Summer's Treasure Trove

For me, there is no greater gift than painting outdoors with children on a gorgeous sunny day. And this summer's first Collaborative Art Project was no exception. This time, I selected and sketched 2 slightly larger canvases (24" x 30"), had a much smaller and younger age group, and only 2 hours with which to work. So, I strategized early, setting each child up with their selection of paint colors on a palette, insured that they had a wieldable paintbrush in hand, and focused them on the part of the canvas that would be their target. It was kinda like the game "Twister" as we fit as many to the canvas that we could to begin our artistry.

Supervision was a bit more challenging this way but I kept the faith. I am always delighted to see the children model my teaching and help the newcomers as they approached. I was tickled to hear one very young child imitate me by telling another with pride "now stand back and look at what you have done." Some were ready to hand over their paintbrush to the next in line while others only reluctantly did so.

The hours flew by quickly for me with only a few close calls. Never assume that the maintenance men will not turn on the lawn sprinklers even while they are watching you. Very minor water damage to a piece of foam board that was intended for the children to sign their names and leave their hand print behind. A few paintbrushes fell to the pavilion floor, which was OK. However, when a few youngsters thought that the concrete made a way more cool canvas, I gently reminded them that we wanted to be invited back next year. They understood. And I got a few laughs for my wit. Priceless.

A favorite conversation of mine with another youngster went like this as she asked me: "Are you an artist?" Oh dear, that dreaded question and I am thinking to myself, yep, a very quirky artiste. Rather, I say to her "well, I think I have been called that by some." Thinking that I cleverly dodged that question, I was not prepared for her quick retort: "Well, are you a famous artist?" Not wishing to burst her bubble nor mine I reply "Oh we can only dream, sweetie, we can only dream".

The final artwork is now on display in our public library and it makes my heart soar. Their simple and sincere "thank you's" as they left were treasures. The children are certainly for me the inspiration behind "you color my world".