These step-by-step Mandala Dot painting lessons were created to have meaning to those with dementia and the elderly. Research implies that artistic engagement may help to ease symptoms of dementia like stress. It may also increase mood and self-esteem and possibly help stimulate memory.
The Videos
YouTube
The Lesson Plans
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Additional Material
About Jeanette Rodriguez
My name is Jeanette Rodriguez. In 2010, I was invited to teach at a quaint gallery in Patterson, New York; and then several years later by invitation in Arizona and on the Big Island of Hawaii. Upon returning to New York I was asked to teach my Alcohol Ink painting and jewelry technique in the Hudson Valley area. What I’ve learned over the years that continues to fascinate me is watching students who initially believed they were incapable of creating art become painters, drawers, and artists! I believe everyone is creative and with a little encouragement can transform.
As an artist, I find that painting helps me release stress; in fact, it has helped me to heal during many rough times in my life. I don’t feel like I make art, I feel like I deliver art. I feel as though I am a vessel, a channel for art and creativity to flow through. I must admit that this isn’t always easy, but I have learned to live in the moment and trust the process. I continue to share my creative teaching style with the same motivation and enthusiasm to help students release stress and help them heal as they discover and explore their inner-artistic gifts.
In my Soul Painting workshop, I introduced a technique that I call Flow, which allows students to experiment with wet paper and drops of paint within a circle. Afterward, I ask students to share their paintings and expressions of what they see with each other. This has become my favorite part of the workshop! Listening to what students discover within their creation and in their classmates’ paintings is a very happy and intimate part. To me, art is a language not spoken in words, but in the emotions of lines, shapes, textures, and colors.