A Four-Stage Hierarchical Model of Image Construction and Drawing Production: Evidence from Visual Hallucinations, Development and Pathologic Regression in Art

A four stage hierarchical model of image construction is proposed. Stage 1 involves amorphous or scribble fields of light, color and spots; Stage 2 involves abstract geometric shapes; Stage 3 schematic recognizable objects; Stage 4 represents three-dimensional realistic images. A similar four stage model is also proposed for drawing an image. Evidence to support the model of the visual construction of an image is based on phosphenes and various other kinds of visual hallucinations. Evidence supporting a similar 4-stage model for drawing an image is based on the development of children’s drawings and from drawings of adult artists suffering from mental pathologies or from Alzheimer’s disease. In addition findings from brain research supporting both models and implying underlying neurological functions and locations are cited. Vitz, P. C., & Kamorina, T. (2014). A four-stage hierarchical model of image construction and drawing production: Evidence from visual hallucinations, development and pathalogic regression in art. International Journal of Neuropsychotherapy, 2(1), 2-26. doi: 10.12744/ijnpt.2014.0002-0026