Art Class Update

The children's acrylic painting class has been meeting outdoors (en plein air) for the past month. I went with Kara and the kids the first week they had an lesson outdoors because we were unsure how far from the parking lot the group would be meeting. Would they need to haul the two big wooden easels in the red wagon down the trail along with three camp chairs, the big container of painting supplies, and the third (much smaller) travel easel? No. Alaska has so much gorgeous outdoor scenery that it's not necessary to hike somewhere to find a delightful view. The lesson was in an area right next to the parking lot. Good choice!

The lesson went well for the boys, but Viva wasn't cooperative with me (no photo), the teacher (she ignored all her suggestions), or her mom (she refused Kara's suggestions that she reform). After some discussions at home and a very long time out (the entire next lesson), Viva has been more cooperative. The last three lessons have gone well for all three children. Bentley is a fast painter, so he can get the entire project completed in the time allotted. Jake is not given to speed in most things that he does, so he doesn't always get the details done in his paintings. (The goal with plein air painting it to do the entire painting while viewing nature in its grandeur. Taking a photo and finishing the artwork elsewhere is not acceptable. I heard the teacher explaining this to a mother who was trying to slip out early with her daughter.)