If you've ever felt stressed by classroom management, you need this book... Teaching with Love and Logic: Taking Control of the Classroom by Jim Fay and David Funk. It may sound corny to say that this book could change your life, but it very well might! When I first started out as a new teacher, I felt woefully unprepared in the area of classroom management. My credential … [Read more...]
Fighting Perfectionism? Picture This…
"The Persistence of Memory" by Salvadore Dali One of my lifelong goals has been to become less of a perfectionist. They say that a goal should be specific and measurable. And this "goal" is neither of those. I don't expect to completely conquer perfectionism, but just to become more and more okay with "not perfect". It's more like a target to be aiming for than an … [Read more...]
Inspiration for a New Year
Copyright 2008, Simple Truths I love a good quote! It’s amazing how words can inspire, encourage, motivate, and even change lives. Here is one of the many quotes that has done this for me: “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” ~Robert Brault Whether you spend your time teaching Art to kids or doing something entirely … [Read more...]
And He Thought the World Didn’t Make Sense Then!
"Sylvette" by Pablo Picasso"The world today doesn't make sense, so why should I paint pictures that do?" ~Pablo PicassoBy the way, this painting sold a few months ago in Sydney, Australia for 6.9 million.... Maybe when it comes to art, making sense is not the point???! … [Read more...]
Creativity takes courage!
"Creativity takes courage."~ Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954)Still Life with Fruit by Henri MatisseFrench painter, Henri Matisse, is considered to be one of the most important artists of the 20th century. He tells us that "Creativity takes courage," and he should know! His flat shapes, expressive abstractions and vivid use of color was highly controversial in his day, earning him … [Read more...]
What Is Art??
So what is Art, anyway?? Not to get all philosophical or anything, but you have to admit that's a good question! If you ask 100 people, you're likely to get 100 different answers. I recently attended an exhibit at the Denver Art Museum titled, "What is Art?". This question was posed to exhibit viewers who responded on sticky notes that covered an entire wall. Reading … [Read more...]
Every Child is an Artist
"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up." ~ Pablo Picasso Art Phobia....many adults have it, but it doesn't seem to be something we're born with. Have you ever seen a three year old intimidated by a big piece of white paper and a huge brush loaded with gloppy paint??? Art Phobia appears to be an acquired deficiency, … [Read more...]
