The Magic of Paint

Artists and researchers, Dr Susan Liggett and Dr Megan Wyatt, have published a book chapter, ‘The Magic of Paint’ in ‘The Practical Handbook Of Living With Dementia’ (PCCS books, 2022). This book takes a person-centred approach to supporting people living with dementia and their families to challenge the stigma attached to the condition.

Through painting alongside participants, Sue and Megan provided a purposeful one to one experience facilitating those living with dementia to paint, which improved their wellbeing. They analysed this activity and articulated ‘how’ painting enables the expression of memories and feelings, refection, and provides an immersive experience. 

Expression of memories and feelings

People living with dementia often maintain a rich inner life; their emotional capabilities may be preserved even when they are no longer able to communicate verbally. Painting allows an expression of these emotions without a reliance on words and can provide a new avenue of communication for people living with dementia, which can create feelings of reassurance and relief. Colour, form, and gesture can all be used as a means of expression in painting, and can be accessed even when verbal ability may be compromised. 

Reflections 

When painting, one reflects on an intrinsic relationship between the colour, marks, and composition within the work, with each influencing the others. People living with dementia have the potential to access this mode of reflection within the painting process, even if they are unable to communicate this verbally. Reflection within the painting process can facilitate non-verbal modes of thought that support people living with dementia to make decisions and contemplate thoughts. This is something they may not always be able to do easily otherwise. 

Moreover, the constant cycles of reflection that occur within painting facilitate feelings of freedom and spontaneity. Painting should therefore be used to promote feelings of autonomy for people living with dementia and used as an alternative pathway to supporting them to maintain some levels of control even after their verbal abilities have declined. 

Immersion

Painting can facilitate immersive experiences for people living with dementia, which in turn can increase feelings of self-esteem and confidence. The nature of dementia can mean that it is often difficult to cognitively process the future or past, which can force people to live in the present moment. Engaging in an immersive experience can also provide a distraction from negative feelings and promote relaxation and calm. 

Conclusion

Painting should be acknowledged as a means to support people living with dementia to access new experiences and develop their knowledge and understandings. This focus on a person’s abilities rather than their difficulties can support them to feel a sense of purpose and integration in society. 
The Practical Handbook Of Living With Dementia, published by PCCS Books (2022) is available from PCCS for £25.00 or from Amazon at £25.99.