Last week I had the pleasure of making Valentines with my granddaughter's 3rd grade class. I was invited back to talk with the children about Chinese Art today because they are studying China. Being asked back in itself is indicative of success! I was quite pleased. The teacher knew that in the 1970's I had studied Chinese Art at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. For several years I was a student of Sumi ink painting. This form of painting is reliant on 7 brush strokes that are the keys to depicting all subjects: mountains, waterfalls, flowers, birds, boats and people. I incorporated many of these Sumi techniques in my own watercolors, while developing a deep appreciation for Chinese Art.
The third graders were very receptive to my brief talk about Chinese Art and my own experiences with this very beautiful cultural expression. Then, with bamboo brushes and watercolors, the 3rd graders made their own paintings. It was a wonderful swirl of color, design, creativity, curiosity and fun.
One lovely little girl came over to me with her picture of a river and a flowering tree. "You came to my class today. It was the best day of my life," she said shyly. My success was surely realized!
Chinese Art:
My watercolors influenced in part by Chinese Art:
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| Three Brothers, by Ellen Fisch |
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| Forest Lake, By Ellen Fisch |
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| The Trek, by Ellen Fisch |
What a wonderful post. I'm sure it is a day that you and your granddaughter will always treasure. I love the way the little girl came to you and said "You came to my class today. It was the best day of my life," what a wonderful gift she gave you. I'm very happy that you were able to touch the lives of the children with art and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteChildren make it all real. Thanks, Nick!
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