Sprite has joined me in my art lessons this semester. The class started out just me and another adult student. Actually, I crashed her class. But she was kind enough to allow me to participate.
Then I invited a friend to come along. And then another young lady joined us. And finally Sprite decided she would try her hand at Chinese watercolors! So altogether there are five students in my class. We range in age from 10 to 60+. It’s wonderful!
I thought I’d invite YOU along today. Come on up the 12 flights of stairs to the top of the building. Okay, you can rest halfway. Come out onto the roof where my teacher’s studio is located. As soon as you walk in, you can see the piece that we’ll be working on today.
After some chitchat, the teacher takes us step by step through the entire painting.
Her tools.
Then the adults work on our own paintings. Here is mine — wisteria and sparrows.
While we work, the teacher gives Sprite one-on-one instruction. This was her second lesson and her first complete painting with both flowers and birds. First learning how to paint sparrows in all different positions.
Then peach blossoms.
At one point, the teacher took Sprite out onto the roof to look at a blooming peach tree. How’s that for inspiration!
Now putting it all together in the complete painting.
Beautiful first painting! She’s doing fantastic!
I never thought she’d have any trouble with the painting, actually. The hardest part for her (and sometimes for me too) is obeying the teacher. It’s very structured. There is a right way and a wrong way. And you must follow the rules and the directions to do the painting the right way. That sort of rubs our creative (rebellious?) grain. But it’s part of the deal with the Chinese watercolor classes. I knew it at he start and I made Sprite agree to do what the teacher says even if she disagrees. She can paint her own way at home, of course.
keri says
What a great art class!
I would feel the same way about the creativity and rebellion,
But it does seem like a wonderful learning experience! I’m sure that it is advantageous to go with the teachers instructions.
.-= keri´s last blog ..Juggling… =-.
Sue says
Wonderful! Maybe sticking to the rules with this particular Chinese art will lead to even more exploration in her art at home.
.-= Sue´s last blog ..Contentment =-.
Julie says
Those are really beautiful! My kids are taking an art class and the teacher likes to move in a step by step method which often frustrates the kids, but the results are so much better than letting them go on their own. I agree with you; they can do what they want at home, but listen and obey in the class! 🙂
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Prague ~ Part 2 =-.
Melissa Telling says
Those are fantastic! You are both doing a great job!
.-= Melissa Telling´s last blog ..What Was Learned Through A "Failure" =-.