For centuries, coffee has fueled creativity. Writers, philosophers, and painters alike have sworn by its energizing power. Honoré de Balzac famously drank up to fifty cups a day while writing; Beethoven counted exactly sixty beans per cup. Artists such as Edvard Munch and Diego Rivera were known to sip coffee while sketching. But beyond the myths and anecdotes, there is a scientific reason why coffee and creativity have become inseparable companions. 
Caffeine blocks adenosine, the neurotransmitter that signals fatigue, while simultaneously boosting dopamine—the brain’s “motivation” chemical. The result is sharper focus, prolonged attention, and a sense of reward, making it easier to dive into creative work. Studies published in Scientific American confirm that moderate caffeine intake enhances focus and persistence, though not necessarily divergent thinking (the ability to come up with novel ideas). For painters, this means longer and more productive sessions at the canvas. ​

Pablo Picasso once remarked that “art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” For centuries, painting has offered not only a means of self-expression but also a way to restore balance in times of stress. In today’s hyperconnected world, where screens dominate and deadlines pile up, the act of painting is emerging as one of the simplest, most powerful tools for mental well-being. ​

Painting requires presence. Each brushstroke demands attention to color, form, and movement. Unlike scrolling through social media, painting narrows focus into the here and now. Psychologists call this immersion a “flow state”—moments when we are so absorbed in what we are doing that time seems to dissolve. Research in Frontiers in Psychology has shown that painting and similar creative practices reduce cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and improve mood in clinical settings. 
The therapeutic effects of painting are well documented. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers increasingly use art therapy for patients coping with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or chronic illness. By choosing colors, sketching shapes, or layering textures, patients can express emotions that words cannot capture. For some, painting is not about the finished canvas but about the journey—the meditative act of creating something that didn’t exist before. ​

History is filled with examples of artists who leaned on painting as an anchor in turbulent times. Vincent van Gogh, despite his struggles with mental illness, wrote to his brother that he felt “almost cheerful” when working with color. Georgia O’Keeffe used painting to connect to the vast landscapes of New Mexico, finding peace and belonging in desert horizons. Their works stand as reminders that art is as much about survival as it is about beauty. 
For non-artists, painting can be just as powerful. Community art classes, online workshops, and personal sketchbooks all provide spaces where creativity can thrive without judgment. A modest set of paints and brushes can open a door to mindfulness that rivals meditation or yoga. The value lies not in perfection but in presence. 
In a culture that prizes productivity and efficiency, painting offers the opposite: slowness, reflection, and healing. It reminds us that creativity is not just about producing masterpieces—it is about restoring ourselves. ​

The Sunny Tree is one of 10 paintings of trees made using a similar format of Glue and Oil Paint.
The yellow color is bright and happy, the tree symbolizes the different branches of one’s life.  In today’s crazy world of social distancing, darkness, solemnness, one has the time to think about their life, where they have been, where they are going.

Jeff Koons is an American artist well known for his pop art sculptures.  His balloon dog is a 10 foot sculpture as are many of his sculptures.  They are big and out of proportion.
He’s one of my favorite artists; the colorful sculptures always bring a smile to my face.  They shine, they are clean and get close enough and you will see your image in the mirrored surfaces.
As one of the world’s most expensive art works, Koon’s art has many critics.  The balloon dog was even described as ‘baloney’ by critics.  Still, the sculpture sold for $58 million in in 2013 (i recall).

Having been an art lover my whole adult life, I started painting a few years ago.  With no formal education and only self training and lots of YouTube instructional videos I’m happy to post some of my creations
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A Short Memoir in 70 Chapters
Each one of the 70 short chapters of Frederic Tuten’s “My Young Life” showcases a moment of awareness he experienced along his path to becoming a writer. The first chapter features Tuten as a young man plagued by ill health, which nudged him towards books. From Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson to Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain, Tuten survived a year of rheumatic fever by escaping into the adventures of fictional characters. After recovering, he returned to school as the tallest person in the class and as one of the few children who did not have any friends.

Impeccable Vernacular
​The memoir evolves to illuminate Tuten’s hopes and dreams as a high school student with romantic notions of moving to Paris and becoming a renowned artist. It shifts as he becomes increasingly angry and self-involved, eventually dropping out of school. The storyline highlights Tuten’s remarkable writing ability as it progresses. He transports readers back in time with immaculate prose. Tuten paints a tale decorated by delicate contrasts, like the curt masculinity loosely depicted in his father’s love for all things pork—sausages, pig knuckles, pork chops, and hominy grits—along with his mother’s ability to obtain such things in the Jewish neighborhood she chose to move to in order to give her son a better education.

“Friends” and FootnotesFrederic Tuten 
moves effortlessly between timelines, just as he does in his fictional work. He cleverly introduces a fantastic array of characters including John Resko, an ex-con who transformed himself into a celebrated artist, and the writer of God’s Angry Man, Leonard Ehrlich. They are tersely presented and then expanded on in footnotes where he reminisces about the person and often blames himself for not keeping in touch. Tuten effectively uses such footnotes throughout the memoir, giving the reader a wide-angle view of the narrative.

​No Time for Nostalgia
The tale unfolds to reveal Tuten’s nonchalance about moving from one neighborhood to the next, never getting nostalgic. His mother’s opinion about how he got steady employment at the post office instead of going to college is briefly revealed as he moves forward to the next chapter. Tuten does not dwell on what could have been and instead forges ahead, taking the reader to the next relevant experience with brilliant and poignant writing. The result is an exceptional portrait of the writer at various stages of his young life.

A man wrote to a tech publication alleging that they featured a photo of him in an article about the “hipster effect,” a phenomenon in which people who are opposed to mainstream culture end up looking alike. Despite threats of legal action, it turned out that it was a stock photo of a bearded man wearing a flannel shirt and not actually a photo of the fuming man who accused the publication of lacking “basic journalistic ethics.”

When Ufan paints, it is more than a graphical representation of a mental process – he doesn’t just make art based on what he is thinking about. The process Ufan takes involves opening a dialogue with surrounding objects and embracing the influence of elements such as time and air. The artist uses his physical form and breath to establish a rhythm of creation as a unique form of conversation. With each deftly executed brushstroke Ufan exudes an inner calm which is also translated into his work.
Besides painting, Ufan also creates minimalist constructions in line with the paradigm of the Mono-ha (School of Things), a group he was a prominent member of during the 1960s. Assemblies are fashioned using natural materials such as rock, slate and steel. The aim is to utilize the understated power of vacant space as it amalgamates with physical elements – and so Ufan trims the act of making art to its most raw state. His process even extends to the area in which the work is installed. Before each installation Ufan walks around the space, studying it from all angles, before deciding where the art should be placed. For Ufan the complete progression, from the process of creation through to the space it ultimately occupies is vital to its success.
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According to Ufan, the way that art is created and perceived changes as society do over time. People are driven by similar values and ideologies during periods in time. This makes it easier for artists to make an impact and harness an emotional response with their work. Because the world has become increasingly connected in recent times, society has evolved into being more diverse and fluid. We are subjected to more opinions, cultural input, and raw information than in any other era. Values are rapidly shifting and art is taking off in a staggering array of new directions.
Ufan believes that art tackles current events and social issues that are unfurling as time unfolds. Many artists in the contemporary art realm are creating with no idea how their art may evolve until they are done with it. It is no longer an option for these artists to construct works about topics that are known by the masses and generally understood – this simply won’t make a deep enough impact. In this era, people are captivated by the unknown. Artists need to draw on the unconscious, contradictions, chaos and even madness to increase the allure of their works. Viewers need to be provoked into experiencing new emotions and concepts. Ufan states that “works that are logically organized, that can be clearly explained, and that is destined for a predictable goal are not art.”

When the museum first opened its doors, Ufan expressed a desire that the space would become “a place that is alive”. The artist believes that a work of art is always in the process of being completed and is therefore eternally transforming as it is influenced by the viewer’s frame of mind and the environment it is located in. As the work is initially ‘completed’ it seems as though this is how the piece is and will be – in an inactive state. In reality, art continues to transform even after the artist’s work is done. It then starts to live in a different way. Steel rusts, material deteriorates, plants around the work grow or die and the light around the piece changes. Viewers return to see the work in a different mood. This means that ultimately, artists lack control over their work.
It is in this state of uncertainty in which an artwork and the space it occupies, the artist and the viewers meet. It is a space where the power and beauty of art can be experienced and perhaps also what makes the Lee Ufan Museum so magical. The space is home to a powerful permanent collection that is constantly transforming and is beautifully alive.

The Arts Are Vital to Us All – Show Your Support!
In so many countries around the world, art is highly undervalued. When governments have to make budget cuts, it’s usually one of the first areas to suffer. Unfortunately, not everyone is aware of the massive potential the arts have to improve society. Here are some of the many reasons why art is important to everybody in every country and should be supported:

1. It strengthens the economy – Arts and culture play a major role in tourism. It is also the driving force behind millions of sustainable jobs.

2. Art unifies communities – The arts can bring people together regardless of differences like race, gender or age. It can also help people from different cultures to develop a better understanding of one another.

​3. Improved wellbeing – It feels good to get creative or to enjoy somebody else’s creativity. Studies have proven that art is uplifting and can create positive experiences.

4. The potential for improved healthcare – The healing benefits of art are becoming known and acknowledged by more and more healthcare professionals. Arts programs are being implemented for patients and staff members and have been met with great success.

5. Improved academic performance – Research has revealed that students engaged in a balanced education that includes the arts are more likely to achieve higher academic results.

6. Improved positive connection – The arts provide entertainment as well as opportunities for connection at art exhibitions, musical performances, drama clubs and other artistic destinations where people can share the joy of creative experiences.

7. Massive positive social impact – According to research, areas with a high level of engagement in the arts have improved civic engagement, superior social cohesion and lower rates of poverty.

8. Improved mental health – Art therapy is fast becoming mainstream. This includes drama therapy which has proven to be effective in treating emotional ailments like PTSD and insomnia.

9. Innovation and creativity – Both innovation and creativity are highly sought after traits in the corporate world these days. Business leaders are actively pursuing people who can think outside the box – the arts spark this kind of thinking.

​10. It’s fun! – The arts can be enjoyed by young and old from all walks of life. From gallery or museum visits to dance shows and poetry readings – there is something for everyone. And having fun is important!