Do you think, “I can’t draw a straight line.”? We have a ruler for that!

The idea behind this class is to encourage your own creativity that is buried under the supporting of the creativity of your children and the daily tasks of being a parent. (A.k.a. Adulting).

I firmly believe that the investment in your own creativity and ability to foster your own observational skills through drawing, nature journaling, poetry, and other ways will MODEL to your children the importance of these things in their lives.

For better, and sometimes worse, our children will gravitate towards the things that they see us value. If they see busy and stressed out, they will in many ways gravitate towards that in their own adult lives. If though, they see in us a valuing of beauty and intentionality, the desire and ability to be still and hear the voice of God by his creation and by His wonder in us, they will be drawn to that in their own lives. Is it a guarantee? No. But it definitely increases the odds.

I had a friend who was an electrician. Knowing that I was an artist he asked my one day, “How do I get my daughter to like art?”. I looked at him with my full attention and said, “You have to like art.” His face fell a little bit. Because in reality, we know, or at least feel that those things should be valued. Often though, we are afraid to value things we don’t understand. And on top of it, as adults, we often aren’t as curious and willing to “not know” as we were when we were children. The thing is, It’s good for us! It’s good for them! It’s good for our communities!

God could have named the animals in Genesis. But He found delight in seeing Adam create. He delights in our following in His footsteps, in His Love, in His Humility, AND in His creativity.

So, here it is. The offering. I have 30+ years as a working artist, I’ve been a homeschool stay at home dad for almost 25 of those years. I understand the struggle in a unique way. And I would find so much joy in helping you connect and encourage that side of you. Especially if your kids are in my Nature Journal class, because I think a parent and child sharing the experience of drawing nature is one of my favorite things.

All art students will have the option of participating in an Art Opening /Reception for friends and family at Azusa Pacific University’s Duke Gallery in May.

COST:

$200 per semester