Painting is one of humanity's oldest creative practices. In recent decades, there has been an increasing amount of scientific evidence on the use of such practices in the promotion of physical and psychological health. In the field of public health, painting has proven an effective and efficient resource for maintaining or improving human wellbeing.

The first publication of its kind, this latest instalment in the Arts for Health series presents painting as a healing tool for all ages. Offering practical tips for how the health benefits of painting can be accessed through individual and home practice as well as through community events such as workshops, Saavedra, Arias-Sanchez and Rodriguez-Gomez delve into the myriad of benefits that painting can provide.

Easily digestible for interested general readers, as well as for busy health and social care practitioners looking to enhance care environments, Painting serves as a succinct, engaging, and informative guide on how this creative practice can help improve or maintain health and wellbeing, both within and outside of professional settings.

About the Author

Francisco Javier Saavedra-Macias is Associate Professor in the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Seville, Spain.

Samuel Arias-Sanchez is Associate Professor in Behavioral Sciences Methodology at the Department of Experimental Psychology at the University of Seville, Spain.

Ana Rodriguez-Gomez works as a visual artist and illustrator and has been organizing and teaching painting workshops for over 20 years.

Reviews
This is a book beautifully written for readers eager to learn more about health humanities. With a focus on creative practices and well-being, this book describes and explains the positive impact that painting can have on people's cognitive function, social interaction, emotional regulation and psychological well-being. For practitioners, this book offers valuable examples of painting workshops delivered in different contexts and with different populations. Overall, this is a must-read book for those interested in painting as an intervention for well-being. -- Professor Elvira Perez Vallejos

This important text examines the significance of painting to human beings throughout history and at different developmental stages. Painting is framed via a psychological lens with contemporary examples shared, exploring its use in clinical and community settings. The chapter on working with undocumented migrants and refugees draws on the author's expertise in this realm and is particularly timely and important. The text is likely to be valuable for scholars and practitioners alike.

-- Professor Victoria Tischler



Book Information
ISBN 9781804553558
Author Francisco Javier Saavedra-Macias
Format Paperback
Page Count 152
Imprint Emerald Publishing Limited
Publisher Emerald Publishing Limited
Weight(grams) 205g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 138mm * 13mm