Will: {Developing an Eye for Art}

I know that I have mentioned Will's developing artistic skills before, but it has been awhile after all. Since then, he has continued to impress us with his use of color and lines. I mean, it still is the work of a 5 year old, but it is impressive to me (who admits to being a wee bit biased).

I am also sure that most of you are aware that Will is ... my ... (how can I put this?) ... child who has taught me the most about parenting. Yes, that is a nice way to put it. Anyway, this past Wednesday he and I were having a ... disagreement. Yes, that is what it was. He insisted on screaming during soccer, and I insisted that wasn't in his best interest. And of course, I didn't lose my temper either. Of course not....

Afterwards, he and I both needed a cool off time. It was time for church, but we opted to take a walk around the neighboring college campus to collect ourselves. It just so happens that the campus has several modern art sculptures on the grounds. I don't know if Will had ever noticed them before or not, but he did on this day. The first one he noticed looks like a teeter-totter. He said, "What is that?" I asked him what he thought it was, and he said, "Well, it looks like a teeter-totter (remember not to pronounce your 'r's), but the kids here are too big for teeter-totters, so it must be a symbol of something." I smiled and said, "You're right. It is a piece of art that symbolizes something, although I'm not quite sure what." (Really, I have no idea. I never did well with modern art.)

Then he spotted another one. "That one looks like a sand castle!" So we talked about the different stones that were used in it. On and on he went. His goal was to find 5 sculptures on campus. (He is five, and thinks this is the perfect number, so everything must come in 5's.)

And today, we did actually get to go out on our date. Our first stop was the library (a place we both love). Right now there is a poster up of Hokusai's Great Wave. I don't know where he has seen it, but he immediately recognized that it was a famous painting and commented on it. He is such a visual guy.

Both days turned out to be such a good, sweet time for the two of us to be reminded that we do actually like each other a lot:) And I love hearing his insight into art. I sometimes joke that someday he will be drawing graphic novels, but I am only half joking. I want to encourage him, but I am not ready to close any doors for him right now. I am positive that whatever he decides to do, he will be amazing at it.

BTW, I wish I could take credit for Will's skills, but much of the credit must go to his teachers, Miss Carol and Miss Ginger, who were the first to recognize his talent and encourage him. I'm afraid my patience in the art department is lacking. (And now I must apologize to Miss Jane, my art teacher. Please forgive me.)