The project was Starry Night by Van Gogh. My artists are third and fourth-graders. I showed them Starry Night. Then we watched a video.

We watched and paused as we painted along. That is where I went absolutely wrong. The point of my journal and painting is to express how nature makes me feel. Van Gogh’s impasto technique, his texture is about expressing feelings. It’s hard not to fall into the idea that I have to paint like that. Coincidentally as I write this post, I see Van Goh’s Irisis. The texture and the color are beautiful! Van Gogh said, “If you truly love nature you will find beauty everywhere.” That I do!

Yes, I reminded my students to rely on their brilliance. I have seen your ideas. You may think your painting looks awkward. Keep going. Trust your process. Yet I was having them paint as they watched the video. When has that ever helped me? Never! I have a second chance to right my wrong. I will review the impasto technique. Give them the tools and let them paint. I’ll sit back and watch the magic unfold. I have.

Our best work comes when we are free to express ourselves and explore. For some artists, it may mean painting your nose in the process. Yes, it happened! How did I come to the error of my ways? I happened to be painting in my journal. I was looking back at my day. With each idea, each stroke of color I let go. Then I thought, that’s it. That is all we had to do.

The right way to teach art is to remind students of their brilliance. Give them the tools and let them paint. Allowing yourself and others to flow is where the best art comes from!

If you relate to the lesson, please comment below. I can’t wait for our next session. Oh my, I will arrive early and film a short video!

Siempre,

Mireya