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A little bit of drawing
June 20, 2013
In light of our conversation on technology (and it really was a conversation in the comments), I wanted to show you some of the artwork Laurent has created on the computer using the free software Inkscape.
This was going to be a full post of Inkscape art. Laurent has a gallery after months of drawing with that program.
In the last month he started working with a 3-D image program and so of course I wanted to include a couple of those too.
Then, just last week the girls got in on some serious drawing action (they don't always draw the way Laurent is always drawing) and I wanted to share some of their art here also.
So, a drawing post it is. But just a wee post. There's a trip to pack for and summer to enjoy.
I am often asked if and how we taught the kids to draw.
We didn't teach the kids to draw.
Years ago I taught the children some drawing lessons from Drawing with Children. It was a recommended book at the time. No doubt, new books and techniques have been published.
We did sporadic lessons for a few months. That's been the extent my direct influence in the process.
My indirect influence is that we give the kids lots of time to pursue their interests. Most of their day, outside of meals and household routines, isn't scheduled.
We provide materials. Also, when they were younger and screen time was much more limited (no TV in the house and not much computer activity) what was there to do if not arts and crafts?
You can find more posts related to those ideas on my crafts and creativity resource page.
If your kids aren't naturally interested in drawing I don't have much advice for you there, except most young children seem to enjoy drawing and somewhere along the way we lose our interest.
Our kids have never lost their interest in drawing. I am not a graphic artist, so they aren't learning it from me.
I honestly don't know how to raise crafty, artistic kids. (As some of you have asked.) I know how to raise my kids who are creative and artistic. We have been telling them as much since they were wee ones.
Nature or nurture? I'm not exactly sure but I think it's a bit of both.
YouTube is the place we go now for art lessons. Lately, it's been Mark Crilley's channel. Laurent also watches YouTube tutorials to learn how to use image software.
Image software we are using these days includes Blender, Inkscape, and GIMP; all of which are free. I don't know much about these tools. I use GIMP myself for photo related projects. I've created all my ebook covers with this program and any text graphics you see at FIMBY.
And now back to summer which can involve drawing indoors or outdoors.
Resource Library
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Tonya on June 20, 2013, 4:14 p.m.
I am sure a lot of it is the time - but they definitely have some natural talent as well Renee!
Thanks for sharing the links. Abby (our 13 year old) has been doing some computer graphic things lately too.
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Kika on June 20, 2013, 4:27 p.m.
Two of my kids draw all the time - always have. I certainly did and do encourage it by buying supplies, always reminding them (when younger) to 'grab your notebook/pencil' before we head out of the house (anywhere they'll be sitting for a time), by framing some of their artwork, finding classes or books for them if they're interested (ex. graphic novel type art work for my oldest), etc. But these two obviously have some natural talent too - their learning didn't come from a book but from practice/developing their own styles. My other daughter is very creative but feels less comfortable with her abilities in drawing, preferring to sew, bead, craft.
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Sarah M on June 20, 2013, 4:42 p.m.
Drawing with Children is still one of the most highly recommended drawing books. I snagged it at a re-sale for $1 just a few weeks ago, and am excited to read through it. I also got "Drawing with the Right Side of the Brain" for my birthday, and it's next in line. I used to LOVE drawing and collage when I was a kid. Hours and hours of time were spent doing this after school, in the car, and I still carry a notepad in my purse (although now that's mostly for things I don't want to forget!).
My daughter has recently started drawing her own paper dolls, coloring, and then cutting them out. That just makes me swell. We've found something we can both share together. For as creative as my son is, he is more of a problem-solver/inventor type and doesn't draw much, though he loves comics and has been very interested when I've drawn him "comic boxes" he can fill in with his own characters. It's a really fun thing to be back doing something I loved, and hadn't done in probably over a decade, with my kids.
I also love that you share your kids' work on your blog. Mine are so prolific, too, and I should really snap pictures of everything and have them explain their pieces (lots of sculpture, too) and do a write-up on my own blog. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sarah M
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renee on June 20, 2013, 5:49 p.m.
Sarah, I have always shared their creations on the blog, since way back when. They are proud when I share their talent (smile) because they know my blog is important to me (smile).
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Mama on June 20, 2013, 9:36 p.m.
I just have to say... WOW! Those are all beautiful drawings! Our kiddos spend a lot of time drawing, I'll have to show these to them. I think Buddy would especially enjoy the skeleton picture as he has been drawing them for a few months since he watched a documentary on Machu Pichu.
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renee on June 20, 2013, 10:15 p.m.
Mama, it's funny. Laurent is a very compassionate and pacifist type person. He can't kill bugs but he draws some gruesome skeletons!
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Mama on June 21, 2013, 10:21 p.m.
It isn't that interesting! Well I guess it all balances out. Buddy's skeletons are not gruesome, but has little hesitation killing bugs. Except butterflies, he loves those and gets very excited when he manages to get one on his hand.
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Alaina on June 20, 2013, 1 p.m.
I think it must be part of it that you have allowed them lots of time to pursue their interests. Also, I would assume you have never critisized their work and that you have encouraged what they are doing with words, supplies, etc. I do think that kids often lose their desire to create due critisism, lack of supplies, no time given, etc. I this post solidified the thought in my mind that as parents, we shouldn't force the issue of learning the skill but just encourage it with having the time and supplies there and then see what happens.