Sprite snatched the paints and a drop cloth and disappeared in her room one night with the one remaining canvas. I had no idea what she was creating. I was far too busy getting my Taobao account set up. I’ll be blogging about that later, I’m sure. It’s basically a Chinese Ebay, but I’m getting off topic. Back to art.
I’ve always said that art supplies don’t count. And Sprite knows I’m a total push over for buying brushes, markers, glitter, felt, and so on. It’s true. I feel that a person must have materials for creativity. Without them, how can we express ourselves? Now the last canvas is used up. But no worries. I’ve already located them on Taobao.
She has covered much of her bedroom wall with an outer space themed set of drawings done with oil pastels on canvas. I had them all framed and was quite pleased at the supportive comments I received from the frame shop employees and the customers who saw them. They oohed and ahhed and seemed to understand clearly that I was trying to support my daughter’s creativity by framing and displaying her work.
To be honest, I was surprised at their reaction. In the past when Sprite and I have sketched outdoors, we’ve received open criticism, “Your sketch is terrible.” “She can’t draw at all!” But here were kindly women nodding with approval at my daughter’s art and smiling knowingly at me.
Thank You, God. It is a small but beautiful blessing to be understood. It’s one of the hardest parts about living in another culture — being misunderstood.
Nadene says
Ooh Sprite! This is lovely! My girls love your sheep and the lovely, friendly Jesus. Well done.
I just love it when our children have the freedom to be creative and make such unique and personal art!
.-= Nadene´s last blog ..Remedial Games for b/d, p/q or t/f Reversals =-.
frantically heidi says
Jimmie – once again I am inspired.
And please tell Sprite that her art is wonderful!
.-= frantically heidi´s last blog ..Heidi Will Absolutely, Positively NEVER (Do you hear me? I mean it!) Have a Facebook =-.
Mrs. Hewett says
Jimmie,
Sprite did a great job with that painting! Her room must look fantastic!
About Taobao – how do you shop on there if you don’t read Chinese characters? Looking forward to your post about that. Take care!
Blessings,
Karen H
Ticia says
Tell Sprite that I love her art work.
.-= Ticia´s last blog ..What we read this week: dog =-.
Elena says
Absolutetly beautiful painting! I would love to see the outer-space paintings if you don’t mind posting them 🙂
Jimmie says
@J’s mom, You are so right. I had Japanese roommates that first introduced me to Japan. Japan is polite and orderly. China is… well, it’s not polite or orderly. 😉
@Elena — Oh, I will surely post the other paintings.
@Mrs. Hewett — Google Translate! I can read some characters, but using an online translator (although not perfect by any means) is far easier.
@Dawn, Amy, Ticia, Heidi, Nadene, Marsha — Thanks so much for the sweet words.
J's mom says
Reading your blog makes me realize how different Japan and China are. I can’t imagine people in Japan criticizing a child’s work like that. Most likely, they would say nothing if they didn’t like it.
But anyway, I love the picture. She has talent.
Amy says
Oh my goodness! I think it is EXCELLENT, and I hope you tell her I think so!
And, yes. I very much understand. 😉
I too am, more often than not, very misunderstood.
Amy in Peru
http://apilgrimsproject.blogspot.com
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Artist Study: John Singer Sargent =-.
Dawn says
It looks wonderful. Your dd is growing up so quick. I think it is so lovely that you are framing your dd’s work.
Kim says
This is AWESOME! I love it!
Emily Darling says
Wow, Sprite could illustrate a children’s book! It looks like she has a style all her own like my daughter. Anna Rose and I would love to see more of her work.
And I agree, we can never have too many art supplies. You never know when you will need to create something!
.-= Emily Darling´s last blog ..Mr. Chesterton, I presume? =-.
Marsha says
that painting is beautiful! the sheep scattered about the hillside… i had a dream about that once. anyhow, i like how they are all facing different directions and their cute faces! great job, Sprite!!!
.-= Marsha´s last blog ..Double the treasure =-.
Lynn says
Sprite’s painting is just beautiful!
Sue says
Oh my! I love, love that painting! The bold colors, the individual expressions on the faces of the sheep. Wonderful, Sprite!
How great that you were able to connect with the ladies at the frame shop as well. I think little moments like that can renew our sense of well being while living in a foreign country.
.-= Sue´s last blog ..My "God Shelf" =-.
nichole says
This is so good and very encouraging for me, as I was planning to put an art co-op together next year…It’s amazing what children can do when given the tools:)
.-= nichole´s last blog ..God and Sinners Reconciled =-.