People say my oldest daughter looks just like me. She and I also share sports interests and very similar personalities. At times the personality similarities can be a bit self-reflecting. Of course, these mirror moments are usually not at the best moments. “She gets it honest” has become my statement of choice for these moments. The early years were filled with a lot of “Mommy and Me” activities encouraging her to try new things and find her own interests.
However, art is where we differ the most. There are no similarities when it comes to our artistic talents. Comparing my artistic and creative abilities since childhood, I have improved a little. My son has even suggested I go back to art class and learn to draw again since I must have forgotten. However, my daughter has a natural talent that keeps me in amazement. Being able to freehand and create drawings may never become more to her than a hobby, but it is an unexpected great accomplishment for her. Health conditions have impacted the use of her dominant arm and hand since birth. Drawing and coloring were activities that were done in physical therapy or when there was nothing else to do. We noticed early on that she was very detailed in the pictures she did draw.
Finding an interest in art was not just a benefit to her, but for me as well. Little did I know it would become one of the most incredible tools I would learn to use in my motherhood toolbox.
Drawing became a coping tool for her in stressful situations. Our similar personalities gave me the insight that she would not want me to sit and draw with her, as I also like to work on things alone. I didn’t want to miss out, though. How could I be able to carry on a conversation with her and show her encouragement in an informed manner?
To begin with, I suggested enrolling her in art classes, summer camps, and buying project kits. She never really enjoyed the classes and did not want to attend the camps. Nothing seemed to match her focus and passion for spending hours, even days working on single pictures.
She would ask for new art supplies for her birthday and Christmas, which I thought was such as easy ask. I could just swing through the art section and find things that look neat. I really had no idea everything made a difference. Her favorite art materials are pencils and acrylic paint. As I continued to buy materials that clearly indicated I did not understand what I was looking for, she began to teach me about her art style. I learned that not all colored pencils are the same, and the type of paper needs to match the type of pencil for certain drawing effects. My drawing skills have not improved at all.
Like all mother and daughter relationships, we have tough times. She is a teenager. Many of these times are me as the mom disciplining for bad decisions, enforcing rules, or pushing her to improve on something. Art is no longer a barrier between us.
She has watched my many ill-fated attempts at drawing for together time. We both agree she is the artist, and I should not quit my day job. I wouldn’t trade those laughs for anything. She has improved her research and communication skills to explain projects and materials. Art has become something we build on as a family. We each have our own styles and challenge each other to try new projects.
When looking at art supplies and kits, the volume can be a little overwhelming. I took the approach of buying kits. For my younger children, I choose watercolor and washable options.
- Color by number and paint by number kits take the stress out of picking out supplies. Kits can be found for different ages and skill levels.
- Drawing kits typically provide various mediums such as crayons, pencils, markers, and paint. You can find complete kits that provide paper, canvases, brushes, and other needed items for suggested projects.
- Prismacolor is my daughter’s favorite brand for colored pencil sets and sketchbooks.
If you are looking for more of a guided art set up, attending a class, or watching videos may help:
How do you step out of your comfort zone to connect with your kids?
