Teaching is an active profession. Filling my time in the classroom is never a problem, I’m always moving from one student to the next; fetching supplies, showing new techniques, and discussing what the kids are creating. Sometimes it’s hectic, but I enjoy my students’ creative enthusiasm. It suits me and contrasts nicely with the quiet time I spend making my artwork.
Then there are the private lessons. In the beginning, I had doubts that I could quietly observe and guide only one person. What would I do with all the spare time? It turns out that these hours are some of the happiest of my work week. I’ve gotten to know some wonderful people and share their artistic successes.
Self Portrait, Age 12
Above is a self-portrait by one of my favorite students. She has just turned thirteen and is smart and creative, and we have an excellent rapport. She challenges me but also respects my advice. We first met when she was nine and I’ve been working with her for a little over three years. She may want a career in art and I want to give her a good start; lots of basic knowledge balanced by her interests and curiosity. One of the ways we’re marking her progress is that she periodically paints a horse.
First Horse, painted in the 4th grade.
It was one of the first images she painted with me and repeating it was her idea. She’s serious about her artwork and is willing to take time to build a strong portfolio. This first picture, above, is well composed and the pink horse is delightful. For the latest depiction, I wanted her to create a grayscale painting and use glazes to add the color. It’s an old technique, but the understanding gained was worth all her hard work.
Grisaille underpainting.
The finished painting. Glazes of color were applied over the underpainting so that the musculature of the animal shows through the sheer color.
Her lastest painting is a watercolor. It’s a wonderful tribute to a dog friend who passed away. Much love and care went into making this special work.
I’m amazed at how her technical ability has grown over the past three years and I’m looking forward to seeing how her talent evolves. She has the intellect and the drive and her portfolio is off to a good start!
Wow! How wonderful! I love the idea of drawing the horse throughout her progress.
Veronica, she’ll be able to show her development from an early age and I think that will be impressive. Te’a could do the same. Her self portrait is wonderful, maybe it’s time she drew another one.
I wish more parents realized that art lessons are something they can provide for their children just like music and/or dance lessons.
I think dance and music will always come first with parents. If the parent can’t play the piano they know it and have no illusions about there ability to teach their child. With the visual arts there is the idea that anyone can paint. The visual arts haven’t done a good job letting people know the skills that go into making a successful work of art.