I don't know how I ever got roped into being an Art Mom. Never in my life have I claimed any artistic ability. When I was in high school, my English teacher assigned us to to write poems on a monthly basis. I didn't find that so terrible, but she had us illustrate them so she could post them on the bulletin board. My art almost always consisted of scraps of construction paper cut into geometric shapes and scattered across the page. I didn't even want to try drawing. I'd always told myself I was awful at drawing. I hated to do art--and was incredibily jealous of those who could. So, two years ago Claire's first grade class needed an Art Mom, and someone tried to recruit me. I resisted, but knew how much Claire likes art. Reluctantly I decided that if she was to ever have a chance at doing well at art, she needed some support at home.
I figured that I could probably draw as well as the first graders, and since the art projects were all outlined for me, I could manage. I enjoyed it, but didn't seek out any other opportunities--until this fall. Claire's third grade class was again short in that department, and my neighbor was in charge. She asked, I conceded, and have enjoyed the projects, but still feel I'm not really the woman for the job.
So, yesterday I looked at the project I'd intended and realized it seemed really similar to those the children had done already this year. I called a friend, who really enjoys teaching art at her daughter's school, and asked for an easy project with little prep time. Art was today before lunch.
She suggested drawing realistic portraits. She had prepared instructions on how the face is proportioned, so I decided to try it. WOW!
I still believe true art is a gift. The ability to create something with enough vision to move and inspire others thoughts and actions has to come from the depths of the soul. But good instruction and teaching can really improve any skill, and the ability to draw is a skill that can be taught. I teach my writing students that, but have a renewed understanding of it from a different point of view. I could actually see myself in my self portrait. Corinne tried it as well. The whole family was amazed at our abilities!
I'm not the most skilled art teacher, but the students seemed to have fun and learn. Some turned out amazing; some turned out pretty good;but they all turned out more realistic than they would have without the instruction.
I'm thrilled. I can draw me. I am an Art Mom. Any skill can be improved by instruction.
