How Art Can Boost Your Happiness

Sure, art can move you, stop you in your tracks, and make you feel something deep. But did you know that simply looking at art—whether it’s a bold abstract, a peaceful floral piece, or a playful collage—can actually boost your happiness on a neurological level?

Yep, this isn’t just feel-good fluff. It’s science.

Colorful artwork, much like a fresh bouquet of flowers or a brilliant sunset, can trigger your brain to release dopamine—a chemical associated with pleasure and joy. That quick jolt of visual delight isn’t just fun; it can help calm anxiety, ease stress, and lift your mood in a matter of seconds.

Why color feels so good

Color doesn’t just add beauty to your walls—it connects directly to your emotions.

💙 Blue brings calm and serenity.
❤️ Red energizes and stimulates.
🧡 Orange invites warmth and joy.
💚 Green restores and soothes.

When you surround yourself with these shades—whether in your home, your studio, or even on your phone screen—you’re doing more than decorating. You’re creating a space that gently speaks to your nervous system. Color becomes a language your body understands. Even the subtlest shade can shift your mood, inviting ease, joy, or boldness depending on what you need most in that moment.

Detail shot of vibrant mixed media artwork by Misty of Creatively Misty, featuring a bold blue eye, expressive black linework, and layers of florals, handwritten script, and rich yellow textures. This piece reflects Misty’s signature style—fearless color, intuitive mark-making, and layered storytelling.

Art literally lights up your brain

Looking at art isn’t just a passive experience — it’s a full-brain workout wrapped in beauty. Whether you’re staring at bold brushstrokes, soft florals, or layered textures, your brain is instantly engaged. It begins analyzing shapes, noticing patterns, interpreting color, and connecting those visuals to emotions, memories, and meaning.

And the best part? Your brain loves it. According to a study shared by The Telegraph, looking at a beautiful piece of artwork increases blood flow to the brain by up to 10% — the same response your body has when you look at someone you love.

That means every time you stop to really take in a piece of art, your body experiences it as a moment of connection and joy. It’s like gifting your brain a burst of joy.

Art engages your logic, your emotion, your memory, and your imagination- all at once. It’s one of the rare experiences that activates both sides of your brain in harmony. That’s why it can feel so grounding and inspiring, calming and energizing. It’s not just pretty- it’s powerful.

How beautiful is that?
Art makes your heart flutter. Your brain hum. Your spirit exhale.

Gallery wall featuring vibrant mixed media artwork by Misty of Creatively Misty, displayed in a modern living room with teal walls and cozy furnishings. Each piece showcases Misty’s signature style—layered florals, bold textures, and expressive colors—inviting creative courage and joyful self-expression into everyday spaces. Perfect inspiration for heart-led women ready to fill their world with artful energy and fearless beauty.

Why I surround myself with art

As an artist, creating brings me so much joy—but I’m also a collector at heart. I love walking through galleries, soaking in the brushstrokes of someone else’s story. I can spend hours looking at a single piece, noticing new things with each pass.

Even in my own home, I keep my walls filled with florals, color, and texture. It’s my daily reminder that joy doesn’t have to be big or loud—it can bloom in the smallest moments of beauty.

And if visiting a gallery isn’t in the cards for you? That’s okay. You can experience the same happiness-boosting effects from looking at art online, scrolling through beautiful pieces, or even setting your favorite artwork as your phone background.

Misty of Creatively Misty smiling in her art studio, surrounded by her bold, expressive mixed media portrait paintings. This image captures Misty’s joy and passion for helping women explore fearless creativity and bold self-expression through layered, intuitive art.

Make your space a joy-filled sanctuary

Whether it’s a tiny print above your desk or a bold statement piece in your living room, adding artwork to your space is like giving yourself permission to feel good—every single day.

And let’s be real- we all need that! Between the to-do lists, the late-night scrolling, the pressure to be everything for everyone, and the quiet ache of wanting more time for you- your nervous system is craving beauty. Your spirit is asking for a pause.

Artwork becomes more than something pretty to look at—it becomes your visual breath of fresh air. A moment of inspiration when you're running on fumes. A reminder that creativity, color, and joy still belong to you, even on the busiest, messiest days.

That little bloom on the wall? It says, you’re allowed to take up space.
That layered print by your coffee maker? It says, there’s still magic in ordinary moments.
That piece you chose just because it made your heart flutter? It says, your joy matters.

When you fill your space with art that speaks to you, you’re creating a sanctuary—one bold, beautiful piece at a time.

Ready to bring more joy into your everyday? Click here to browse my latest art prints and find a piece that lifts your mood and brightens your space. Your walls (and your heart) will thank you.

“Brave Little Spark” mixed media artwork by Misty of Creatively Misty, featuring a bold hummingbird surrounded by vibrant florals, displayed in a modern living room. This art print captures Misty’s signature style—layered, intuitive, and full of fearless color—inviting viewers to embrace bold self-expression and creative courage.

Hi, I’m Misty

Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.

Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.

Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙