This week we gegan the term with drawings in pencil. These are always my favourite art lessons. I had set up a still life with a variety of interesting objects. The set to work. Here are some of the extrodinary works of art that emerged.
During the week I began a search for some inspiration and I stumbled upon a wonderful blog. The notes are written by a man , Dr. Marvin Bartel. As I began to read some of his thoughts on teaching art to children I realised that he and I think alike when it comes to teaching art. I was so encouraged by what he had to say that I have decided to write some of these ideas down.
What exactly are we doing in art?
Lets begin at the beginning. As a young child grows and develops they begin along a patern of art or drawing development. As their bodies get stronger and are able to hold a pencil or crayon and as their brains develop so these developments are reflected in their drawing and the stage of drawing they are at.
Children have a confidence in their ability to draw at a very young age and really boldly create.
Somewhere along the way something happens. It has something to do with Adults drawing for children being 'helpful' or the many, many already drawn pictures children have to colour in at school, but what happens is that children believe that they can no longer draw. Children begin to immitate adult drawings and so stop their natural development and creative thinking in art.
Most people think that being able to draw is an innate talent or gift. While some children seem able to draw really well.... ALL children and indeed people can learn to draw. Drawing is a way of thinking and seeing the world around us and an ability to draw can be learned with practice.
So, this is what I am doing in these art classes. I am encouraging children to observe objects in a fresh way.
Then I am creating the space for them to enjoy practicing putting what they see down onto paper.
The amazing thing to see with a child is how his or her ability to draw something really does develop the more practice is had.
The most exciting thing for me is that this type of art lesson develops the brain in creative thinking. So as your child is observing and drawing, something wonderful and good is happening in the brain.
I will encourage and 'push' children to really look at the object and not draw what they think they see.
I hope this has been helpful to you. I also hope you enjoy the work that your child has created. With each piece remember that their is so much more going on in the lesson than just the end product.
Drawing can be learnt. What a wonderful message and what an encouragement.
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