Famous artists often discovered their passion for drawing and creating at a young age. Child prodigies like Pablo Picasso, Rosa Bonheur, and Albrecht Dürer became renowned for their abilities in their adolescence, whether due to consistent training or escapism.
Compared to the hardships of the past, parents can usually support their kids’ inclination towards a hobby nowadays, which is why after-school classes are so popular. In addition to the regular curriculum, kids are now attending classes to master certain sports, musical instruments, or complex topics.
If you notice a slight preference for drawing over other activities, you should consider trying to help kids nurture it. When children reach an older age, and they’ve navigated the challenges of mastering an art, they’ll find fulfillment in doing it, leading to less stress, mental well-being, and personal growth.
So, here are some of the things you can do to support your kids’ calling to be drawing artists.
Experiment with drawing supplies
If your kid loves drawing with regular colored pencils, they’ll be more than happy to experiment with other types of mediums, such as crayons, chalk, and paint. In this way, they’ll be curious as to how drawings end up if they use paint instead of pencils. In time, they’ll have a favorite tool to establish a specific drawing style. Picasso, for example, would combine oil paint, chalk, and charcoal to create unique depths in a painting.
It’s also essential to allow them to explore these tools and drawing techniques online because entering such communities will help them gather the courage to share their art. Maybe, at some point, your kids will be one of the listed artists with fine art prints for sale on reputable art galleries, building up fame around their creativity.
Attempt using different surfaces
Many parents are afraid of their kids ruining the paint on the walls, while others encourage them to do so, especially when they’re passionate about it. While this is a complex discussion and a subjective matter, allowing kids to expand their area of drawing does indeed help them experiment and get creative, so offering more surface options is best.
If you’re not convinced about the benefits of drawing on walls, you could provide kids with butcher paper, cardboard, cardstock, and fabric. Seeing how paint or drawing supplies act on various surfaces will enhance their creativity. They can also draw on a chalkboard or on the ground with chalk along with other kids, which improves their communication and engagement skills.
Create exciting drawing games
Kids love to be competitive and fast when discussing games to play. You can take advantage of this feature by coming up with new games every now and then. For example, a drawing race is the perfect activity for when you have little time. Challenge them to see who can draw the fastest, whether you use a clock for timing or draw a straightforward object or concept.
You could also try drawing something together, such as your house, an outdoor spot, or a picture, and see how they collaborate. Explore the ways in which they like playing games, whether it’s more or less competitive. On the other hand, following a pattern will help them exercise their talent, but being unpredictable will also prepare them for future challenges.
Take advantage of technology
If used for an educational purpose, technology can be the best tool to help kids establish a base for drawing and make it a consistent habit. For example, there are many websites you can browse for them to learn how to draw simple things, such as flowers or animals, step-by-step.
Moreover, kids can use an iPad or a drawing program to practice their skills better and learn something valuable in the future. Graphic designers, for example, need drawing skills but also must know how to use specific programs for editing, so helping them learn these things will surely land them great professions when they become adults.
Use prompts when needed
While children may love drawing, they might get bored quickly with the same old designs and ideas. Therefore, you can challenge their creativity by using prompts when they don’t know what to draw. You can make a list of weekly ideas, such as drawing their favorite meal, a family picture, or picture themselves as a superhero.
The way they draw shouldn’t matter because they’re still kids and have impressive creativity. Sometimes, their drawings might not be that amazing, but it’s best to reward them regardless because you can motivate them to keep going when they’ve lost hope or willingness to continue drawing.
Take it easy
Falling into the trap of being a parent who already imagines their children as a successful painter is counterproductive for kids. For now, they’re only exploring one of their passions, but it might happen that in the following years, they’ll prefer swimming instead of drawing. This period should be enjoyable for them as they learn more about themselves and the world.
Therefore, try not to pressure them too much into practicing drawing all day after school or even taking them to special classes if they’re not into it. This is not “Black Swan,” and we’re not in the age where one should nurture only one passion for making ends meet. Consider giving them freedom and independence instead of forcing your ideas and wishes on them. So, take it easy and enjoy the time spent with them!
Do you think your kids are talented enough to become artists?
Many kids display interest in a certain activity, whether drawing, running, or singing. These passions can mean something more than a simple thing to spare time, so if you notice it, try encouraging your child to pursue it meaningfully. For instance, if they’re into drawing, try experimenting with different supplies or playing drawing games together. However, make sure you don’t overly stress about their time not being leveraged entirely – children need to play and enjoy their youth.
