Child Art
Art of Adolescents and Adults
By Lois E. Wilson, Senior Scribe
Former Art Education Instructor, Miami University 

It is hoped that the positive approach of parents and teachers to the creative efforts of both visual and non-visualchildren have helped children keep a positive attitude toward their art as the stage of critical awareness is reached. If so, they are more likely to continue the study of art when it is an elective.  

In adolescence, imaginative activity changes from uncontrolled to controlled. At some time, the child will think that the final product created is not up to what was intended. The adolescent realizes that help is needed with color, shading, form, and perspective. It is best to discuss their concerns after their work is completed. The teacher or parent might ask, “How did you achieve this color?  What do you think is wrong with the perspective?” After eliciting answers, appropriate guidance can be given. 

The adolescent needs to continue improving drawing and painting skills as well as those with other art media and three-dimensional work. The illustrations are by Hannah McCartney; they were drawn in her sophomore year at Franklin Monroe High School. The changes of color and perspective in her sunset painting and the technique in the drawings show that she is developing a mature approach to her work. 

Many adults because of their critical awareness discontinue sketching and creative art during their adolescent years. They lost connection with the freedom of expression they had as a child and have not yet found confidence in their own conscious approach. In art classes I have taught adult students who stopped drawing at an earlier stage. Many are in one of the stages of child art. Most draw at the level where they stopped years before. Just as with music, one does not gain expertise without practice. A program of sketching and class activities challenges them. They soon develop confidence, and their creative work advances. Drawing and painting can be a fulfilling activity one’s whole life. It is never too late to learn.