Unvalued talent

[orangeyellowgreen]

DD is in Y5 and doing reasonably well in everything. She has a great aptitude for art, especially drawing and is quite sure she will be an artist.
Nobody at school or outside considers this of any importance, just a lucky knack. We live far from anywhere with opportunities for special classes and don't know how to help DD develop her talent.
I feel strongly that artists are as important as scientists but our education system places no value on the arts.

I would look up your local Art Society (local artist's group) and go to an exhibition. They will often chat and she can get some interesting ideas.

Once she goes to Secondary art usually gets more interesting, in terms of what they offer in school, IME.

Some of the galleries will do workshops.

DD1's secondary school produce fantastic art, so it may be that you have to wait out primary and then let her develop it at secondary.

(Mind you, I disagree that artists are as important as scientists. how many of the world's problems will be solved by artists compared with scientists?)

One of the best things you can do is to get her to draw from life. Nothing in particular, but just encourage her to draw what she sees.

Get her a sketchbook, some soft pencils and some pastels/paints/charcoal and take her to as many galleries as possible. Bring the sketchbook. Get some 3d materials- clay, even cardboard and tape. Get her a camera if you can, encourage her to record her environment and take photos of what she finds interesting. Talk about composition of photos.

A good drawing book is Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, although you might have to break it down for her.

Just keep encouraging her to look, and think. It sounds like you are doing this already, and I agree with you about the importance of art. Life is not just about the survival of the species

My DD loves art too, she's in yr 4. At least her teacher supports her when she talks about wanted to be an artist and regularly comments positively on her drawings and art work. But I do agree, many teachers she's had are not interested and it's not really valued at primary. I am not artistic and don't know where to start. I've bought her a couple of how to draw books that she likes, lots of paint and brushes, paper and pencils, and encourage her to get on with it. Not sure really if this is the best approach but she seems happy and has already decided to do art for exams at secondary. This week she's made and painted and decorated 2 swords for her mutant ninja turtle build-a-bears out of cardboard tubes from the middle of rolls of wrapping paper.

That's a pity - of course your dd's talent should be acknowledged and recognised. My DD is not particularly artistic but I am aware that her school does all sorts of fantastic extension work with the kids who are talented in art, linking up with the local university art school.

They do similar for those who are particularly good at sport and music. Why should it only be the kids with academic ability who are recognised?!

Art colleges produce designers as well as artists, so 'artists' are extremely important. This country has a top reputation for design and creativity and it is hugely important for the economy. Keep her interested! I echo that art gets much better and more appreciated at secondary.