I was in second grade when we moved to the Amish community in Somerset County. There had still been a few weeks of school left, and John and I were thrust into a roomful of strangers the very next day.
As overwhelming as it was to be the new "kids" I loved school; books, pencils, and learning were my favorite. This new school used different curriculum than I had been used to. During my spare time I found it especially fun being able to go back to the start of the workbooks and do as much of the parts I had missed as I pleased.
The schedule taped to the teacher's desk promised an entire period devoted to art every Friday. I could hardly wait for it. I used to love all the things we did in art class those first weeks of first grade before a new teacher took over.
When Friday arrived I was sorely disappointed. The art class consisted of coloring a picture. And so it continued through the rest of my school years. Every Friday the teacher would plop a pile of duplicated pictures on her desk and we would have to color them.
I wanted to learn how to draw, but with no one to teach me I gave up on drawing pictures by the end of third grade. Obviously only talented people could draw pictures, and I wasn't someone gifted with that talent.
Fast forward to present day. I have loved the art program I got for our children to do in our homeschool. They have really blossomed with it, and I love seeing all their drawings, paintings,and art they create.
This spring I had a light bulb moment. Why, don't I do the same art program? Why not wake up the still sleeping desire to draw and create that was put to sleep when I was nine?
I went ahead and started. I'm no where near where my children are, yet. But I'm loving the progress I'm making. And it's so satisfying to know that drawing/art is something you can learn. That it doesn't have to be simply something you were either born with or not.
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Thats wonderful. Art should be very much a part of all curricula. Here in the UK it is not so much.
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone had the opportunity to do art!
DeleteGood for you!!! I absolutely agree! I was never a natural artist and didn't paint my first painting until I was 42. I am a big believer in the notion that skills can be learned and enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteI'm a believer of that as well! Love your paintings!
DeleteI love that you went ahead a started learning now. I would love to see some of your work if you ever wanted to share!
ReplyDeleteMy mom had a similar experience in that art was canceled in her school as soon as she was old enough. Now as an adult she is planning on finally teaching herself using the art curriculum she used to home school us.
I may have to share some, some day.
DeleteI love that your mother is trying art as well. What curriculum did she use for you?
I grew up believing that some people, like my cousin, could draw but I could not. Then, when we were homeschooling, I found the book Drawing With Children. I used it to teach myself to draw in my 40s and still feel a confidence I never had before.
ReplyDeleteI love that!!
DeleteGood for you! It's so hard to step out and learn things we've always wanted to try.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandmother was an amazing painter. In her late 40's my cousin learned how to paint - her parents actively discouraged her from art as a child. This year (about 15 years later) has a painting at the top museum in the state! To say we're all so proud of her is an understatement! She has completely reinvented herself for the better in the last 15 years and it's been such a joy to watch - publishing a book, overhauling her health and being free from two powerful addictions, in addition to her painting. She's a pleasure to be around now.
I love that you are teaching yourself to draw. This inspires me!
Lea
I love all the things your cousin has been able to do with her life!
DeleteMaryAnn I was so glad to read this. We can learn at any age. I'm proof of that. I taught myself to knit when I was in my 40's. I know it's not the same as art, as in drawing, painting, etc., but it was something I had always wanted to do and had no one to teach me. It was the same with sewing. I decided the clothes that are available in stores are just not for me. Too short, too tight, etc. So I taught myself to sew a simple seam and now make most of my own clothes. My Mom was a lovely woman, but had no interest in homemaking skills and I had no one to teach me. Even cleaning was a skill I learned when I married.
ReplyDeleteWe're never to old to learn and thrive in a new skill, especially if it's a creative one like art. I'm so happy for you.
Blessings,
Betsy
I love that you taught yourself to knit. I can do the most basic of knitting, but I've never tried learning more advanced techniques.
DeleteAnd sewing, such an enjoyable and useful skill!
It will keep your mind young! A few years ago I did the first few lessons in Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and it was surely mental work I was not accustomed to. I just felt that I should give it a try, to be a well-rounded human ;-) God bless you and may He continue to give you pleasure in developing a new skill.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI haven't tried using that art program though I've heard a lot of good things about it.
Yes. I can relate. Deeply disappointing for me as a child not to have a real art class.Art was just a big part of who I am.I could never figure out why schools did not invest in art classes. I think it would have opened up kids to new levels of creativity. I always envied those lucky kids that had a real art class. Learning to use pastels and paints. But I do subscribe to art teacher blogs. I do a lot of crafts with my grandchildren who are being homeschooled.
ReplyDeleteI love that you are able to do a lot of crafts with your grandchildren! And what a great idea to subscribe to art teacher blogs.
DeleteSo much potential if only everyone was
ReplyDeletegiven the chance.
I believe there is an Artist in all
of us.
I wish everyone had the opportunity to do art!
DeleteI always wanted to learn to play the piano, but it was not something Mum encouraged. (For starters, we didn't even have a piano!) When our oldest daughter wanted to learn, somebody gave us a piano they wanted to get out of their house. After a few weeks, I asked Tina to teach me what she had learned, which really tickled her! Once I got the piano under my belt, so to speak, my husband encouraged me to learn how to play the harp.
ReplyDeleteI love that you got your daughter to teach you!
DeleteHarp music is some of my favorite. I'm glad your husband encouraged you to learn to play.
I would love to know which art program you are using! I am looking for a good one to use with my homeschooled kids...
ReplyDeleteWe used different art programs over the course of our homeschool years, but the one we loved the most and really helped them, and me was "So You Thought You Couldn't Draw"
DeleteI got it from Rainbow Resource.
You can teach an old dog new tricks as the saying goes, and you along with many of your readers are proof of that. God bless you as you grow your talent. I like that your children are seeing that a person is never too old to learn
ReplyDelete