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revised and reprinted from Art Steps News, 2004 Six Verbal Ways to Encourage Your Aspiring Artist What parents say to a child has more impact than anything said by a teacher or even a peer.  The words you choose will affect your child’s confidence, mood, and whole approach to art, either encouraging, or discouraging a child who isContinue reading “Constructive Art Feedback From Parents”

Accentuate Art’s Calming Effect Understanding that the calming effect of realistic, representational drawing can help settle the nervous system is key for parents who want to encourage their kids. Art classes help students practice what it feels like to calm down.  You can help by remembering to be calm and encouraging to them both beforeContinue reading “6 Ways To Connect Art & Academics”

Today, as Thanksgiving approaches, I am struck with gratitude to all of those associated with our art studios, who make the world a better place through repeated acts of kindness and generosity of spirit. Our students, their parents, their teachers, and so many others warm my heart now, as they do every single day. Here’s how: You came throughContinue reading “Thankful”

Achieving a calm, centered state of mind from time to time is essential to our health as human beings.  In today’s increasingly digital and internet-centric world, our smart phones, tablets and Apple Watches trouble us with all sorts of notifications, reminders and messages, regarding all matters, large and small, at all hours of the day and night.  As adults,Continue reading “Slow Down and Draw”

Besides the joyous satisfaction of painting for its own sake, high school students who love to draw may seek to develop a college-ready portfolio, earn an A, or just make stand-out work for a school art class. For a teen to develop an excellence in any competitive field, whether academics, sports, or the arts, rigorous private study canContinue reading “The Beautiful Advantage of Classical Skills”

Today my elder son, Sam, turns 11 years old, and I’m feeling, more than ever, how very quickly our babies transition to their teenage years.  So many of our Art Steps kids have also transformed into teens, then, adults, before I know what’s hit me. And these teens have such changing needs. While my son still enjoys quiteContinue reading “My Dreams for Teens”

How can entering art contests help a child’s creativity? Think back to a situation where you worked to compete. Remember the thrill of the chase? How about when you outshined the competition?  Did it drive you to pursue excellence?  While we believe that a non-competitive environment is essential to learning skills, a little pressure to use thoseContinue reading “Entering Contests 101”

When I was five, my mother gave me a old-fashioned tackle box, lovingly stocked full of brand new art supplies: different types of pencils, index cards, markers, watercolors, erasers, glitter, even stickers and stamps. Our annual Christmas audio tape (it was 1979!) records little me exclaiming, after a speechless moment, “ooooohhhhh… I WANNA  DWAW!” For the rest ofContinue reading “A Few of Our Favorite Things”

Raising an artist can be challenging! Over the years, before and after class, my staff and I have had the honor of meeting many highly encouraging parents, grandparents and other adults, some who feel the need for ideas to help encourage their offbeat kiddo, and many who have successfully nurtured some of the most amazingContinue reading “8 Easy Ways to Support A Young Artist”