This weekend just passed I had a young woman come to visit who I used to teach art to back in Melbourne. It was really lovely to see her again and we did a self portrait lesson in oil paints as we didn’t really get around to painting in oils before I moved.

My daughter saw all of this and but continued happily playing with this young woman’s sister and when they left she said, “Mumma, can I have a painting lesson?” – which is pretty much the best thing.

So this afternoon I set up my easel for her and we gathered up our small, but growing, succulent collection. Instead of oils though, I cracked out my watercolours for her as I am also in the middle of making dinner and not sure if we should be playing about with solvent right now! She used to use my watercolours about two years ago before I managed to buy her kids paints. This is before I realised that I could probably make them myself, but back then I didn’t have the focus or energy to do it.

We talked about drawing and swirls and colours and listened to a panel talk about feminism. I showed her to dry off her brushes on a rag to not muddy her colours and she made purple. then we debated about what colour was what.. It was glorious.

There’s a saying “Those who can’t do, teach” which I think is pretty ugly. I mean, I really don’t think I am much of teacher – but it is such a joy to share and inspire and encourage young minds and hearts. I feel so lucky that kidlet is interested and keen in so many things.

She said the finished piece is for her friend at kinder…. I really want to keep it!!!!

I think it is also important to let kids have a go with the real paints and papers as well. I mean, not all the time as it costs a lot – but I think when you just give people the cheap stuff that really says something. Of course, the cheap stuff is great for play and learning and just making but the real stuff is quite affirming, I think.

Anyway, back to making dinner and bath and bed and then I will get to draw for a few hours before sleep.

xx