways in our brain and gives us a chance to use our hidden resources, and there are so many. Therefore, I expect everybody getting involved in new art projects: simple, colorful, uplifting and very rewarding. Thanks for reading!

30 Replies to “Art projects for any age: unblocking path to our hidden resources”

    1. Thanks John! I agree, people can paint very well even without much of experience! I have been, however, painting for almost 50 years. Well, I was 6 years old 50 years ago, but I was drawing portraits of my sister and doing landscapes.

    1. I might be a workaholic because I cannot sit quiet ever. It seems I’m creating events when nothing much is happening, so I get overloaded all the time! However, I cannot complain that I am bored.

  1. Well, I’m glad to hear painting helps the brain function, because with older age and with having Multiple Sclerosis where memory is part of it…perhaps it will help. I’m hoping to take some classes but probably not until this summer … I did however buy a book just for some pointers… The pictures you show are just beautiful… I’m not that good (yet)…. Diane

    1. Thanks Diane! The most important part here is the journey, the daily exercise whenever possible (doesn’t happen with me because I cannot get to painting every day), the process. I mean, it’s great to just work on some stuff, and results will be there. Your paintings are great already. I think, there’s nothing wrong with any painting as long we can feel artist has put his or her heart into it! The evidence is very strong that daily brain exercise and training brings results. Differences were huge between people who had given up any mental work and learning for different reasons and those who were doing drawing or painting along with some reading every single day. Keeping our hands connected with brain commands is also important even for those who have some troubles with that. Anyway, it’s beautiful, it’s relaxing, calming, uplifting and the entire house becomes more cozy when there are many paintings everywhere!

    1. Thanks Yovette! I am happy, too, to be able to deal with some arts again! Participants definitely love these painting sessions, it gives them a chance to simply take the brush whenever they can.

  2. I simply love when you post photos of your class mate’s work!! And I hope that you are much rested now!! Thank you for always supporting me…I value your friendship! <3

    1. My dad used to say: one will rest in a grave. Meaning, it’s good to be busy. I also Lorrie appreciate your support. I hope you’re getting over those terrible issues, I simply hope you can feel safe. Let me know how it goes, I will obviously follow up on your next posts!

    2. Thanks Inese!! And I agree with your Dad!! I do love to be busy. All has been quiet on the bully front. I keep praying for all involved. Have a super week <3

    1. this keeps the soul at ease and peace too:) I’m very happy at least some of our friends enjoy harmony and peace together, wish you bright blessings always , amen

    2. Thank you! It really does, and since my other work is nothing poetic, but rather sometimes even upsetting since I’m dealing with medical records of patients, clinical trials and medications, so painting and teaching art to others brings balance into my life.

  3. I love everything you said about drawing and painting and the brain, Inese! I love experimenting with everything I can do with watercolor. The student works in this post are very good. I like seeing their different takes on the same subject, too.

    1. Thanks Leslie! Drawing and sketching also improve memory, and if started at a young age, one never needs any lists or note books. It’s amazing how things work, but there is also a huge aesthetic benefit. Since we can draw, we can paint on anything, anywhere, any time and enjoy that!

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