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In my view, kids need structure. And that is what is lacking in most art classes. "Do your own thing" will not make the artist. Learning to draw takes methodology, structure, and correction. Like learning to write.
It is my desire to create a curriculum for second graders on drawing, because I believe every child can learn to draw. If they are taught to use a 4B pencil lead to it's maximum potential, they will be way ahead of the game. They can learn to use a sand paper block to sharpen their leads. They can learn to crerate nice shade lines with different values. They can learn to vary the pressure, and create expression. They can learn perspective. Basic portrait theory. Eye training. Copying good and simple drawings is helpful. Find some good books with quality lines and shade techniques. If they can learn to draw with good lines, they can learn all the other things. The line is the thing.
I was learning basic portrait theory at age seven. I could not execute well, but I learned things that I never forgot. Just like learning to write. Children cannot execute well for years. And they could never teach themselves. It takes trained teachers, methods and time. And we don't give up. We spend years patiently training them. There were no short cuts to learning good penmenship. Neither to good drawing.
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