• Visual Arts and Trauma: The Example of Abandonment Trauma (Lise Bourbeau) 

    A Canadian author, Lise Bourbeau, has worked extensively with emotional trauma and was able to classify different types of wounds. One of the traumas she described is abandonment trauma. It can be observed in the following patterns: Healing this pattern requires long-term inner work. At the beginning, it may involve simply asking for attention or support…

  • The Effect of Mandala Coloring on State Anxiety

    Mandala coloring has gained popularity as a simple, accessible tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Rooted in art therapy practices, mandalas are structured, circular designs that are believed to promote focus, relaxation, and emotional balance. But how effective are they compared to other creative activities? A systematic review and meta-analysis by Siri Jakobsson Støre and Niklas Jakobsson examined this…

  • On Coloring

    In Western science, the rainbow appears when white light is split into colors through refraction—a principle described by Isaac Newton. His color circle organized hues but ignored light–dark values, which are essential for artists working with tone and contrast. Across cultures, colors carry different meanings. For example, Tibetan tradition links white with purity, while various Indigenous…

  • Noradrenaline and Visual Arts: How Creativity Supports Focus, Energy, and Emotional Balance

    According to Robert Sapolsky, one of the factors behind depressive states or low mood is a reduced level of noradrenaline in the brain’s reward and motivation systems. When levels are low, a person may feel emotionally flat, unmotivated and disconnected from pleasure. In moments when a child (or an adult) feels overwhelmed, unfocused, or low in energy, the…

  • Helping Children Cope with Stress

    First of all, let’s have a look what causes stress in children? Many parents still feel unsure about how to avoid putting their child under stress. It’s not always obvious, and often the reasons are hidden in everyday routines. Here are some common factors that can increase stress levels in children: Of course, it is…

  • Visual Arts and Autism

    Autism is often not immediately visible in the early years, especially if a child is the firstborn. Many parents only hear about it later—during preschool assessments or specialist evaluations. And when that moment comes, it can feel overwhelming. There may be fear, confusion, and a deep sense of uncertainty about the future. Thoughts about how…

  • The Intensity of Red

    Red is one of the most powerful and stimulating colors. It has a strong impact on the mind and body, evoking both attraction and tension. On the positive side, red is associated with energy, vitality, and attention. Studies have shown that people are more likely to notice and be drawn to someone wearing red. It…

  • Softness in Pink

    Pink is the color of softness, care, and emotional warmth. It has a gentle, calming effect — as if wrapping you in a quiet sense of safety. If emotions had a color, tenderness and affection would be pink. It softly encourages empathy, compassion, and a desire to care for others. In art therapy, even a…

  • The Power of Yellow

    Yellow is one of the most powerful psychological colors. It has a strong emotional impact and can influence us in both positive and challenging ways. Above all, yellow is associated with happiness and light. It lifts the mood, awakens optimism, and encourages a sense of confidence. This color gently stimulates activity, inspires action, and even…

  • The Energy of Orange

    Orange is a color that gently draws attention without overwhelming it. Unlike yellow, it does not shine as brightly — instead, it highlights and guides the eye, helping us focus on what truly matters. At its core, orange is the color of warmth. It is associated with abundance, positivity, and joyful emotions. It naturally creates…