Teaching Children Art

Posted by Alina Bradford Sep 19, 2007

I have a six-year-old daughter that is crazy about art. She just can't get enough of it. The other day I asked her if she would like for me to teach her some art techniques. Of course, she jumped at the chance. Everything I showed her she mastered on her first try.

This got me to thinking about how important art is to children and how they would soak it up if it were just available to them. Since schools are cutting back on art programs to save money, I think it is our responsibility as artists to share our gift with the next generation. Yes, this is a call to arms!

Even if you don’t have children of your own, adopt a kid you know to be your apprentice. It could be a niece or nephew, a neighbor kid, a friend’s child. Any child that has shown an interest in what you do is a good candidate.

Share your knowledge. Share your favorite how-to art book. Share your supplies. Every little bit helps. Art is so important to a child’s mental growth.

Even if you are not a professional artist, you still have so much you can teach a young child.

Hey the masters, had apprentices, why not you?

Just food for thought,

Alina