In February, we launched our first drawing class. It was a great way to impart the knowledge of a guy who has been creating art since he was four years old and pass it on to kids. He taught them about drawing pencils and erasers and sharpeners and paper. He taught them about shadow and how light will create those shadows. We expected excitement and we were not disappointed.
We learned a full appreciation for what teachers do five days a week all day long. Our two hours with these incredible little minds barely touched the surface of the commitment of teachers. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all those who expand the minds of these amazing little brains.
One thing we learned very quickly is that a 5 and 7 year old are VERY different. They process information in unique ways. But one thing that was universal for the kids this young, is they question everything and they are bereft with opinions and can be very pointed in their assessment of the creative world. They drew animals and monsters, cartoon characters and fruit. and then they painted! “Can I draw batman?, “How can you do this all day?, “I’m thirsty”, We have HOMEWORK?!”. They fill up two hours very quickly and we had naps after class.
Then the art class changed! Enter a 12 year old. A 12 year old, having established years of developing listening skills, is deliberate in learning. The conversations led to “hows”. “How do you know how to do that?!” “How can you draw that without looking at anything?” “How do you just draw all day?” And shadows were learned and how light creates those shadows. Anime came into the conversation while favorite music was played. Learning to draw hands and feet was a big deal. “Hows”, continued.
So for four weeks for two hours each Saturday, in the cold grip of February, we hosted a small group of kids to step into the art world and learn how to draw from a guy that has been drawing since he was four years old. I said before, we were not disappointed. These kids were nothing short of terrific and having a chance to pass on what you know to a new group of artists of what it means to draw is a gift we were given. Thank you to the parents! Thanks for trusting us with their learning. Thank you for allowing us to learn from each one of them. We look forward to learning more.
And thank you to Preston Arts Center for your support of the arts community. You are the best!