Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Gifted artistically?

On GS8's report card, in the comment section, his art teacher put in the comments saying "creative" & "shows special talent". This is a different teacher than the one he had in the first semester, and she also put in those comments. So, what do you do with artistic kids?

If this test photo works, I'll scan some of his drawings:
Test didn't work, removed link

!!!!That was a ***TEST****, that was a photo from an article on foxnews.com. I'm not at home, so I didn't have any of his drawings handy to scan. If it worked, then I'd scan and upload it.

I was thinking, whoa, great computer animation! Get this kid a job!!

Art is one of my dd's interests for which I have to find others to guide her since I am totally ignorant and completely void of talent in that area.

I recommend asking around to find a good art teacher. I received a wonderful recommendation from another mom of a gifted child. Also look at local universities, art museums, and art galleries/alliances for camps and classes.

My dd has taken two different types of art classes. From the art teacher I mentioned above she takes a drawing class. She also takes an art class through the local university which explores art in different cultures and through different mediums.

Your public library may have a few drawing books in the children's section as a starting point. Kidpix is a good children's graphics program if your gs likes computers. I purchased a copy from one of those $.99 software sites. My dd has also recently enjoyed a book entitled "Art Fraud Detective" from Mindware. Yesterday I found some interesting books and card sets on this site when I was looking up Ed Zaccaro information. I think my dd may get some of those for her birthday.

http://www.challengemath.com/products/category.asp?QueryLoad=1&category=Art%20History

One of the pluses of having a child around who is a good artist is that you get some great pieces to hang on the refrigerator.

Summer

Thanks Summer,

Yes, I have a great pencil drawing of a parrot on my office wall, unfortunately he did it on notebook paper but I guess that just lends some authenticity to the fact that an 8 year old did it.
I looked up our local university and found they have summer classes for kids in all sorts of things. Now I just have to figure a way to get him there, and home again.

I have a few notebook paper masterpieces myself. I try to keep plenty of drawing pads around so that future masterpieces are on a more complementary medium.

I hope you can work out the transportation issue. If not, you might be able to find some instructional videos at the library.

We have that book too and my DS7 has really enjoyed it also. It's a lot of fun!!

I third Art Fraud Detective - I was always so happy when one of my nieces or nephews got old enough so I could give it as a gift.

There are actually 3 Art Fraud Detective books. We have all of them and love them. Even fun (and educational!) for adults. It's a book about art full of great art works, but it's also an "I Spy" game for the older set.

Really a great series!

K-

Oh my, there you go again, telling me about books that I am going to need. I had no idea there were 3 of them. I'll have to look into that. Thanks!

Yes, only one is titled "Art Fraud Detective," but the other two are in the same vein. "The Great Art Scandal" and "Art Auction Mystery" are the titles of the other two. All marvelous!

DS6 and I both like them, and he's always trying to choose them as BOTH his fiction and nonfiction reading choices for home school. He owns darn near every "I Spy" book, so this is not surprising, I don't think. I usually steer him to something slightly more school-y, even as I encourage him to look at the books regularly for fun.

Just call me the book pusher!

Kriston

What do you do with them?
Depending on the age... you may want to look into lessons. (If younger, lessons may not be the best idea). With art.. it's a balance when younger with letting them explore and be creative, versus learning. One of the worst scenarios is putting them in lessons where it is simply follow the teacher... like many art projects in school. One wants an art instructor that may introduce them to different techniques and art media, but where the project is still theirs in terms of creativity.

Having access to a variety of art supplies is also very helpful.
Any art museums nearby? Your dc may be interested in attending.

The other difficult aspect in regards to a child that has artistic talent... the age of 8-10, is often a big turning point where kids lose their enthusiam for art... they see they are not 'good'. It can be hard for them to navigate that phase.
Tammy

Quaz,
I am so glad you mentioned this. The right teacher is so important. When my dd started drawing lessons, the teacher began with traditional drawing techniques. I was surprised when I saw what my dd was producing in class because it was seemed so rough and undeveloped compared to what she drew at home. I brought a few samples to the teacher and she immediately changed her teaching technique. My dd is off the charts visual spatial and draws free hand rather than starting with basic geometric figures. Her teacher works with many gifted students so she is flexible in how she teaches rather than trying to fit all her students into the same mold. That is why I suggested asking other gifted parents for recommendations.

Kriston,
Thanks for the book info. I didn't realize there were others. I will add those to dd's birthday list.

Gail Carson Levine's 'Dave at Night' is a wonderful story, and has long discriptions of his art classes as well. I'm not sure what age group, so read ahead.
Grinity

OK, got to be a grandma now . Yesterday, GS8 brought home a notice that he won an award for a county wide, 3rd grade art contest. May 3rd is the award date, then I'll see what he did.

Bravo to your GS8! Too bad you have to wait so long to see it.

Awesome OHG! You'll have to let us know what his art work is when you see it.

Yay!

YEAH! WOW!!!! COngrats to GS8!

the link that OHGrandma promised ????

Oups, I forgot: Congratulations to DGS

OK, excuses...finishing tax stuff, had to file an extension anyway, meetings on top of meetings, switching everything from my desktop PC to my laptop, draining work weeks, & calving season. I think the calving season was the final straw. After slogging through 1-3 miles of mud & puddles every evening checking on expectant mother cows, my knees groan just thinking about climbing the stairs to the room where my scanner is.

In the mean time, I got several art books from the library last weekend and in the few minutes he was waiting for everyone else to get ready for church, he knocked out a really nice drawing of a hippopotamus.
There's also a poster contest & 2 photography contests in a couple of organizations where he is a member. One of the deadlines is May 1, so I've got a feeling I'm going to be busy with that, too. He'll be taking pictures of our farm & cattle for that contest. Of course calves are always popular subjects, but momma cows aren't happy having kids around their babies, so I have to be with him.

Congratulations to your GS. I hope you can find some time to post some of his work for us to see (and for you to get some rest). Glad to hear he is enjoying his library books.