Lines That Heal: Discover the Power of Neuro Art
- Carolyn Pitts
- Sep 16
- 5 min read
Art as Medicine
Recently, I volunteered for a ten-week session of Opening Minds through Art (OMA) at the Cultural Arts Center. Developed by Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon in 2007, OMA is an evidence-based art therapy program for people with dementia.
Visual expression allows us to communicate beyond words—a lifeline for someone with memory or language challenges. OMA also restores a sense of autonomy for people who rely on their caregivers to perform daily tasks. As Dr. Lokon says, “You may not remember people’s names, but you still know which colors you prefer.”
But art’s healing power isn’t just for those with dementia. In these times of stress and uncertainty, we could all benefit from a dose of art therapy.
“I’m Not an Artist!”
As children, we delighted in crayons, paint, and finger smudges. Yet somewhere along the way, many of us lost touch with that playful freedom. When I invite adults to try art-making, I often hear: “But I’m not an artist!”
Here’s the truth: art is not about producing flawless masterpieces. It’s about the process, not the product. Creativity allows us to excavate stuck emotions, regulate our nervous system, and activate our innate self-healing power.
Research shows that creative activities can quiet racing thoughts, lower blood pressure, and improve overall health. In one study, 80% of participants experienced a measurable reduction in the stress hormone, cortisol, after forty-five minutes of art-making.
"After about five minutes, I felt less anxious. I was able to obsess less about things that I had not done or need [ed] to get done. Doing art allowed me to put things into perspective."
"I Don't Have Time"
Do you ever find your mind wandering during a a boring meeting or tedious conference call? Our brains receive and interpret other people's speech faster then they can talk. So, our brain fills the spare cycles thinking about our to-do list or next meal.
Research has demonstrated that drawing during a lecture improves mental focus and increases retention. It can also help us tap into our intuition, unlocking problem-solving insights. Next time you are stuck on an issue or struggling to pay attention, try doodling neuro art.
No Fail Art Techniques
OMA participants are presented with 'no fail' art projects. The art supplies are carefully chosen and presented in a way that enables each person to succeed.
What would you create if you knew you couldn’t fail? Neuro art gives us that freedom. These drawing techniques are simple, meditative, and surprisingly powerful.
Neurographica
Created in 2014 by Russian psychologist Pavel Piskarev, Neurographica uses flowing, neuron-like lines to rewire the brain’s response to challenges. After reflecting on a problem, you sketch freeform lines (I like to do this step with my eyes closed), extend them until they connect, round the intersections, and then add color. The process is as physiologically calming as meditation.
Zentangle
Developed in 2004 by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas, Zentangle combines Rick’s meditation background with Maria’s artistry. At first glance, the intricate designs look complex, but they’re built from very simple patterns—accessible to anyone.
As you can see from these drawings, I've developed my own hybrid of neuro art over time. On September 23, 2025, Colette Baron-Reid is releasing The Art of Manifesting, introducing a fresh form of neuro art. I’ve already pre-ordered my copy and can’t wait to explore new ways to relax and reset through drawing.
Getting Started
You don’t need special equipment to try neuro art. A simple pen and sheet of paper are enough. I enjoy using Sakura Pigma Micron pens for their precision, but use whatever you have on hand. If you’d like to add color, try colored pencils, pastels, markers, or watercolor.
My neuro art journey started when I picked up a copy of One Zentangle a Day by Beckah Krahula, but there are dozens of free neuro art instruction videos available online.
Visit the links below to see for yourself how simple, easy and FUN these techniques are.
✨ Reader Challenge: 5 Days of Neuro Art
This week, I invite you to give yourself five minutes a day for five days to play with neuro art. Here’s how to begin:
Grab a pen and paper.
Tune in to how you are feeling and rate your stress on a scale from zero to ten, with ten representing extremely high.
Close your eyes and draw three or four flowing lines across the page.
Open your eyes and extend the lines until they connect with the edges of the paper or with each other.
Round the intersections where lines meet.
Add color if you wish.
Reassess your stress level and note any changes in your body.
That’s it! At the end of the week, pause and notice—did your stress levels shift? Do you feel calmer, lighter, or more focused? I’d love to see what you create—feel free to email me photos of your neuro art!
Art for the Journey
Art for the Journey (AFJ) is dedicated to spreading healing through the visual arts. They provide individuals the opportunity to explore their creativity, gain new skills, and express themselves through different art mediums. AFJ offers programs for children, veterans, incarcerated populations, and the elderly, in addition to OMA programs in facilities throughout the Richmond, VA area.
Their annual art exhibit and celebration will be held at the Museum of History and Culture on September 25, 2025 from 5:30 - 8:30 PM Eastern. You can support AFJ's mission by attending the event or purchasing artwork. If you cannot attend in person, the art will also be available for purchase online during the event. Preview the artwork here. I have three pieces in the exhibit.
River City: This piece captures the spirit of summer in the city from the kayaker shooting the rapids of the James River to the Richmond skyline as viewed from the south shore. This collage of original photographs is dry-mounted on heavy mat board with a protective coating that eliminates the need for glass, and framed in black wood. More details
Chasing Waves: Panning enabled me to capture the prized elements of wildlife photography such as tack-sharp feathers and a catchlight in the eye while revealing the speed of this Sanderling as it chases receding waves in pursuit of dinner. Shot on Glory Beach, Jekyll Island, GA. Printed on metal with black wood frame. More details
I Feel Pretty: After a busy day of fishing, this Brown Pelican indulges in a sunset preening. The feathers and beak appear in sharp detail while a narrow depth-of-field paints a watercolor background. Shot near Fort Monroe, VA. Printed on metal with black wood frame. More details.
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