Back to School

Ever short on inspiration or need a boost of energy? 

Just visit a school classroom and you’ll find it in surplus! Last week I visited a 6^th grade class where my sister Lisa teaches and I went away not only motivated, but also impressed on so many levels. It never ceases to amaze me what teachers accomplish on a daily basis with society’s most precious commodity…our children. And it is these children that give me the most hope, joy, renewal, inspiration and sense of commitment.

My original intent was to take a photo of Lisa with the portrait I had recently finished of her. For varieties sake and because it is so much a part of who she is I thought it would be fun to put her in a classroom setting. From there the plan evolved into a lesson in my FACE art for the kids. They had recently learned about caricatures and had even drawn some of their own so this was a natural segue.  

I brought my easel and a drawing of a FACE of my niece (Lisa’s daughter) to do a quick demonstration on. I explained my concept and process and after the demo we passed out FACE paintings for each child to hold in a group photo. This is where they had the most fun of course! Choosing a FACE and then pretending to be this person was a wee bit like Halloween I suppose. Although they couldn’t see the results until I sent the picture to my sister later that day.

For me it was refreshing to witness that art is still alive (at least at this particular school). The kids were amazing, smart, polite and very respectful in handling my portraits. Art is not just for the artist alone or for one client that happens to pony up the currency to purchase a painting; it is meant to be shared and interacted with. To all you artists out there….contact a school nearby and share your talents with the kids. 

It will revitalize your spirit and encourage you on this journey we are all taking together!