Children love art; it’s
a wonderful way for them to express themselves in a creative, nonverbal
form. The creative possibilities are endless and go as far as their
imagination can take them. Along this journey they explore who they are
and the world around them. Most of all it’s fun! Have you ever
watched a small child with a box of crayons, a tub of play dough, or
finger-paints? The joy of art continues into teen years and is encouraged
in schools. Art can help heighten self-esteem and improve overall
academic performance of students.
Why then if art has such a positive impact on our lives in our younger years, has it been neglected to be made part of our adult lives? Like most adults, coloring with your young child or grandchild would be acceptable, but you are not going to be caught with a coloring book and box of crayons when you are by yourself. You are an adult, you do not want to express yourself with art the same way a child does.
If you are not going to use the same art materials as a child what will you use? Crayons, play dough and finger paint may be childish but pastels, clay and acrylic or oil paint seem like tools of a professional artist.
What you must realize is that a box of colored pastels or a tube of paint, do not contain a warning label that states you must know what you are doing before opening them. Part of the fun in art is exploring the medium you are using and figuring things out as you go. Then, as you become more engaged in the process of making art, you may wish to research different art materials and techniques or sign up for an art class or private instruction.
Once you are not afraid to pick up a paintbrush or pencil the fun begins, and all those benefits of artistic expression are no longer limited for those only 5 years old and under. Adults can positively benefit from art by using their imagination, and expressing and exploring more about themselves, too. Additionally, adults may find benefits in releasing emotions, relieving stress, increasing self-esteem and morale, and strengthening critical thinking.
Why then if art has such a positive impact on our lives in our younger years, has it been neglected to be made part of our adult lives? Like most adults, coloring with your young child or grandchild would be acceptable, but you are not going to be caught with a coloring book and box of crayons when you are by yourself. You are an adult, you do not want to express yourself with art the same way a child does.
If you are not going to use the same art materials as a child what will you use? Crayons, play dough and finger paint may be childish but pastels, clay and acrylic or oil paint seem like tools of a professional artist.
What you must realize is that a box of colored pastels or a tube of paint, do not contain a warning label that states you must know what you are doing before opening them. Part of the fun in art is exploring the medium you are using and figuring things out as you go. Then, as you become more engaged in the process of making art, you may wish to research different art materials and techniques or sign up for an art class or private instruction.
Once you are not afraid to pick up a paintbrush or pencil the fun begins, and all those benefits of artistic expression are no longer limited for those only 5 years old and under. Adults can positively benefit from art by using their imagination, and expressing and exploring more about themselves, too. Additionally, adults may find benefits in releasing emotions, relieving stress, increasing self-esteem and morale, and strengthening critical thinking.
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