Neurographic Art

Neurographic art is an art form that was designed in 2014 by a Russian psychologist named Pavel Piskarov.

It is an intuitive form of art that involves mindfulness and intentionality.

learn and utilize line weight effectively in their artwork to add depth and emphasis to their compositions
engage in meaningful brainstorming to develop a list of personal characteristics, experiences, or values that define them.
work to translate abstract concepts about themselves into visual symbols or representations
demonstrate proficiency in creating even and gradient watercolor washes
I can create a visually engaging mind map that represents my life and interests.

TEKS Art, Level II: (c)(1)(A), (c)(2)(F)

Vocabulary:

Watercolor Washes: Techniques for applying diluted watercolor paint to create transparent layers of color, usually over large areas

Line Weight: The thickness or thinness of a line in artwork, used to create emphasis, depth, and visual interest

Mind Map: A visual diagram that uses a non-linear layout to organize ideas, tasks, or other items around a central concept.

Personal Identity: The unique combination of characteristics, experiences, and values that define an individual

Inspiration Artists

Santiago Ramón y Cajal

Although not primarily an artist, Cajal's detailed neurological drawings are considered the foundation of modern neuroscience and can serve as inspiration for neurographic art.

Greg Dunn

A neuroscientist-turned-artist who creates stunning paintings and prints inspired by the brain's structure.

Julia Buntaine Hoel

Her art is directly inspired by neuroscience, often incorporating brain imagery and scientific concepts.

Lia Halloran

Known for her works that blend science and art, including pieces inspired by neuroscience and astronomy.

What is Neurographic Art?

Neurographic art is a therapeutic art form that combines art and psychology to help people work through emotions and limiting beliefs. The word "neurographic" comes from the words "neuro" and "graphic", which refer to brain cells and connections between them and the body, and artistic depictions of images, shapes, and ideas.

Copy of Neurographic Art for AmslerArtRoom

Video that goes over the basic assignment(Smoother Lines)

Video by Pavel Piskarov himself - his process is more involved and challengingSuggested for Painting 3/4 or those who are really interested in the idea of mind/body working together...(More Wiggily/Unique Lines)

Inspiration Artwork

Project Steps

Step 1 - Long Freeform Lines

Begin by drawing a freeform line on your page for three seconds.

This is a mindful drawing exercise but this part is totally up to you! If you like, you can reflect on a problem you are experiencing by writing down this issue on the inside of your portfolio. Or you can meditate on an issue weighing on your mind as you work, but only if you would like to.

Slightly thicker markers work better for this step. It is also helpful to draw larger looping lines. Bigger loops will give you more space to experiment.

Step 2 - Smooth all of the "Intersections"

Wherever there are overlapping lines, transform the intersections into smooth U shapes. It will be more relaxing and fulfilling if you follow the path of the lines and don’t jump around the page. That way you are able to see your designs begin to form and will not have a bunch of unfinished areas.

Step 3 - Variety of Line Weight (Thickness)

Smooth out your lines using thick and thin markers. It's important to make the lines flow from thick to thin and having a variety of different line weights. Variation is more interesting than having everything "even".

Step 4 - Add Shapes or Outlines

Next, you can choose to trace some overlapping shapes on top of your designs. Start with only one or two at a time, take a few deep breaths and then you can add more. You do not want to overwhelm the image with to many lines or small areas.

Then smooth out any new intersections.

Steps 5 & 6 can be completed in either order, and can be repeated as needed!

Step 5 - Mind Map

Next, look at the "Artist Mind Map" page to the right.

You will be creating a personal mind map on top of your 'Neurographic art'.

You can do this many different ways: free form words, symbols, doodles, zentangles, personal imagery, stream of conscience, personal poetry...

We are looking to include things that interest you, but go deeper into "why" and the "specifics" of your interests.

If you can branch off from something basic into more complex ideas...Perfect! You are on the right track, keep going!
(I love food - pizza is one kind - style/type of pizza (hand tossed) - where it's from - toppings - I love cheese! cheese comes from....)
It doesn't have to make sense to anyone but YOU
You can begin by working with your "favorites" - especially if you are a level 2
Personalize it! This is YOUR art about YOUR hopes, fears & personality
If you are a level 3/4 - look more specifically at your art interests and choices

Artist Mind Map Page

(Look through the links on this page to see examples and ideas about the way artists use mind maps in their work)

Step 6 - Watercolor Washes

We will be using watercolors to fill in some of the areas you have created.

You want to work on varying the values (the lightness or darkness of a color) so that each area has some gentle form and much more interest.

Allow to dry and layer more if desired.

Awesome Non-Video Tutorial on All Washes

Flat, Variegated and Graded Washes

Success Criteria:

Remember that I am looking for Content, Creativity, and Craftsmanship in all assignments.

Content - Did you work with the style of art, "Neurographic Art"? Did you create a Mind Map? Did you work with Watercolor Washes?

Creativity - Did you compy one of the examples - or did you come up with your own ideas, try new things, explore things you like?

Craftsmanship - Did you spend time and effort on this assignment? Did you do your best work? Did you fix/adjust any issues or mistakes?

Going Further

Different Ideas You can Explore -

Work with the practice of Mindfulness
Mixed Media! Layer several materials, such as; watercolor and then color pencils, Markers and then crayons
Incorporate a larger image into the base lines
Work with the idea of releasing some sort of stress, finding an answer, working through an issue... this is done by focusing on your concern, then writing it down on the back of your paper, then thinking about it while completing your art (especially the set up).
Take a look at the video to the right, she goes into many other ways to work with this style of art and connecting it to positive mental health.

Higher Order Thinking Questions:

Analyze: How does your finished Neurographic Art piece reflect your personal identity or thought processes? Provide specific examples from your work to support your analysis.
Evaluate: Assess the balance between conscious decision-making and intuitive creation in your neurographic piece. How did this balance affect your final artwork?
Analyze: Examine the relationship between the colors you chose and the emotions or concepts you aimed to express. How effective was your color selection in conveying your intended message?
Evaluate: In what ways does the use of watercolor enhance or challenge the neurographic process? Consider both the benefits and limitations.
Create: If you were to develop a new art form that combines elements of Neurographic Art with another artistic style or scientific concept, what would it look like? Describe its key features and potential impact.
Analyze: How do the principles of neuroscience manifest in your Neurographic Art piece? Provide specific examples from your work.
Synthesize: How might the principles of Neurographic Art be applied to other areas of your life or learning to enhance creativity or problem-solving?

Essential Questions:

How does the process of creating Neurographic Art reflect or influence our thought patterns?
In what ways can art serve as a bridge between neuroscience and personal expression?
How does the combination of brainstorming and artistic creation enhance our understanding of ourselves?
What role does intuition play in the creation of Neurographic Art?
How can abstract art forms like Neurographic Art communicate complex ideas or emotions?
How does the process of creating Neurographic Art differ from traditional artistic methods, and what unique benefits does it offer?

Back to the Top

Report abuse

Neurographic Art