"My paintbrush is my childhood."

In the past three weeks I have been fortunate to shared in some amazing art experiences. The title of this post basically sums it up. As a teacher, these experiences are a constant reminder that children are powerful image makers. The desire to make sense of their world though their artwork communicates their ideas , thoughts, discoveries and feelings in a manner that words cannot describe or elaborate.

The highlights so far for 2012 range from a Year 2 student discovering that he can create grey, (as he guided his brush on his work, with great care and concentration, mixing white with black in swirls, fascinated with how the colours combined and changed before him), then proudly exclaiming " Mrs Hiskens I made grey!" to Year 5 students not even asking or reaching for erasers. Yes! finally understanding that every line we make is useful and necessary in guiding our drawing. Most importantly it is the discussions, about their artwork, that the students have with me or the ones I overhear among themselves that never cease to amaze me. The above quote comes from such a discussion, so simple yet so profound and straight from the mouth of a Year 3!