Why painting is beneficial for children — and adults

Author: Viktoria Koltsova, artist and teacher at the painting studio VIKTORIA ART (Tallinn)

We often think of painting as simply a pleasant hobby: a relaxing evening activity, fun pictures on the fridge. In fact, it is much more than that. Painting trains attention, memory, emotions and even logical thinking. It changes the way we perceive the world and ourselves — whether we are five or fifty.

For children: a foundation they will not “outgrow”

When a child picks up a brush, they are not simply putting paint on paper. They plan, choose, experiment, and make corrections. The movement of the brush develops fine motor skills and, along with them, activates areas of the brain associated with speech and memory. Mixing colors requires precision and patience, while drawing a line requires a steady hand and a good eye. This is where attentiveness is born, later carrying over into reading, writing, and everyday schoolwork. In my studio practice, I repeatedly see how children become more focused with each lesson: “Even the little ones who initially could not sit still for even five minutes begin to enjoy the process after just a few sessions, finish their work, and feel proud of the result.” Such small victories build inner discipline and self-confidence—qualities that are invaluable in life.

Painting also supports mathematical and logical thinking. A child learns to notice proportions, symmetry, rhythm, and perspective; they compare shapes, look for connections, and try to depict space on paper. These are very similar patterns of mental activity to those we later need, for example, in geometry or word problems: the ability to keep several conditions in mind at once and see the whole picture. Art is like a safe laboratory where making a mistake is not punished—it teaches children to experiment rather than give up.

But painting does not develop only the “intellectual side.” It opens the door to the emotional world. Through colour and light, a child learns to recognise moods — both their own and those of others. When something is difficult to put into words, it can be expressed through form and tone. This fosters empathy and imagination, which are more important than a perfect line.

For adults: support for the brain, nervous system and creativity

For an adult, painting is a second wind. Our days are often full of spreadsheets, meetings, and information. Working with a brush slows the pace and directs attention to the hand and the task at hand—breathing becomes steadier and thoughts more orderly. Many people describe how just 20–30 minutes in a “state of flow” reduces tension and helps them fall asleep more easily. At the same time, we also train our cognitive abilities: we need to keep composition, tonal relationships, edges, and rhythm in focus; we make small decisions from moment to moment. It is a gentle yet effective workout for the brain that helps keep attention and visual memory in shape.

Creativity is talked about a lot, but in a painting studio it becomes tangible. When we try to approach one subject in several ways—with transparent glazes, thick textures, or a limited palette—our thinking learns to become more flexible. The same flexibility carries over into work: we see more options, test solutions in small steps, and tolerate uncertainty more calmly. Most importantly, paint can express what words cannot. Anger, anxiety, joy, longing: all of these find a safe place on the canvas and become more bearable.

Painting brings us back into our bodies. The pressure of the brush, the path of the hand, the resistance of the canvas — all of this develops body awareness and coordination. Over time, the brushwork becomes more assured and the movement more efficient. Both children and adults notice that even everyday movements — from using a computer mouse to handling a kitchen knife — become smoother and more precise.

A bonus for families: creating together brings people closer

The environment is also important. Studio classes create a space where experimentation and mistakes are allowed. People who otherwise would not meet share ideas, give one another friendly feedback, and leave the class breathing a little more easily. For an introvert, it is a safe haven; for an extrovert, a playful arena. For families, painting together is a special gift: shared time that gives rise to rituals and memories—truly visible ones, because they remain on the canvas.

Getting started is easy. All you need is paper or a small canvas, three or four basic colors, and one good size 6–10 brush. One subject at a time: today the sky and clouds, tomorrow an apple with light and shadow, and the day after tomorrow a simple perspective through a window. Instead of pursuing perfection, it is worth valuing attentiveness: is the tone warmer or cooler, is the edge sharp or soft, does the form breathe? The instructor’s role here is to shorten the journey: they help you see where you are actually “stuck” and suggest an exercise that is just right—not too easy, not beyond your abilities.

If you live in Tallinn and want to experience this in a supportive atmosphere, you are welcome at VIKTORIA ART. Painting helps children become calmer and more attentive, while offering adults rest for the nervous system and nourishment for the mind. And when people paint together, something else valuable happens: they grow closer to one another.