Expert: Ginger Lordy - 7/2/2004

Question
Hi,
I was wondering if you could give me suggestions on giving art lessons to a twelve year old. I am about to start doing that, and although I have a BFA in art I have never taught anything and really don't know where to start. I know that's a pretty complex question, but perhaps you could give me some advice and resources for building a curriculum-- what to teach first, which media and subjects, etc. I want to teach the fundamentals of drawing and painting without it being boring, and I also don't want to teach her things that are too complex (but nothing that's insultingly simple, either). I am still not certain where the child's skill level is. Also, perhaps you could direct me to some web sites that may help.
Can you give me any advice?
Thanks,
Nicole

Answer
Hi Nicole,

I am sorry for the delay in response I have been having trouble with my email the past week.

This is not really my area of expertise but I can offer a few suggestions. . .

Start with drawing - it is important to know the types of materials and how to use them, for example when to use a 4B or an HB pencil to get the effect you are going for,  how to use shading,  drawing different shapes for practice, for a challenge incorporate some glass bottles too.  You could move the light source for a challenge as well.  Then move to painting and colormixing and build on that.

When I was younger and looking for tips I read Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards and liked doing some of the exercises.

My suggestion for curriculum building is let the student lead, find out what the child's interests are and follow them there are limitless possibilities in art and that is what I try to teach.  

Also I find that preteens and teens really love mixed media so you might want to incorporate media such as old magazines, pictures for collage fun.

I really hope this helps,

Ginger