Appreciating the Arts

Posted on: 22 August 2017

Taking a painting class can be an enjoyable way to learn a new skill and develop a hobby that allows an outlet to express your creativity. But partaking in art classes can provide more than just a relaxing pastime; art classes can also provide therapy for people of all ages and conditions. Here is a look at the ways taking art classes could help you or a loved one.

Art Classes For Stroke Victims

After suffering a life-changing stroke, many patients lack the fine motor skills that are required for most activities of daily living. Tasks such as buttoning buttons become virtually impossible. A painting class can be a good way for patients to practice regaining control over their hand movements. Holding a paintbrush provides the opportunity to improve their manual dexterity skills, and putting the brush first to paint and then paper is a great way to work on their hand-eye coordination skills. Students can begin by painting their own rendition of a still life, for example, which would emphasize their gross motor skills as well as exercise their cognitive abilities. They can then move on to art that requires more fine motor skills, such as a paint-by-number painting. For stroke victims who are non-verbal, art classes can provide an alternative means of expressing themselves and communicating.

Art Classes For Autistic Children

Children who have developmental disabilities such as autism, painting and other art classes can provide an outlet for their creative energy. While painting, a child has the opportunity to focus their attention. The activity may also serve to lessen their frustration while increasing their attention span. For children who are non-verbal, creating their own works of art can provide not only a way to communicate with the world, but more importantly, allow then to express their feelings. This is especially important in autistic children, who struggle with expressing emotion outside of frustration.

Art Classes For Trauma Victims

Some people have no problem communicating and talking about traumatic events they may have suffered. But many people simply don't feel comfortable or capable of deciphering their feelings and putting them into words. They often continue to relive the events via their nighttime dreams, which allows the subconscious to continue the job of processing everything. Art classes can help the process along by giving the artist another way to work through their residual feelings. Art classes can also be a healthy way of learning coping strategies to deal with the traumatic event.  

For more information, contact companies like Colorest Inc-Art Supplies.