My kids have been watching me draw since they were born. I don’t push them to be artists mainly because I don’t want them to tell me that I suck someday when they develop mad skills. I try to follow the Ignorance is Bliss policy in our home as often as possible. However, as they have shown interest, I have taken the time to explain what I’m working on.
When drawing a large portrait, I frequently set up the drawing in the back of a room so that I can see what it looks like from a distance. This is where I find most of my mistakes. On a detailed drawing I may put it back every hour or so to see how it’s coming along. I have taken the time to show my kids (if they care that day) the things that I see that are incorrect so that they have a good “eye” for fine art. I want them to be able to see mistakes or things that are out of proportion in case they are ever interested in creating portraits or artwork that would require this type of skill. This has completely backfired.
When I used to get, “That’s really good, Mommy!” I now get, “Oh, Mom, that highlight is in the wrong spot.” or, “The ear is too dark compared to the rest of the drawing.” or, “Why did you draw the hair like that?” It’s becoming unbearable. There isn’t a thing I do lately that doesn’t get severe criticism from my kids. What used to be cute is now totally annoying. Now, when I set back my drawings, I have three little people lined up next to me. All of us rubbing our chins with our heads cocked to the side. My cute little critics now have nothing nice to say and only point out problems which are sometimes intentional “problems” that I actually like. So, my new policy? Hide what I’m working on. I cover half the page if I hear little feet coming or cover the whole thing when I get up from my drawing table. I am actually hiding my work from my own children.
Lesson of the day? Keep your kids ignorant of what you do. Tell them that you’re nothing but a bad-ass all the time. It will make your life easier.