What is an artist? Webster defines it this way:
Definition of ARTIST
- 1 a obsolete : one skilled or versed in learned arts b archaic : physician c archaic : artisan 1
- 2 a : one who professes and practices an imaginative art b : a person skilled in one of the fine arts
I asked Lil’ Buddy ‘what is an artist?” He says, “someone who paints!” Over the course of the next 10 days, we hope to encourage you to be an artist, share outlets for creativity and spur you and your children on in all things art. Lucia Hames, my mother, and also known as Nana, will be a very big part of our series. She is the one that inspired us to make a love and practice of art a big part of our lives. We will also share tutorials and tips. Next week, we’ll even have a visit from Barb McCoy-Harmony Art Mom from Harmony Fine Arts!
But, before we get into any of that, let’s discuss this definition of an artist. Nana is here to encourage your thinking about this description. Here she is…
All of us are born with talent….an inbred wiring to create. As parents, grandparents and teachers, tapping this talent and helping students reach a rich satisfaction with creation of art is our goal! If you pick up a brush, pen, pastel chalk…or use your finger for glorious finger painting (which is a child’s most favorite way to paint) you become an artist.
What is an Artist?
All children are artists; they still have an excitement and imagination that an adult may lack. The younger the better the artist… they love to see the wide swath of red paint follow their brush across the paper. They don’t look at the paper of the child next to them to compare what he may be painting, they are totally in the the moment of joy in the of creation of art. As the child grows older, more emphasis is placed on reading and writing and testing. Art can become the forgotten beloved toy of a younger time.
My goal as a teacher is to get that forgotten excitement in creativity back!
It has been shown that if art curriculum is added to the daily schedule of school subjects, a student has a chance to tap that “left brain” activity. Could it be that a focus art and creativity could help with other studies?
Feed that inner child! Break out the paint, crayons, pens and chalks! That’s just what we’ll do over the rest of this You CAN Be An Artist series.
“The artist is the person who makes life more interesting or beautiful, more understandable or mysterious, or probably, in the best sense, more wonderful.” ~ George Bellows
Brought to you by these lovely ladies…
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Homeschooling for Free and Frugal | Jamerrill at Free Homeschool Deals
How to Work from Home and Homeschool | Jamerrill at Holy Spirit-Led Homeschooling
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Raising Boys (By a Mom of Five Sons) | Kendra at Preschoolers and Peace
US Presidents | Lauren at Mama’s Learning Corner
Things You Can Do With A Can of Tomato Sauce | Laurie at Our Abundant Blessings
Learning to Exercise With Your Kids | Lisa at Chaos Appreciation
Understanding Your Anxious Child | Lisa at Our Homeschool Adventure
Homeschooling the Large Family | Marianne at Abundant Life
Screen-Free Family Activities | Michelle at The Holistic Homeschooler
Healthy Eating | Sarah at Sidetracked Sarah
Planning a Summer Garden | Stephanie at Nature Notebook
Tips for Selling Your House While Homeschooling | Susann at Mama Hopper
Gluten Free Recipes | Tabitha at Meet Penny
Cool Group Projects & Parties | Tabitha at Teaching With Cents
How to Use Coupons | Tabitha at Online Coupon Workshop
Using Games in School | Ticia at†Adventures in Mommydom
You CAN be an Artist | Tricia at HodgePodge
- Day 1 – What is an Artist?
- Day 2 – Just Practice
- Day 3 – Paint Landscapes
- Day 4 – Name and Sign Every Picture
- Day 5 – Paint Simple Shapes of Fruit and Vegetables
- Day 6 – Art in Motion – Waterfall Chalk Pastel Tutorial
- Day 7 – Wear Your Art!
- Day 8 – Help for Reluctant Artists
- Day 9 – Nurturing Your Artist in High School
- Day 10 – You ARE an Artist! An Ultimate List of Favorite Art Resources
- Don’t miss any of our You CAN Be an Artist series – subscribe to Hodgepodge and get your free, subscriber-only art tutorials!
- Browse all our art curriculum offerings at chalkpastel.com
How about you? How would you define an artist? or what are you hoping to learn from this You CAN Be an Artist series? Is there a question we can answer for you?
Tricia, I always enjoy the beautiful art your children create. We will be using your book this summer – and I am really looking forward to it.
I have often heard that kids will quit trying to make art by the time they are twelve if they are not given the encouragement and instruction to help them understand that their unique are is worthy to be called art. This sound exactly like your goal.
I love the photographs in this post. You are quite an artist.
Looking forward to your series very much! Thanks for the encouraging words from Nana and the images which tell the story. 🙂
How inspiring. I’ve found that oftentimes when I’m stressed, if I pull out the water colors or some other art medium, that I will relax and just enjoy the creative process. Yes we are all born with and innate desire to create. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Heather – you make such a good point! Art is a natural relaxer – just like you, it calms us all when we pull out the chalks, paints.