Why looking at art make us feel good

                                                                              

On the scientific side, looking at art reduces the stress hormone called cortisol, stimulates the feel-good hormones called endorphins and increases dopamine that leads to positive sensations in us.   

 It has the power to engage you so fully, bringing you into the present moment. Reduces stress – studies show that both creating and observing art can reduce cortisol, the 'stress hormone'*. Doing something you love also releases endorphins – feel-good chemicals that combat stress and reduce pain.

Dr Street said “Psychologists have long known that the environment in which we spend time is important in terms of health and wellbeing, and that nature has particularly beneficial properties,so you better start looking at those paintings.
                                                                           Fresh Like A River
The reasons are Evolutionary ancestry has hard-wired humans to have affective responses for certain patterns and traits. These predispositions lend themselves to responses when looking at certain visual arts as well. Identification of subject matter is the first step in understanding the visual image. Being presented with visual stimuli creates initial confusion.

Being able to comprehend a figure and background creates closure and triggers the pleasure centers of the brain by remedying the confusion. Once an image is identified, meaning can be created by accessing memory relative to the visual stimuli and associating personal memories with what is being viewed.

                                                               River Painting