Fostering art in youth

When we are young and our inhibitions are low, our minds are full of curiosity, and creative inspiration. This is an excellent time to encourage art in children! It can be as simple as providing paper and crayons and letting them color. Yes, their sky may be purple and their grass red. It’s okay to let them enjoy releasing their imagination without imposing rules and “reality” on their art. If it helps stop you from correcting their choices, just think they may become a famous Abstract Artist. Increased motor skills will lead to pencil sketches and colored pencils. Reality will naturally become a goal, but hopefully, not at the cost of creativity. Find a spot in your home or office to showcase your children’s budding talents. If they are bored, encourage them to try drawing new ideas- a still life you set up in your kitchen, a family pet, siblings, a landscape, a self-portrait. Make it a family participation game. Recognition and encouragement will foster confidence.

My mother-in-law was told in college she had no artistic ability by one instructor and unfortunately she believed that ignorant assessment all her life… until she was exposed to a project in my studio. She had a ball creating a beautiful resin serving board with preserved leaves. She chose the colors, selected the dried leaves and arranged them herself, while I simply mixed and poured resin. At 93 1/2 she is now painting on her own and taking art classes with other Seniors. She is loving art and has realized, “I’m pretty good at this!” It’s never too early or too late to encourage creativity. I hope you will enjoy the children’s work showcased on this page without judgement, but with wonder at their creativity. -Thank you.

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