How can I nurture my daughter's artistic gifts?

Question

My daughter is 11 years old and has been drawing since she's been
able to hold a crayon. She mostly draws animals and even makes up fantasy ones- like a cross between a dog and butterfly. Do people who know how to draw know how to paint also? She wins drawing contests at school but I need advice on how to nurture this talent.

Answer 1

Sounds like she's good at morphing and has a very creative imagination. She would be successful in realistic or abstract drawing, and it's good to have both abilities. I think people who can draw naturally are good with any mediums, so I think she'd be good at painting too.
When I was young my mom signed me up for a painting class, so that may be a good idea, something seperate from school where she can learn to work with different materials. You can also purchase different materials for her to start her off at home.
Definately start with an easel, and the materials can be watercolour paint (good for blending and dreamy art), oil paint (texture and depth), charcoal (can be messy but also easy to create with), pencils regular or colour (can teach her how to work with detail), pastels (similar to charcoal and crayons but with more texture), ink (typography, lettering, very delicate and also teaches detail).
Aside from these ideas maybe she could also try 3 dimensional art, like collage, clay, etc.
There are 2 projects that I think she may enjoy: on a piece of paper draw a big set of keys (or any other simple object) then divide the page into a grid (maybe a 3x4) and in each little square paint a different feeling, like happiness or anger or sadness or innocence, whatever. It will inspire her to be more creative and associate colours with feelings.
The other project is more goal constructive: she can make a list of all her goals and dreams, then cut out pictures from magazines that she finds beautiful or that inspire her or that represent these goals and arrange them on a big piece of paper or a wall along with her goals. It will inspire her to achieve her goals in a beautiful artsy way.
I love that you support your daughter in this way. It's beautiful. You're an excellent parent.

Answer 2

Well, some people can draw but not paint. The only way for you to find out is to give her a paint brush and canvas and let her go. And it all takes practice. Always. The only thing you can really do to nurture this talent is to constantly give her compliments, and even advice on if she should give a drawing more detail, or change something. Just give her feedback... treat her like she knows what she's doing (which she probably does, and if she doesn't then the best way to learn is by trial and error) And I was the same way. lol, Actually I can't remember what I first started out drawing, but it was something along the dog-butterfly drawing... my drawings have evolved into animals and people. Anyway, I hope she enjoys drawing. It can be very relaxing. Just have her keep at it, and you'll be surprised at how good she becomes, how realistic her drawings will look. Hope this helped. Have an awesome day!!! =)

Answer 3

Sign her up for art classes at the local community center. Let her pick a class or two and see what mediums she likes best. Definately sign her up for some drawing courses which will teach her the fundamentals and give her the basic knowlege to develop her skills. You need basic drawing skills for any kind of design or art program as you need to be able to quickly and accurately sketch what it is you want to build/design/draw/paint/sculpt etc. Encourage her to observe her surroundings. The dimensions, porportions, color etc.

Answer 4

As long as you're there to support whatever she does, that is art-related. She needs to know that you cherish this gift she has, and she needs that encouragement to develop as an artist.
To have a gift of being an artist, she can branch out into different areas in the art industry, and by having that support and encouragement, now, will allow her to build on that confidence that what she has isn't just a 'hobby', but a gift that will take her places, when she gets older!

Answer 5

Teach her to believe in herself no matter what others say about her. Give her a dedicated space for her work so she doesn't need to set up and clean up everytime she wants to work. Teach her to research artists, and read the lives and about the work of as many artists she can. Help her to find various inspirations. Teach her that she needs to continue to practice her art through out her life. Take her to as many top level art museums and galleries as you can. I strongly advise you take her to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and spend several days studying it. That is a very awakening experience.

Answer 6

Check to see if there is an art association in your community. THey often offer art classes for kinds on weekends or in the summer and they have art shows too. This would get her meeting other kids with similar interests and keep her involved in art.

Answer 7

it all depends on what she likes, if she likes to look at pictures and get thoughts from that, buy her some artistic books filled with drawings and photos and painting, and most people who can draw can or can obtain the skill to paint, try to introduce her to some new things to draw, introduce her to new animals, but whatever you do, do not push her to do better, allow her to work at her own pace and do what she pleases, if your force her to do this or that she will just stray away from it thinking your the one who wants her to do it, i used to be able to draw and paint but i strayed from it and lost all my skill and it is utterly depressing, you just need to allow her to decide for herself what she wants to do, but you can help her here and there with little things like ideas and concepts, and talk to her about her drawings, learn where she gets her ideas from, and help her along, she will grow on her own :D hope im a little help, but what do i know, im only 17 =)

Answer 8

LSD or Magic Mushrooms,used in conjunction with Pink floyds Dark Side of the Moon or Division Bell works well for me.but i only draw on an etch&sketch.if she starts wearing tie-dyed shirts and chants slogans like "make love not war" then she has to lay off the art for a bit.

Answer 9

if you have a michaels arts and crafts or a large joann store or a hobby lobby, get her some painting classes, just because you can draw doesnt mean you can paint, every technique has its tricks.

Answer 10

I think getting her a teacher who shares your nurturing heart would be a good idea.