Jims Paintings

This is Jims work. As far as I can gather, Jim has never done any art before except maybe when he was in school. With a little encouragement he comes to art class and is quite happy to become engrossed with colours and shapes. We usually have a peek at some books to find something that interests him, then I draw it and he will paint it as an ongoing project over a few weeks. We usually have a bit of a giggle trying to name the animal we have drawn or about something to do with the picture he is creating. He is a live wire and a really important member of my art group because he always insists on helping me to clear up and has a great sense of humour!

Robert's work

Robert loves the work of Vincent Van Gogh because of the intensity and sheer energy in his work.

He also loves to look at and draw landscapes, he frequently carries books around with him with landscapes in them.

We look at books together and find a suitable picture that he is interested in. His interest would usually stem from an 'angle' in the picture such as a wall or a jetty. This angle would then propell his imagination forward where he could talk as though he knew the place he was drawing and could even tell you the names of the people in the picture.

The drawing below is taken from one of the books that Robert carries around and is a drawing of Newlyn in Cornwall. He drew it in around 40 minutes with great conviction and intensity and then went off to do other things.

The Big Draw 2010 video!

This was my first experience of working with people with dementia.

Although I had a family member who was suffering from Alzheimers I had no care home experience so this was a real eye opener for me.

I spent an hour twice a week with residents at Sunrise care home drawing and talking and encouraging residents to become involved in creating some art.

Here are the results of when I did 'THE BIG DRAW!'

Video produced by lynnedjones

Art and Dementia

Art for people with dementia can be helpful in a number of different ways. I have found that drawing and making images helps to stimulate memory and start conversations so that the activity becomes more than just 'art'.
Books are very important to use within these sessions, these include art books, childrens story books, pictures in magasines and newspapers. Memories are sparked with images and connections that have been previously difficult to access become available for that moment in time.
Research has shown that art can help people with dementia remember.

Art with People with Dementia

Drawing from Books

Art Session with Assisted Living Residents