TITLE:
Between Imagination and Action: A Descriptive Single-Case EEG Pilot Study of Oscillatory Dynamics during Artistic Activity
AUTHORS:
Rener Marcos J. Delagracia, Solange Muglia Wechsler
KEYWORDS:
EEG, Creativity, Artistic Activity, Mental Imagery, Oscillatory Activity, Visual Arts
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.17 No.6,
June
24,
2026
ABSTRACT: This descriptive single-case pilot study investigated electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns associated with three stages of artistic activity: resting state with eyes open, artistic imagination with eyes closed, and artistic execution with eyes open. EEG activity was recorded using a 19-channel system arranged according to the International 10 - 20 System. Spectral analysis focused on the relative distribution of Delta, Theta, Alpha, Beta, and Gamma oscillations across cortical regions. The results revealed distinct oscillatory profiles across conditions. Artistic imagination was associated with a greater relative predominance of Alpha and Theta activity, whereas artistic execution showed a greater relative predominance of Beta activity, particularly in frontal, central, and parietal regions. These findings are consistent with previous literature describing Alpha and Theta oscillations during internally oriented cognition and Beta oscillations during sensorimotor processing and interaction with the external environment. However, interpretations should remain cautious due to the single-case design, the exploratory nature of the analysis, and the potential influence of eye closure during the imagination condition. Overall, the study demonstrates the methodological feasibility of using EEG to investigate different stages of artistic activity and provides preliminary evidence to guide future research on the neurophysiology of imagination and artistic execution.