RE: Trying watercolors without sketching with pencils and pen first
with tears, laughter, groans and moans - I think it is so wonderful that they are getting to experience all of this @mikeville!
You are pushing their boundaries and taking them out of their comfort zones... but in a way which they feel safe. I think it is natural that they feel more comfortable creating with the draft versions first - human nature really - the inclination for "perfection" - but if there is one thing my mom taught me as an artist - it is not about perfection... it is about freedom of expression and learning how to fully immerse yourself in that without fear of judgement for so called imperfection.
That - is where the true beauty lies in art and this is actually something I have struggled with myself because being a designer by trade, everything was about perfection to the detail and very precise balance. Though that is an art form all on its own... one which I appreciate and value very much... when I began to explore art for myself and not for a "client brief" I soon learnt how almost "crippled" I felt at just "going with the flow" and allowing the art to develop however...
I am getting better - slowly...
I think you are doing a wonderful thing for those kids.
And yes, that piece done by the 12 year old is really very impressive!
thanks for your words, it means a lot to me. I particularly like the part where you talk about the difference of how you felt when you were doing art for work and when were doing art for your own benefit.
This is a very professional sounding way of describing what I try to tell my students every time we meet. There is no right or wrong here and if anyone ever tells you that you are "doing it wrong" to ignore them. Some of the greatest artists of all time did it "wrong" and that is the only reason why we ended up with something new and refreshing.
Nice talking to you, as always.
YES!!!
So darn true!!!
Likewise Mike! :)