Activity ideas: Creating pictures

Many of us take great pleasure and satisfaction from creating pictures in various ways. 

Someone who’s already painting, drawing or taking photographs could continue enjoying this after a dementia diagnosis, though they may need to adapt how they do this at times. 

A person with dementia who hasn’t done this for a while, or perhaps ever, might like to take it up again or try it as something new. 

Talking about favourite subjects or reminiscing may also spark ideas.

People might be inspired by whatever’s around them or on their mind. Talking about favourite subjects or reminiscing may also spark ideas, as could seeing other artists’ work when visiting a gallery, looking at books or searching online. 

New materials or equipment, such as a tabletop easel, could help someone carry on creating pictures as their needs change. If you’re getting these on their behalf, involve the person in decisions wherever possible – for example, they may have a preference between types of paint. Support with other aspects, such as mixing colours or changing camera settings, could also help. 

Some products are specially designed for people with dementia.

Colouring books and Aquapaints – where water makes colours appear in an image – focus on specific aspects of painting and drawing, and some products are specially designed for people with dementia. Many of these are available in our online store.