As I'm reading Larry's letter I'm nodding my head in agreement because I'm
towards the end of an acrylic painting lesson with my 8th graders who are doing
landscapes. I've never painted anywhere near as much as you Larry, but I do
understand what you mean about getting the kids to "loosen up" . I'm trying to
get them to understand that sometimes artists might suggest a part of something
with paint strokes instead doing every single detail. I know that they will
need years of looking and experimenting to improve painting skills. I've also
told the kids I can show them techniques and tricks , but they will all
eventually take those things I've taught them and develop them in to their own
style.
I'll always remember a poem ( which I wish I had a copy of !)that I received
from a professor of my Philosophy of Art and Beauty class
( many moons ago) that was about Monet and how he thought he never really
learned to see till he was in his later years. I've read some articles about
artist peaking in their later years and even another professor told me you don't
hit your peak till your 50's ( getting there yikes!). So back to kids and
painting and seeing in another way, I guess a part of it is patience. And they
are darn lucky to have a teacher like you to show them the way.
MaryB
PS- I'm still constantly trying to get them to stand back to look at their
painting and reflect on their work. It is like pulling teeth. Maybe I should
make a giant sign. Also one of the things that they come to understand at the
end of the lesson is how much work and thought goes in to painting and they LOVE
it.
> Leah...
> Thanks for your taking time to look, and comments. I appreciate your
> observations. It is difficult to convince young people that a work can be
> awesome painted loose. To see my own personal work for the first 15 of 21
> years, you'd be surprised to think I would advocate such. I was a fairly
> known wildlife artist for those years, having shown with Wild Wings, and
> some of the biggies. Over the past six years I've almost exclusively
> painted plein air landscapes. I have learned a great deal these past six
> years, and that mainly is "how to paint!"
