Scientists believe that our vision is our most important sense. It is estimated that 90% of the information our brain processes comes from what we see. Yet, what we usually see is a generalized view of what actually is within our frame of reference. Think about it. Look ahead of your for just an instant. What do you see? Now, look in front of you for a full minute. Now what do you see? Your eyes are taking in a flash shot at the beginning, but when you take a longer look you can see dozens of things you missed.
Now, take a full minute to look around you and then write down everything you saw – without looking up. How much do you remember? This is an excellent memory improvement technique!
Art is a wonderful brain development tool. It not only expands the horizons of the adults and children you study it, it allows the mind to expand. “Art and music are essential in expanding the horizons of children beyond the everyday, and children that are exposed to art and music early on are known to do better and go farther in life than they would have without it. Introducing the arts in the form of games is a great way to start them out with a love for art and music.â€
Playing art games with children helps them to learn colors, shapes and texture, and to show creativity and attention to details. All of these will serve them well later in life. It’s also a brain booster for adults, utilizing many areas of the brain at once.
Van Gogh painting - "Church"
When people visit an art museum don’t you wonder why some so many linger over a picture for some time? It’s because they are taking in the details. A work of art does not consist of just paint on a canvas, and often looking at a picture for just a quick glance doesn’t do justice to the fine details that you don’t see.
If you can’t visit a museum, just look at a work of art in your home or office, or from a magazine, and study it.
- What kind of lines do you see?
- What shapes can you find?
- What colors has the artists used?
- What kind of texture is it? Rough, smooth, etc.
- What kind of feeling do you get from the painting?
- What thoughts come into your mind as you are looking at it?
Look at the Van Gogh painting of a church to your right. What details can you find with this painting?
I believe paying attention to details is an important part of memory. The more you take in and understand the better your memory will be about it later.
 From the desk of Ron White
Sources:
Mental Fitness Cards, by Marge Engleman (82-83)
Learning Games for Kids.com – http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/art_and_music_games.html