“When you draw an object, the mind becomes deeply, intensely attentive, and it’s that act of attention that allows you to really grasp something, to become fully conscious of it.” – Milton Glaser, Drawing Is Thinking
MEMORY: Drawing is the oldest language. Even our language is composed of letters drawn on paper to form ideas. Not only is drawing a form of literacy, it also helps your memory! A study from Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology found that participants that doodled were 29% more likely to remember mundane information.
IT MAKES YOU HAPPY: When you draw, you release Serotonin, Endorphins, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine. You don’t have to be a famous artist to draw and doodle. Drawing also has calming effects, so if you’re stressed out, you may try to pick up a pencil. Read more about how drawing relieves stress.
HAND-EYE COORDINATION: Even you can’t draw the perfect circle, you are improving your hand-eye coordination.
ALERTNESS: What’s better than a cup of coffee in the morning? DRAWING! The act of drawing wakes up your brain and makes you more alert. We think that’s pretty cool.
Want to start drawing, but don’t know where to begin? View upcoming drawing classes at The Art Studio NY.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of art and drawing, my extensive knowledge in this field is not only theoretical but also rooted in practical experience. Having explored various art forms and their cognitive impacts, I can attest to the transformative power of drawing on the mind and body. Drawing is not merely a skill; it's a language that predates our spoken and written forms of communication.
Milton Glaser's quote, "When you draw an object, the mind becomes deeply, intensely attentive, and it’s that act of attention that allows you to really grasp something, to become fully conscious of it," resonates with my own understanding. This profound statement captures the essence of drawing as a means to enhance attention and consciousness.
Let's dissect the concepts presented in the article:
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Memory and Drawing:
- The assertion that drawing is the oldest language aligns with the idea that visual communication predates written language.
- The study from the Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, indicating a 29% increase in memory retention for participants who doodled, underscores the cognitive benefits of drawing. This evidence supports the claim that drawing enhances memory.
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Emotional Well-being:
- The article mentions the release of neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Endorphins, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine during drawing. I can affirm that this is supported by scientific research. Engaging in creative activities like drawing has been linked to the release of these "feel-good" chemicals, contributing to a sense of happiness and well-being.
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Hand-Eye Coordination:
- Acknowledging that even imperfect attempts at drawing contribute to improved hand-eye coordination aligns with established principles of motor skill development. The repetitive nature of drawing exercises the coordination between hand movements and visual perception.
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Alertness:
- The claim that drawing can be as effective as a cup of coffee in waking up the brain is intriguing. While it might not replace caffeine entirely, the act of drawing likely stimulates cognitive functions, contributing to increased alertness. This aligns with the idea that creative activities have a positive impact on cognitive engagement.
In conclusion, drawing is a multifaceted activity with profound implications for cognitive function, emotional well-being, and motor skills. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a novice, the benefits of picking up a pencil and engaging in the act of drawing are backed by both scientific evidence and a rich tradition of artistic expression. If you're looking to embark on a drawing journey, exploring upcoming classes, as suggested by The Art Studio NY, could be an excellent starting point.
