We had a little glass-painting session this morning, for kids on the summer reading programme. Outlines of sea creatures, pirates and ships were already outlined in black acrylic paint, on the external windows of the children's area - all the kids had to do was pick a colour and paint within the outlines. It was all going swimmingly well, with us adult supervisors possibly having more fun than the kids were (yes, we had a go too).
A well-sized two-year-old, whose sisters were hard at work on a penguin and a pirate respectively, also got in on the act. At this point I have to add that two-year-olds probably don't even have a concept of what a line is, let alone the idea of putting blobs of bright colour within designated areas.
Our unofficial children's librarian let him have his way with the orange paint, all praise and encouragement as his loaded brush went in all directions. I actually couldn't watch - it might be the rule-obeying part of my personality, I dunno.
Should we wipe it off, and keep the window looking halfway attractive, or leave it on so that our budding action-painter has the satisfaction of seeing his work appreciated? I'm voting for the former.
2 comments:
It reminds me of that quote from Absolutely Fabulous when Eddie's kitchen burned down, and Patsy was was suggesting on keeping it that way since it was the new look- she then went on to say 'what's the difference between a child's painting and painting like a child?'
Ista: that was my argument too. By the time the little tyke sees those orange gestures again he's more likely to have forgotten he created them and think what god-awful decor we have...
Jon: And the answer to that question explains why an ugly nude painting by Willem de Kooning is worth millions (go here for an example http://www.nga.gov.au/OutandAbout/Large/47761.htm).
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