Discover Drawing Class 2015

Me and some kids from the art class

Here's some of the work that came out of the seven weeks of intensive drawing classes I taught to kids grades 1-6 at Ant Farm this fall. I was delighted to see their unique talents, and I'll let the pictures do most of the talking.

We created this 2 x 3 ft rendition of the Mona Lisa by having the kids draw one little portion at a time without seeing what it was a part of. It helped them focus on drawing what they really saw, rather than what they thought should be there.

Before Instruction and After Instruction "My Hand" drawings.

Charlie B. Age 9

Eileen B. Age 7

Willa G. Age 12

The kids practiced drawing negative spaces, the "everything else" in a picture, by drawing the shapes around the chair first.

L to R: Charlie B. Age 9; Reese B. Age 9; Willa G. Age 12

The kids learned about light and shadow by drawing an orange.

Top Row, L to R: Lindsay W. Age 11; Carson N. Age 10; Liam J. Age 7
Bottom Row, L to R: Logan N. Age 12; Reese B. Age 9; Silas G. Age 10

At the very beginning of the classes, the kids drew a self-portrait without instruction, and at the final class they drew another.

Brandon N. Age 8

Eileen B. Age 7

Jonah A. Age 6

Logan N. Age 12

Willa G. Age 12

Ant Farm Bird Event

One side of the art show

If the above title is causing confusion, I’ll try to clear it up. “Ant Farm” is a non-profit organization in my hometown that functions as a café, bakery, tutoring and activity center, providing education, recreation, and volunteering and job opportunities for young people and others in the community. And no, there aren’t any real ants there—I hope. I’ve been volunteering at Ant Farm for the past five months, helping teach free art classes for kids. Last Friday, Ant Farm put on its first annual “Bird” event, featuring a juried art show open to artists of all ages, live birds from the Audubon Society, birdhouse building, and bird coloring pages.

Great horned owl

Peregrine falcon

I ended up putting art in the show the same way I usually do: with a loving push from a friend. A generous push, at that, since she paid my entry fee. I’m glad I got in, because I enjoyed the challenge of working on the provided 8” x 8” boards everyone used. It was a small show, but we were very fortunate to have it juried by Claudia Nice, one of the only—and yes, nicest—world-renowned artists I’ve gotten to meet.

I was pleasantly surprised to win first place and be tied for third in the adult category, and a bit shocked to win People’s Choice (though that may have been helped by my sister and at least one of my little students voting for me).

"Ravenwood" (acrylic)--First Place, adult category

"Owl Tower" (acrylic)--Tied for Third Place, adult category,
and winner of People's Choice

It was a warm and shining moment, if a little surreal. It was almost puzzling to me that people would give me credit for the art I was gifted with. I felt an urge to point upward, like so many athletes do. I didn’t, I’m sorry to say, because I know that gesture can be viewed as laughable. But oh, for those who’ve felt the mysterious power of inspiration, and know what they’ve done didn’t come from them, such a gesture can truly come from the heart.

Me with my dad and grandma, two of my biggest supporters in the arts

To God be the glory.