My grandmother was an incredible painter. It was something she took up in her later years and it came naturally to her, as most creative pursuits did. Although she started out copying Bob Ross with her beginner set of acrylics, it wasn’t long before she moved on to working with oils and painting her own original landscapes - places real and imagined. Places she wanted to travel to but never would. It was okay though, she traveled through her art.
As a child, I spent a lot of time with my granny. She was my safe place and my best friend. She was always busy with something - whether it was taking care of me and my brother, volunteering, cooking for half the neighborhood… the woman never stopped. Except to paint.
As an adult, I am in awe of the gift she gave me. Painting was important to her, it brought her joy, and she didn’t wait until we were tucked in bed to do it. She made space for it in her week - not every day, but here and there throughout her weekly routine. Seeing her prioritize this thing that made her so happy and was solely for her had a huge impact on me. I grew up knowing how important it is to give your passions dedicated space in your life, whenever you can, and I’ve never felt guilty carving out time for my own art and hobbies because of her. She was incredibly giving and would go out of her way for anyone in need, but I think she knew she couldn’t take care of anyone else if she wasn’t taking care of herself. Although I doubt she ever viewed it this way, looking back I believe that painting was a really important way she took care of her mental health.
Did I stand there and pepper her with constant questions while she painted? Oh, absolutely. I am sure there were many time she wanted to tell me to take a hike, but she never did. Instead she roped me in to her art practice. Watching Bob Ross with her is one of my earliest memories. We’d make happy little trees together - her on her canvas and me with my Crayola watercolor set.
My children see me quilt, paint, and take pictures. When I sit down to paint, it often prompts them to go get their own paint set out as well, so making art becomes a family affair. Just like when I was with my granny. And while obviously I’m trying to encourage you to grow an art practice right now, this really applies to anything that you love doing… reading, running, cooking, playing guitar. Your kids need to see you making space in your life for your hobbies and for your own joy.
If you are in the trenches with little kids right now, I am sure it’s impossible to imagine a time when you’ll be able to sit down during their waking hours and make art without them climbing all over you. I promise that part will get easier as they get older. I talk about seasons of life a lot, and if making space for your hobbies before bedtime isn’t in the cards right now, don’t beat yourself up. You’re not depriving your kid. Things change, kids grow quickly. That season will eventually come around.
It worked out that I was an artistic kid and wanted to share that experience with my grandma. Your kid may not be. They may not give two shits about your art or music or gardening. But they’ll still pick up on the importance of a hobby in general; the importance of having interests outside of work and school and caregiving. And they’ll take that with them into adulthood and remember it as they discover their own interests. Speaking from experience, I can tell you it’s a valuable gift to receive.
Art Prompt #4
My supplies: Watercolor paper, pencil, watercolors, a plant, sunshine
Alternative supplies: Any paper will work, anything to color with, any object. If you don’t want to wait for a sunny day or live in a house that doesn’t get a lot of direct sunlight, you can use a lamp or flashlight to project the shadows.
The Prompt: I’ve been waiting (and waiting) for a sunny day to do this one and we finally have one! We’re going to trace and paint shadows today. Put your paper in a sunny spot - for me that was my living room floor - and then put whatever you want to trace between the light and the paper. I chose a plant - you can use literally anything you want that would make some cool shapes - even a stack of random objects would work. Trace the outline of the shadows in pencil. Then take your tracing and start painting or coloring over it. You can be as accurate or as abstract as you want. Use any color palette you want. Make patterns, mix shades. There is so much room for personalization with this one.
Final Thoughts
My granny died in 2016 at the age of 92. I was unbelievably lucky to have her for as long as I did and that she knew my babies, one of whom is named after her. I love any excuse to talk about her. Whenever I see a cardinal, I know that’s her popping by to say hi. When I sat down to write this, a cardinal landed on the window ledge next to me and sat there for about 10 minutes, chirping away - not a common occurrence outside my 5th floor window in NYC! So this message is officially Granny Approved.
Have a great weekend and don’t forget to send me pictures of any art you’ve made lately!
xo
Katie Jane