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Exploring Self-Expression through Portraiture
Young children are somewhat fearless when creating art. They take great pride in their artwork, from beginning scribbles on a page to drawings that they may need to interpret for others, to creative dances, and songs they sing with abandon. It is a true pleasure for adults in their lives to witness young artists, musicians, innovators and creatives. And it is equally a delight for them to begin their creative journeys with such freedom and joy.
Our kindergarten through eighth-graders just finished a week working on self-portraits with artist-in-residence and WMS Class of 2011 alumna Beatrice Lintner. What a week it has been. The approaches to learning about portraiture varied according to the ages of the painters. The work was carried out in a variety of ways, meeting the children where they are, with Beatrice guiding them as they expressed doubt or asked questions about an aspect of their work and sharing her knowledge, skills, experience and encouragement as they explored this art form.
Art with an alumna provided all of those involved with a sense of wonder and joy. Within us, we all have a creative spirit. How we tap into our creativity may take different forms. How we participate can also differ. Some of us are artists in the true sense of the word, others of us are dabblers, and others are those who appreciate art but may not participate in its creation. No matter our path, what we had the pleasure to witness this week is that we are all learners and capable if we are open to the process.
The students got to learn from a professional artist. And, Beatrice, as an artist, had the opportunity to learn what it’s like to teach an art form at which she excels. When asked if she would consider doing this again, at WMS or in other schools, her response was just as we’d expect from a WMS graduate: “Yes, I love working with children, and I would do some things differently the next time.”
Of course she would, because most of all, she is a lifelong learner, whose openness and willingness to reflect on that learning continues to guide her well beyond her years at WMS.
Thank you, Beatrice, for sharing your week with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Listen to Beatrice share more thoughts about her time at WMS in this Reel.
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