Portrait Artist Forum - View Single Post

Morris Darby · 03-05-2002, 01:00 PM

Hi Jessie,

Recently, I had the opportunity to sketch a charcoal of a children's book author for the author's fan club. I did it from a picture in front of the class during which I entertained questions. While each question emerged, I realized children sense the difference between sloppy modern art...and fine art. They know it takes years to master certain principles. I was amazed. And being in the educational arena, I have seen the budget cuts in art year after year. It is hardly being taught anymore (in this area). So, I started them with the color wheel. Primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Then encouraged them to practice accuracy in drawing.

Teens, I have found, usually need work on composition. This is something most artists struggle with for the longest time (namely ME!) I still don't think I could make a teaching course of composition. If I had to teach a group of teens, I would take a styrofoam head used for displaying wigs and have them work on shading, blending, light/shadow, reflected light, etc.

Teaching kids is a perfect opportunity to show them basic steps that work and tell them from experience that it takes hard work to produce a fine image.

03-05-2002, 01:00 PM	#2
Morris Darby Associate Member Joined: Jan 2002 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 55	Teaching kids Hi Jessie, Recently, I had the opportunity to sketch a charcoal of a children's book author for the author's fan club. I did it from a picture in front of the class during which I entertained questions. While each question emerged, I realized children sense the difference between sloppy modern art...and fine art. They know it takes years to master certain principles. I was amazed. And being in the educational arena, I have seen the budget cuts in art year after year. It is hardly being taught anymore (in this area). So, I started them with the color wheel. Primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. Then encouraged them to practice accuracy in drawing. Teens, I have found, usually need work on composition. This is something most artists struggle with for the longest time (namely ME!) I still don't think I could make a teaching course of composition. If I had to teach a group of teens, I would take a styrofoam head used for displaying wigs and have them work on shading, blending, light/shadow, reflected light, etc. Teaching kids is a perfect opportunity to show them basic steps that work and tell them from experience that it takes hard work to produce a fine image.