How Art Class Rewired My Brain for Happiness

The new science of neuroaesthetics explains why, when I took a 4-week watercolor class, I found myself gaining more than just paint skills. I saw the world differently, felt more relaxed, held less stress, and learned to quickly fall into a flow state. In short, art made me happier!

In addition to my relying heavily on Your Brain on Art by Sue Magsamen and Ivy Ross, here are some links to pertinent studies I consulted creating this video:

King and Kaimal (2019). Approaches to Research in Art Therapy Using Imaging Technologies

Han, Kim, and Kim (2024). Brain activation in response to art-based tasks using diverse materials based on the Expressive Therapy Continuum (ETC)

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Intro music:
Plain Loafer by Kevin MacLeod

Outro music:
Benjamin Carey / We Go On

Other music:
Victor Lundberg/In Bloom

Unless otherwise specified, all music is courtesy of Epidemic Sound.

Alpha Waves graphic by Hugh Gamboa. CC BY-SA 3.0

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[curlew-]

My husband passed away very suddenly 3 years ago. To keep myself busy I decided to get out my old watercolours which I hadn’t used for years. I painted for an hour or so every day and now I paint all the time when I’m home. Painting has been absolutely lifesaving for me and helped me through a dark place back to myself. All hobbies are good, it’s a form of mindfulness and gives you something to think about as you go about your daily business. 😁🇬🇧

[scribe_samples]

All my life I heard I needed to hit the gym to release brain chemicals—I’m sure true, but I got no joy from it. BUT, I took my first drawing class recently as a senior citizen and felt such joy. Now, I’m on to the 2nd class. So wish I had pursued this younger, but am making my days count!!!

[springnicole]

When I have long periods in between creating, I get brain fog and sort of feel stuck and disengaged. When I can create freely, I feel more confident and smart and also able to take more risks.
Thank you for this insight. I’m glad that you are finding healing in creativity.

[pjpony]

I have been an artist since I was a toddler. No lie. My first tempora painting in elementary school (2nd grade) had my teacher so excited that she was speechless. She was showing other teachers in the hallway. I didn't know what was so special about it, but it made me very happy. I painted "Blue Boy" from memory. Lol.

My special painting was added to the hallway wall and it stayed there all year long.

I put my brushes away for many years and in my 30s I started painting in oils just for relaxation. I eventually stopped doing that as well.

Finally, in my 50s I decided to learn watercolor painting. I've been painting in watercolor for 16 years now. I've finally discovered my passion. I paint every day even if it's just a sketch. Thanks for your testimony. It makes sense. Enjoy your new found love.

[anacarr]

Making art was a big part of comforting myself after my dad passed

[ReneeVrieling]

I have not painted in about a year BUT when I was fully engaged in watercolors out of pure nessacity, I am a card maker and have chronic pain so I was searching for a sit-down hobby that wouldn't add any extra pain, I found so much peace and happiness and of course less pain while painting. Thank you for inspiring me to pick up that brush and start painting again ❤

[Rose-vomr]

Yes! I started water color this last year in my 70th year and it’s literally like flipping a switch in my brain. Hard to describe but there’s definitely a sense of wholeness and contentment after painting for a bit. The beautiful thing about water color is it’s so easy to do (no big set up and no big clean up) and it’s kinda hard to mess it up! Everything is good. Well, almost everything. 😉

[gentle.kindred]

"Magic's just science that we don't understand yet.” -Arthur C. Clarke
I'm utterly fascinated to learn what you've shared here as it helps me understand why creative journaling calms my entire nervous system in a way that truly feels restorative. I'm gonna go see if our library has this book right now.

[kellie]

I tell people all the time that my artistic pursuits and hobbies are my Zen and how I maintain my sanity in my crazy life 😂! Whether I'm painting, target shooting, knitting, playing piano or any of my various interests I always feel better afterwards. That state of flow is so important. I feel refreshed and more alert after just about any time spent doing these things. And art in general taught me to be more observant and appreciative of nature and structures and differences between people in good ways. Basically more observant and appreciative of life!

[MP-ryxj]

Been painting for 4 years and didn’t have any art experience prior. Did it to relax and I can honestly in the 4 years of practicing, I’m more observant of the nuances of colors when I’m observing nature, I’m more aware and I feel like I need to paint as a means to relax. Really enjoyed watching this video. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[angelofbeth]

Art and music classes are what got me through nursing school for sure. Stress reiever!

[EmPowerMooreArt]

I teach calming art workshops and the flow state and happiness from all the participants is evident from the first session. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. I agree making art makes you happier.

[marsicorn]

When you speak about this experience you shine and your smile is so warm. It was great to see. Thank you for sharing!

[georginashanti]

Great video, thank you. I loved hearing about the research. I do paper collage each day about 2 or 3 times per day. It seems to have brought me a feeling of purpose, focus, calmness and grounding. I find that I'm willing to try new things when collaging, when I'm reluctant to try new things outside of art. It has helped me recover from sensory overload and recharge my energy. I am neurodivergent.

[WilmaBadenhorst-iu]

❤oh yes! Making art is the absolute best! Even just scribbling in my sketchbook when i feel stressed, it all just goes away and i feel renewed and at peace.

[ashleyhawkeswatercolor]

Wow, I loved the scientific explanations about this! I have experienced this *magical* transformation myself and can’t get enough!
Thanks for this great video! Also, I second the person who said they loved your glasses! 🤓 ❤

[mollyssketchbook]

I absolutely have noticed that I feel so much better mentally if I make time to do art! What people describe as the release from exercise, I don't seem to get as much (I do a bit) but art is on a whole other level for me- it's so therapeutic!

[Cinephilegirl_]

I have started wtercolors since 2019 and the joy i get just making a draw... I had left drawing because of one critique and getting back With a new technique It chage everything for me. I starting drawing even With pencils again. So much time not conecting With my art i was stupid hearing those critics that kill my art for so long

[SprightlyStudios]

Thank you for this video! I am pursuing art as a career or way of life, and in my darker hours I find myself questioning if making art really is important to the world. I know it is, but sometimes with everything going on in the world, it doesn't always feel that way. It's nice to know that by creating art and enjoying art, I am changing or healing my brain, and possibly others as well. <3

[flowerbeeb]

This video came up on my feed and just wanted to let you know— I’m so glad that it did! Subscribed to your channel right away, may the algorithm treat you well here! You deserve your stories to be heard. I can’t wait to watch more ❤