Painting in Neurology

Abstract

Painting is a form of artistic creativity involving translation of emotional, subconscious, expressive, impressive, intellectual and creative communication into two-/three-dimensional plane through application of dyes, colorants or other marking substances with usage of paintbrushes, paper, cloths or other materials. This process is very complex involving the starting conceptual phase followed by active executive production. The mechanical process of painting/drawing involves unique paint/dye application techniques supported by visual-spatial skills. Art perception and appreciation are likely a mirror process to artistic production where afferent artistic trigger ignites emotional, intellectual and other reactions in the viewer. The neural network behind all these processes, both at the side of the artist and viewer, is very complex and it should be viewed beyond simple anatomical landmarks such as brain lobes and laterality. Due to the above-mentioned complexity of artistic brain activity it is really interesting to discuss and analyse these processes in people with central nervous system disorders. In this chapter we will walk the reader through a concept of mirroring connection between the artist and art receiver as well as through various scenarios including development of artistic skills de novo, or change of artistic skills in relation to central nervous system disorders.