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Original poster

Is this exceptionally talented for a 9YO?

168 replies

Fifi00 · 21/12/2022 16:58

DD has been saying she wants to be an artist for quite a while. I'm not naturally artistic myself so can't really teach her myself nor do I really know what makes good art. Everything she does has been self taught. Is this talented for a 9YO? How could I encourage her?

Is this exceptionally talented for a 9YO?
OP posts:
Friendofdennis · 21/12/2022 20:45

It’s excellent. Beware of GCSE art as it can kill creativity

CantFindTheBeat · 21/12/2022 20:46

CleopatrasBeautifulNose · 21/12/2022 18:29

My dd same age says similar things and considers art to be 'her talent'. She would not draw as well as that. My worry is that she is in for a fall when she finds her talent is good but not special. I encourage her, of course, and I do that by her going to art classes at local creative classes place and taking her to exhibitions etc.
I hope she builds a lifelong pleasure and source of soul food. But if she pins her hopes on making a living from it she may be disappointed, and I hope she will get through that OK.
Your daughters picture is super and the thing I like about it is that it would seem to be a style of her own rather than one she is following and that is unusual for that age I think.

Art is a very personal thing, @CleopatrasBeautifulNose

Even if your daughter's creations don't seem 'good' to you, she's still focussing on creating images, patterns, designs from her mind and her surroundings.

My DS did fine art at uni and then did a masters. His work still isn't my taste but I can see the talent in it.

Minimalme · 21/12/2022 20:48

I did art a level and the talent of some girls in my class was astonishing.

I like to think my interest in the subject is shared by ds8 who recently decorated my designer high top trainers with markers. And coloured in a pair of his school Adidas trainers and white airforce ones. Roughly £150 worth of art work. Bless.

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9 year olds
LemonSwan · 21/12/2022 20:49

CantFindTheBeat · 21/12/2022 20:46

Art is a very personal thing, @CleopatrasBeautifulNose

Even if your daughter's creations don't seem 'good' to you, she's still focussing on creating images, patterns, designs from her mind and her surroundings.

My DS did fine art at uni and then did a masters. His work still isn't my taste but I can see the talent in it.

Show quote history

Yes totally agree. I was what you would probably call an excellent artist with great promise when I was younger. But I was a perfectionist. And that in lies a HUGE problem!

I still like realism but I value artists the most that have this freedom to them. Imperfect confidence of line which is so free and strong. She could be one of those.

Farfromthemaddingcrow · 21/12/2022 20:51

I’d take her to art galleries for inspiration. she can bring her sketch pad and draw whilst she’s there.

The royal academy has a summer-show every year and amateurs including kids can apply to have their painting on the wall.

summer.royalacademy.org.uk

adriftabroad · 21/12/2022 20:57

I have some experience of this. For 9, most definitely very talented.

I would do what the above poster suggests and take her to art galleries.Do not push, consider lessons as she becomes older (teens)

Buy art materials in different mediums. As presents. Charcol, calligraphy, different papers etc. It is not expensive. Go to flyingtiger etc.

surreygirl1987 · 21/12/2022 20:59

Good grief. That's amazing.

chali7 · 21/12/2022 20:59

Wow incredible 😀

Oher · 21/12/2022 20:59

Yes, that’s amazing. I got a A in art gcse and she’s better than I was at 16.

Most artists don’t make much money but some do make an absolute fortune. Perhaps she has what it takes? Seek out mentorship and opportunities for her. Maybe consider applying for an art scholarship at a private artistic secondary school.

quantumbutterfly · 21/12/2022 21:17

Is that a self portrait? It's beautifully observed. You can imagine what the girl in the picture is feeling, that's a rare gift.

BellePeppa · 21/12/2022 21:28

She definitely has talent! I’m no artist but I’d imagine nurturing an artistic talent won’t be that difficult. You must be very proud of her 🙂

BellePeppa · 21/12/2022 21:29

There are some excellent YouTube videos by artists that she might enjoy.

Fremdschämen · 21/12/2022 21:29

quantumbutterfly · 21/12/2022 21:17

Is that a self portrait? It's beautifully observed. You can imagine what the girl in the picture is feeling, that's a rare gift.

Looks like this:

mashable.com/article/wednesday-ending-explained

MadeForThis · 21/12/2022 21:37

It's brilliant

ArabellaScott · 21/12/2022 22:15

CleopatrasBeautifulNose · 21/12/2022 18:29

My dd same age says similar things and considers art to be 'her talent'. She would not draw as well as that. My worry is that she is in for a fall when she finds her talent is good but not special. I encourage her, of course, and I do that by her going to art classes at local creative classes place and taking her to exhibitions etc.
I hope she builds a lifelong pleasure and source of soul food. But if she pins her hopes on making a living from it she may be disappointed, and I hope she will get through that OK.
Your daughters picture is super and the thing I like about it is that it would seem to be a style of her own rather than one she is following and that is unusual for that age I think.

Talent is a tricky idea. It's maybe better to consider in terms of skill. This is something anyone can learn, improve, and build on, given time, effort and support/teaching.

Making a living from art is yes, a pretty challenging path. There are many other applications of the skills involved, though. Maybe good to continue to encourage a broad education even wth a focus on art.

WinnieMac · 21/12/2022 22:43

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 21/12/2022 18:43

If you intend to go down this route, it wouldn’t hurt to start collating a portfolio! It is an excellent drawing.

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Very good advice!

Welshy26 · 21/12/2022 22:51

Absolutely fantastic

quantumbutterfly · 23/12/2022 01:09

@Fremdschämen you're right , but the feeling in the picture is different. Transference by the artist?

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