Cartoon Drawing At YCK CC

I never agree with art classes conducted by individuals even if they claim to be trained and experienced in teaching art to children. Basically they want children to 'copy' them and reproduce their works in different permutations. It arguably similar to the idea of an apprentice learning from a grand art master.  And parents are often convinced that this is the most efficient way to help their children become little artists. However, it's not like that at all. As an apprentice, you get to 'copy' not only the composition or content of the grand master, but also the habits, skills and the whole process of the artistic expression. The grand master probably won't draw a sample for the appreciate to copy and verbally instruct him to complete it. He most likely ask the apprentice to prepare his work space or clean up the mess after him. Meanwhile, the ownership is then on the apprentice to observe, ask and learn as his teacher works.  

Although I haven't got very little formal training in art and only a few years in teaching it to children, I know too well how to elicit professional looking creations from unknowingly hands of these children.  If I have full control over the composition, style and technique, all my art pupils would have produced brilliant works of art. Yet, my pupils would probably learn to be obedient copycats, nothing more. Copying, of course, has its merits. Children need some sort of examples to follow, especially if they are clueless to what to draw or how to do it. Through copying, they can learn techniques and styles as well.  However, children need opportunities and space to break away and explore. They need encouragement and courage to experiment and express themselves.  

Despite all this, I signed up a three session holiday art class at YCK CC for Sophie. Today was her last lesson. I am quite relieved, really. For three Fridays, I took Alfee with me when I sent her to the CC for class. We waited for 1.5 hours in the neighbourhood and I usually sighed when I looked at her unfinished work at dismissal. Even though I knew what I had signed her up for, it was still hard for me to hide my disappointment. Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to be too critical of her works. I just wished that the teacher managed time better, taught the children more about composition, painting and colours.

So why then did I subject her to such poorly structured classes? I wanted her to experience other teaching methods, make friends and be independent. She was definitely independent enough, she was able to assemble her materials and clear up by herself. Many parents would rush into class to help their children clean up before they left. Sophie had to do it herself because I was with Alfee outside. As for making friends, she has no problem interacting with others but she doesn't make friends. She doesn't remember names or attempts to maintain the relationships. So nowadays, I will always ask her for the names of those children she speaks to. I need her to learn how to establish friendships.