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Musings of a relaxed, identity-directed homeschooling mum in New Zealand.
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The Art Class
It seemed like a good idea at the time - back in January. When the local night school was taking bookings for the year, I thought it would be good to sign up for the watercolours class. Back then I was getting into drawing a bit and wanted to expand my horizons. The July start date was a long way off. But as July approached I felt less and less inspired. Going to a class with a group of strangers is a long way out of my comfort zone.
Well the start rolled around and guess what? Everyone was in the same boat, we are all out of our comfort zone, few people already knew each other. And there are enough extroverts in the group to keep the introverts comfortable. There is also a wide range of talent - from the woman who does a lot of oil paintings wanting to try watercolours, through those of us who have dabbled a bit with drawing, to the woman who got kicked out of art class in high school because she couldn't draw an elephant for a 'Welcome to India' poster.
I am really enjoying the class. It is nice to leave the house each Tuesday evening to do something creative. The colours are wonderful, so delicate and unpredictable. It is fun to see the white page being transformed. I don't know what anyone else thinks of my artwork, and I can honestly say I don't care. There is something refreshing about the colours, and adding a touch of beauty to life. I have got the basic paints and papers and brushes etc now, so its up to me how I go about learning and developing.
It is interesting that few in the class had done art classes at school. (Most of the class would be 40-50). Back then, there were those who were arty and those that weren't. No one said that any one can learn some basic drawing techniques, and have a bit of fun with colour and materials. There are some in the class who remember looking into the art class room in wonder and wishing they could enter that magical place, where only the few could go. Isn't it sad that we had to wait until we were middle aged until we could develop that side of ourselves.
Maybe thats the important thing I can gain from the class, and pass on to my children. To not say that we are too old to learn something. To try it anyway and enjoy the process. To let them explore the world they may be interested in - whether art or music or sport - and not give them the message that it is too hard and mysterious. |
Posted: 8:03 PM, Aug. 28, 2008 |
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