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Teaching Children
I have had several classes for children this year. I have not developed a formal curriculum as yet, Jennifer, however I have a general direction. It is basically the same as that which I have outlined in my book, with some additions.
Primary method - I start them out with line technique in pencil, with the sandpaper pad. I try to teach them to maximize the tip of the pencil so that they can achieve maximum expression of the line. The study of the dynamic of a line is very useful (length, angle, value, width, masses, construct lines, etc.)
I show them the importance of a good drawing environment, on which reduces the chances for distortion and distraction. Proper drawing boards and tables are important for successful drawing. I supply a drawing board specifically designed with a paper rest, and a curb for my arm, which also holds the pencil. They rest the board on a table at a 45 degree angle, and the drawing perpendicular to their line of vision. That is the way I have drawn for 40 years.
I have them copy drawings of animals, trees, and even people. I do not let them just make up stuff. This is not productive, and you lose control. You must offer structure and require conformity, or you will lose them real fast.
For the youngest and the very beginners, I have them trace the subject lightly with a light table, then finish it freehand from the reference drawing. This gets them out of the mode of overcorrecting and over working the form, and into the observation of good line technique. This is because I am line first, not form first. I focus on good line technique. The accuracy of drawing from visual refrence will come a little later.
I use figurines of animals to teach blocking in and shading. You can use the same figurine several times from different angles.
Generally speaking, you have to get them into pencil first, and stay with it for a while before introducing other media. They will not want to return to the more disciplined work of pencil if you go on into charcoal or color too soon. If you go on into other media, you must always come ack to pencil occasionally so they can keep up the discipline of the line. I was taught pencil for a year before I got into color. Then watercolor, then oil.
I only let my students use good art materials. You cannot teach art to children using toy art materials, no mre than you can teach them piano on a toy piano. I always had quality pencils, Grumbacher watercolors and oils, and good media.
I introduce portrait basics early on, so that they will realise it is not so difficult after all. They diagram the head using geometric and familiar shapes to draw the unfamiliar head. This helps them to think in terms of lines and angles. Then, we draw the elements of the face individually. Then, I show them the actual drawing procedure of a simple portrait.
I like to show them about perspective using a horizon line and vanishing points. This can be illustrated very simply with a simple house drawing.
Well, that is enough for starters! There is so much you can teach children. Even if they cannot execute, they are collecting data which will be used later when their skills develop.
I learned this stuff prior to age ten in art class. I was not the brightest star in the heavens, but I had good training, and I still refer to it.
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