June 2009 - Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up. ~Pablo Picasso

Children love art; it’s a wonderful way for them to express themselves in a creative, nonverbal form.  The creative possibilities are endless and go as far as their imagination can take them.  Along this journey they explore who they are and the world around them.  Most of all it’s fun!  Have you ever watched a small child with a box of crayons, a tub of play dough, or finger-paints?  The joy of art continues into teen years and is encouraged in schools.  Art can help heighten self-esteem and improve overall academic performance of students.
   
Why then if art has such a positive impact on our lives in our younger years, has it been neglected to be made part of our adult lives?  Like most adults, coloring with your young child or grandchild would be acceptable, but you are not going to be caught with a coloring book and box of crayons when you are by yourself.  You are an adult, you do not want to express yourself with art the same way a child does.
   
If you are not going to use the same art materials as a child what will you use?  Crayons, play dough and finger paint may be childish but pastels, clay and acrylic or oil paint seem like tools of a professional artist.
   
What you must realize is that a box of colored pastels or a tube of paint, do not contain a warning label that states you must know what you are doing before opening them.  Part of the fun in art is exploring the medium you are using and figuring things out as you go.  Then, as you become more engaged in the process of making art, you may wish to research different art materials and techniques or sign up for an art class or private instruction.
   
Once you are not afraid to pick up a paintbrush or pencil the fun begins, and all those benefits of artistic expression are no longer limited for those only 5 years old and under.  Adults can positively benefit from art by using their imagination, and expressing and exploring more about themselves, too.  Additionally, adults may find benefits in releasing emotions, relieving stress, increasing self-esteem and morale, and strengthening critical thinking.

Benefits from art:

• Nonverbal expression and communication: Art is a nonverbal tool that lets you communicate how you see the world.  It gives you a chance to express and release your feelings.

• Form of relaxation:  The act of creating art can simply work as a needed distraction to clear your head of daily life stresses.  A temporary retreat or escape from your everyday living.  In the act of sketching or painting you experience the sense of a meditative flow, focusing on the enjoyable act of creating art; this could be comparable to that of someone enjoying gardening or cooking.

• Increasing Morale:  Just as a child has fun creating art so should you.  The nature of creating something, experimenting with shapes and color evokes as sense of playfulness.  Watching your picture develop into a finished piece will also give you a sense of pride and accomplishment.

• Improving cognition:  Critical thinking is used in decision making; what would you like to paint or draw, how are you going to capture this image or idea, what colors to use, where to place an object in your picture.  Your attention span is also strengthened as you focus on your work.

• Sense of self:  Art can help to build a child or teenager’s self esteem, and as an adult it can help renew your self esteem.  If you are going to take up drawing, painting or any form of art you are putting time aside to do so; putting time aside for this is special time you’ve taken and invested in yourself.

Now even though you know some of the positive benefits from art and that it isn’t only for children and professional artists, you still might feel a bit apprehensive to start.  Don’t be.  You are not setting out to create an artistic masterpiece; explore the materials you are using and figure things out as you go.  This is about creating art that fits into your life and enables you to experience the positive benefits of creative expression.

Suggestions for beginning art projects:

• Simple Still Life:  Arrange a vase of flowers or variety of fruit and pick your art medium, whether its pastels, colored pencils or paint.  As you get started focus on capturing the colors and shapes of the objects and less on reproducing a realistic image.  Your first attempts should be more for the experience and learning the qualities of the medium you have chosen.

• Au Plein Air:  This is a term meaning, in the open air, it was captured by French Impressionist painters such as Claude Monet.  Au plein air artists were interested in the changing qualities of light, they are known for their large brush strokes and movement in their paintings.  Find a favorite place you enjoy visiting outdoors and take time to notice the beauty and qualities of light on different surfaces.  Work this into your image focusing on catching light on your subject.  Remember to enjoy the fresh air!

• Paint to Music:  Whether it’s classical or jazz music put on one of your favorite albums or musician that inspires you.  Pay attention to how the music makes you feel and how the musician’s notes move throughout a song.  Capture the atmosphere of their music in your art with flowing free lines, shapes and color. 

• Keep a Sketchbook:  Start an artist diary or sketch book that you can jot down ideas or sketch images as they come to you.  You never know when inspiration may strike!

If you have questions when you begin experimenting with different forms of art, stop by your local library for basic how to books to explain types of mediums and different techniques associated with them.  Local colleges often offer beginner art courses in drawing, painting, photography and ceramics.  And, stop by community art shows to see other’s artwork, what subjects and mediums they choose to use.

Let the creative expression begin; find the artist that lived inside you as a child and tell them it’s okay to come out again.  Remember the benefits of artistic expression are not limited to those only 5 years old and under. 

Liz is promoting art by coordinating an Art Show showcasing the artwork of the residents and staff on the Heritage Village Retirement Campus in Gerry.  The Art Show is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  SAVE THE DATE!