Put the plastic on the picnic table
I watched an amazing video the other day. A class of preschoolers were all seated around two small picnic tables covered in plastic. In front of each child was a small stretched canvas, a watercolor palette of about 6 or 7 colors and a few brushes. On each canvas was a pre-printed line drawing of a bird.
Then the magic happened.
I watched as colors were chosen, maybe at random or maybe just that child's favorite color, then placed carefully or wildly on the canvas. The magic was beautifully expressive brushstrokes! I sensed their pure joy of creating and their amazement how their painting developed into a work of art. I watched intently as some of these young artists seemed to doubt their own creation after looking at their classmates work. (We artist's do that!) Their self-doubt was quickly erased as their teacher focused the camera on each child and their painting and told them how awesome their work was! It didn't matter if they colored outside or inside the lines or what colors were used....each painting was a beautiful example of pure gesture and expression of that artist...how a painting should be!
I am trying to capture that childlike expression in my watercolors . The medium seems so perfect for that.
So lets put the plastic on the picnic table, let go, and get painting!
Please enjoy Book 3 - #4 2021 Sunflower Study from my watercolor journal.
