Art is a wonderful, wholesome activity that can relieve stress and improve mental health. It can even improve a child’s cognitive function and academic performance.
Unfortunately, many young people miss out on these benefits because they’re too easily frustrated by art. But here’s the good news. We’re going to show you how you can help a child improve their art skills.
Below are five basic principles and practices that will help a young person excel at art. Read on to learn more.
1. There’s No Such Thing as “Wrong” in Art
First, repeatedly enforce the idea that there’s no such thing as “wrong” in art. Your art might turn out different than you meant it to. But that doesn’t mean it’s “wrong.”
Art means creating something out of nothing. No matter what your art ends up looking like, it’s still “something” and, therefore, a success.
It simply isn’t possible for art to be wrong. This also means there are no “mistakes.”
For example, an accidental brushstroke will change your art, but it won’t ruin it. That’s especially true since you can keep working on the same piece of art as long as you want. Choose from various lesson plan templates for art teacher.
2. Watch Bob Ross
For the best possible example of the above idea, watch a Bob Ross video. Any time something in his painting doesn’t look the way he meant it to, he simply paints a “happy tree” over it.
Besides teaching art, he also exemplifies the perfectly positive attitude one should have when creating art.
3. Don’t Criticize Art (Ever)
The idea that art is never wrong must be all-encompassing. That is, to enforce this idea, you must never criticize any art, ever.
To illustrate, let’s say that you always tell your child that there’s no wrong way to do art. But then, you take them to a museum and say, “That painting does not look good at all.” Comments like these cancel your previous message that art is never wrong.
4. Don’t Criticize Art Skills Either
Furthermore, this also means that you can’t criticize anyone’s art skills, even your own.
For example, you might say to a child, “I’d like to teach you how to draw, but I’m bad at it.” This tells them that it is possible to be bad at art.
5. Discover What Kind of Art They Like
There are thousands of ways to do art. With so many options, we believe every single person in the world can find at least one type of art they enjoy.
If a child is frustrated by drawing, they might still enjoy painting, sculpting, mosaic, origami, spin art—you get the idea. Keep trying new things, especially unique things like this watercolor pencil set.
Soon enough, you’ll find a type of art that they absolutely love.
Help Young People Improve Their Art Skills With These Tips
Use the tips above to help a child with their art skills. You’ll both be happy you did.
What would you like to learn about next? Whatever it is, we have all the tips you need right here. Check out our other articles for news on the latest gadgets, fashion trends, travel hacks, and more.
Nicole Ann Pore is a writer, an events host and a voice over artist. Travel, health, shopping, lifestyle and business are among the many subjects she writes about. Through quality and well-researched writing, she informs and even entertains readers about things that matter. She is also interested in film critiquing and filmmaking. Giving all the glory to God, Nicole graduated Cum Laude from De La Salle University Manila, Philippines with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts.
