Art Classes for kids

It is my opinion that there are no two artists that are exactly alike and that there is no "proper" way to draw. My (almost) nine-year-old daughter is quite an artist as well and she has come a long way without art classes, the only art instruction that she has ever had is what is provided in school. From the teacher that she had last year, I learned that it was her opinion that Kathryn was the best artist in the school and when it came to the county-wide art show, she actually had a difficult time choosing pieces of art from other students because Kathryn's work was the bulk of the pieces that she had set aside for consideration for the show. However, she was only able to show one of Kathryn's pieces because the other students needed to have a chance to shine as well. So, if I was in your shoes, I believe that I would have the same opinion that you have about having additional art classes.

(Please note that my wife started out as an art teacher before going into ESL, and that I might be classified an artist---depending on your definition of artist. So take what I say with a grain of salt.) Your daughter is at the age where she is beginning to notice that what she wants to create is not matching the image in her mind. It happens with all artists. But if she thinks that she needs some training as an artist, then I would encourage it...but with some precautions. If at all possible, check out the art teacher before sending your child into the class. I had a horrible teacher in high school art, who basically failed me for doing things that I later learned that professional artists do. Ideally, they should be teaching a skill set (color theory, how to use the equipment, how to draw what your eye sees, etc.) and not "this is what real art looks like." The reason that you want her to get some training, even if you have to resort to the local artist guild (which occasionally beats the art classes in some school districts) is that most children quit doing art when they are no longer able to tolerate the difference between their skill level and what they wanted to create. You don't want her to end up in the "I can't draw" category. Figure out a way to increase her skill set and knowledge of basic techniques. And yes, (you are right) avoid those who are going to impose their idea of right and wrong art.

Hi m3k Normally creativity is something that can never be taught. I am the perfect example around. I have been into website design and development for over 3 years now and heck... I have no ideas of Colors No one can teach that! Right? But they all can teach that there are 3 primary colors and all others are made from them. The same way, your 7year old daughter seems to have this creativity and all she would need is a direction or a guidance to that. I would suggest you send her to those classes and each day, discuss out what new she learns... This way you both will have not only a wonderful relationship but also you and she will be able to keep track of what Plus Points or Negative Points come up at those classes. Over about say a month or two, you both would realize whether to continue or to stop hope this helps

Art classes for kids is such a nice idea. For the kids will learn lots of things and could develop such talents.

Good day. It's pretty good that children nowadys can have their own hobbies. So it's reasonabla that they want to have some further development in hobbies. Sometimes we find it unnecessary to have them tutored because that will only kill their creativity and styles. But things like painting or musical instrument require techniques and skills. So have them properly tutored so that they can have the basic skills are fundamental. And teachers can also give them some guidance. And with that, children are able to create their own styles and chase what they like.

Art classes are definitely helpful. A good teacher will be more of a guide to the students, encouraging them to find their own style and way, while helping to lay down the fundamental foundations they need for their art (things like knowing how to work with anatomy, make perspectives properly, color theory, etc). It can be helpful to look around at any different classes and, if you decide to let her attend some, to supplement her learning with some how-to books on drawing whatever she's interested in.

My granddaughter went to art camp this last summer and she learned alot.....alot about artists...she is six and talked to me about Piccaso...how he painted abstract art etc. There is more to art then just going and drawing...they learn all aspects of the art.

some kids love to draw like my son, he can draw animation character..but i never enroll him in art class..why dont you try to buy for your daughter an art book so she can practice ..and if she grow older and her passion for drawing is still on her mined then you should enroll her..

I know what you mean, mom. I've seen the students who emerge from these so-called art school having similar kind of drawings. They color the same. They draw the same. If you want to enroll your child to art school, you have to choose the school carefully because your daughter might end up drawing and coloring the way the teacher teaches her. I know the art schools that you mean. The ones that are located in shopping malls and neighborhood estates. These schools don't expand your child's creativity. They just teach the techniques of coloring and drawing. Perhaps, your child wants to go to the school because her friends are going. You know, kids are like that. I think if you can afford to send her and she's happy there, you should send her. That way she won't be left behind and be the odd one out in her school.

Hi! I think that is somehow incorrect, my opinion is children will need to attend the class to learn the basic, and when they learn all the necessary skills from the class, then from there they will start to learn how to draw with their own style. No double, some people who never try to learn to draw by their own way will never come out with their own style, but all these can be make and teach when they have acquired the skill. So, I will definitely send my kids to drawing class if they ask for it. At least they need to learn how to draw first before they draw on their own style.

I still feel that parents should support their children especially that there is nothing wrong with their request. I think though that even if Art is an expression of oneself, there are still basic rules and hows which could be better explained by professionals. My daughter learn to play the guitar by herself through youtube but still she wants to have a guitar lesson. We ask a neighbor who is good with this and ask him to do her a favor and I guess that would be better!