Art is for Parents Too!

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” ~ Pablo Picasso

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

These quotes speak to me of freedom. Of permission. And of a child-like joy. These days when I share an art project we’ve enjoyed or Nana’s latest chalk pastel tutorial, I sometimes get this reaction: “Oh my children would love that but I’m just not artistic.” Or, “my children would love to come to your house to do art.”

—–>  But, fellow adults, as Nana says, you ARE an artist!  <—–

I have a few recent experiences to share with you that I hope will encourage you – yes you, Mama – to practice art.

Just Join the Fun

Do you spy Hodgepodgedad joining in the pastel fun? And there’s Nana on the right! The whole family took some time to enjoy our very first chalk pastel tutorial together. (I paused to take a photo). We got to see how our skills had improved. Plus, we just had a great time!

A Painting a Day

I was thrilled when I came across this article. It explains it so much better than I can! Practicing Art at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. An article entitled Artful Obedience by Margaret Manning:

“There is often an assumption made that creativity is an unbounded force, flowing freely and continually to the artist. The canvas is never blank, the page never empty, the clay never unformed. The artist never experiences boredom or tedium with regards to her craft, but instead experiences the effortless flow of creative energy each and every day. There is little need for discipline, repetition, or structure in a true artist’s world, or so we assume.

In contrast to these assumptions, renowned artists will tell you that creativity is something that must be practiced, exercised, as it were, just like any muscle. In fact, creativity achieves its greatest potential when bounded by discipline, and a tireless commitment to practice, routine, and structure.”

Often, almost daily, my children ask to do some type of art. And it was after reading this article that I decided we would begin our new habit of a painting a day. Some type of practice with art. Watercolors, chalk pastels, crayons, markers, acrylics – whatever! And we created art binders for the finished products. I am making a point of joining these times as well. In fact…

Have a Painting Party

Just two weeks ago I went to a moms’ night out with fellow homeschool mamas. (Many thanks to my friend, Kerri, for the photo!). And we all painted with acrylics. Yes, all the homeschool mamas painted pumpkins! It was true therapy, I tell you! Two hours of laughter and painting. Our hostess led us in the step by step painting but each of us added our own flair. Yes, there was hesitation but we all – each and every one – had a wonderful time.

But do you know what I found is another benefit? I brought that painting home and my children exclaimed! YOU painted and it is beautiful! I texted the photo to Nana and she said, “see? you ARE an artist!” Without even realizing it, I was being an example to my children. Encouraging them.

Art for All Ages: Tips and Tutorials

Here’s what you can expect each of these 10 days! The following links will be live on each day as we go through the series:

• Your First Easy Lesson in Chalk Pastel Art
• How to Make Sky and Clouds in Chalk Pastels
• But Chalk Pastels Get Everywhere!
• Fistin’ Technique with Chalk Pastels (with tutorial)
• What is Painterly Effect in Chalk Pastel Art? (with tutorial)
• Skumbling
• Train Your Students to See Nature
• Chalk Pastel Art Tutorial
• Art is For Parents too!
• The Ultimate List of Art Fun and Encouragement

It’s an autumn hopscotch with iHomeschool Network! Be sure to visit all the wonderful bloggers! It’s a fabulous page full of categories and 10 days worth of topics!

**Thanks for joining us for Art for All Ages. We invite you to subscribe to Hodgepodge via email so you won’t miss any free tutorials! You can also join us and help spread the word about our 10 day series on Pinterest, YouTube, Google +, Facebook and Twitter. Thanks in advance for helping Hodgepodge.**

Remember….you ARE an artist! You don’t have to commit to an afternoon. Just 10 minutes.