This week’s artist was Robert Duncanson, an African American painter who focused on American landscapes as a way of healing or soothing his viewers. This concept reflects the ongoing potential the United States exudes as a country. Duncanson was a painter during the Civil War and took it upon himself to create scenic imagery that represented possible unity and harmony between the two sides. I also saw great potential in the students.
The young art thinkers automatically took a liking to the idea of creating a landscape. Many took artistic liberty to add rainbows, sunsets, bodies of water, and even a volcano to their landscapes. I believe in giving them the option to choose which design they wanted to use as well as keeping the designs as simple as possible gave the students creative reign over their paintings. Allowing them to have choice over what they create aids in their critical thinking and creativity.
Some students even took the opportunity to try different art techniques such as figure painting and splatter paint with the watercolor paint. It created quite a mess but also some memorable paintings. It was interesting to see you impactful Duncanson’s painting was to children who weren’t old enough to understand underlying meanings but to immediately comprehend the value of a serene landscape. Just by looking at the painting, they were happy. During the presentation there were students who were distracted but the activity grabbed their interest and eased any negativity.
This blogpost is by Kristel Boursiquot
Kristel Boursiquot is a Howard University student as well as an artist from Maryland. At Howard, she is currently studying art therapy, the intersection of art and psychology. Her goal as an artist is to be an educator and research what drives people to be creative. She is happy to lead art thinkers through experiences where belonging meets art.
Kids.Think.Art 