Practicing the formal language of painting (composition, rhythm, colours, plane etc.) increases one's overall aesthetic sensitivity. The ability is directly linked to understanding other art forms, as well: architecture and other spatial arts, performing arts and moving image, art music and even literary art. This level of experiencing art is separate and independent from the conceptual levels of reading and interpreting meanings.
When giving priority to the formal experiencing level, one becomes more sensitive to the subtle nuances of grey everyday life. By cultivating sensory experiences, formalist art education acts as a counterforce to spectacle culture: it is restorative self-criticism of our civilisation.