I have a mission.

When I was a kid, I loved to draw. I started with tracing interesting pictures on my books- sometimes with onion skin paper (tracing paper) or I would trace over them on a carbon paper. Afterwards, when I felt confident enough I would copy the pictures independently already.

I never evolved into a bright artist though. I could draw, but not really to an exhibit-calibre type. Maybe because I lost interest too, or I have reached my limit already. Besides, I am in my late 30's (omg. Huhu), errr, can I say mid 20's? To top it all, my hands are already full, juggling between an 8-5 job and being a mom of 3.

Oh yes! A mom of 3!

Observing my kids, I noticed that my eldest is not too keen on these activities which let him enhance his creativity. He did not like to draw, for the believed that he is not good. I needed to push him to take some time to try, always giving him a motivating pat on the back.

My girl though, at three, loved to draw. She started at 2 by drawing circles. Eventually, she learned to put dots on them and she would come running to show me her creation- a smiley face! Not bad of a two year old. These days, these smileys have already grown hairs, ears, legs and arms.

_{Gabbie, from several months ago, showing off her drawings.}

Hence, my sister @erangvee and I had put on a little more effort on getting these kiddos interested to draw. Besides, she had me to thank for her exemplary drawing skills. Growing up, she imitated me on most things I did- writing, drawing, reading, etc. We're born 15 years apart and well, she exceeded what I was able to do.

_{Art lessons with tita @erangvee.}

Art time with Kuya

Honestly, this boy needs a little more motivation. I always tell him that people do not turn great in an instant. All those amazing people he sees, put a lot of effort on their craft. Well, this boy gets frustrated fast.

However, since I see a good potential in him, I try to encourage him a little bit more. Most of the time, when I ask him to draw, I draw with him.

Like last night.

The night was young, we had nothing to do. At first, we were supposed to read a story. But they did not like so I raised up a drawing challenge. We must copy the pictures on the covers of our Learning Time story books.

My son chose this picture for me:

All because I made him draw this:

Of course, I concurred.

I started with the Hung Lee the panda. Then the boy, Whiz, followed by Prince Sooraj and the girl Lucy. I drew Yuma the Native American next, then Joji the Cat from Japan and finally Princess Natalya.

After I drew all the characters, I drew some bushes and trees at the background.

Afterwards, I highlighted the lines a litte bit more to enhance the drawing.

Meanwhile, Kuya started well with his drawing too.

He got frustrated when he could not draw the girl that the monster was carrying. So instead of him walking away from the task, I told him he could skip the girl. It came out like this,

I told him it would be nicer if the drawing had color. So he started on his.

Of course, I colored mine too. I started to regret my decision half way. We did not have a black marker to highlight the lines and the crayons just almost erased them.

So I had to make do with the blunt black crayon on hand but did not dare to retouch the face.

Same thing happened to kuya's drawing. The purple crayon almosed erased the details on the monster's face so I helped him to outline it.

Ultimately it came out like this

He took pictures and sent them to tita @erangvee to ask what she thought about it.

On the other hand, the other two kiddos entertained themselves by making a mess in the room.

Until I finally finished coloring mine,

Well, my "fans" were amused by it, so I was too. Haha.

Just the start.

This is just the beginning of my mission. I do not wish to impose. However, I want to motivate my kids to draw as much as possible. To nurture their creativity and self confidence too.

We should be doing a lot more activities like these, and perhaps share them here on steemit to inspire other non-artists to explore and tap their creative side.

Until then!

_{Credits to @elyaque for the followers and reputation badges, @merej99 for the Community Engagement Badge. Want your own Homesteading, Gardening, Beekeepers, Woodworkers, Dads, Moms, Food Preservers, Preppers badge? Contact @daddykirbs.}