Do I need to be talented to learn to draw or can anybody learn?
Amanda from E Europe/Russia Travel wrote ……”My husband's an artist and assures me that everyone can learn to draw (but not necessarily to paint). What do you think? Can I really draw one day or do I have to confine my expression to words and music?????”
“I believe drawing is a language like any other.”
Young students can indeed learn to draw as a class. The process will be less difficult if approached as though drawing is a language like any other. Learning this mode of expression is the same explorative (submergence) and repetitive (consolidation) process to be mastered in the same way as speaking and reading.
Drawing becomes a part of the fabric of the communicative process. It will be an integrated aspect of the culture of the class. Eventually the school will find that drawing is ‘normalized’ if all children pass through this learning process. So the kids might say, “I need to draw you what I mean!” and I may even draw my reply for them.
So yes the children can learn to draw. But they must be reminded not to compare themselves to others. I think professional and inspired artists are passionate, focused and draw daily. Not every body wants to be that devoted. Kids will get from the drawing process the results that match the effort poured into it. Some children are more naturally inclined towards visual literacy and therefore are more motivated by this form of self expression.
If your school favours the idea of “A Community Of Learners” those that draw well can be of great benefit to those who struggle with the visual elements of design.
If a child is being ‘held back’ or struggling with drawing as language it may be because they or their teachers have an over conflated expectation of what drawing is about.
They might be attached to the outcome rather than delighting in the process. If drawing is seen as a natural aspect of the art of communicating then less framing and privileging would occur. This means that fewer students would be frightened of not being good enough. I like to call this a process of ‘normalization.’
If you want your children to lose their fear of drawing; start out drawing very simple line drawings everyday. If you do this daily for just five minutes you will be cheered by the results I think.
I would be happy to walk with you through my Drawing 101 - free Suite101.com course class if you ever feel like getting creative.
