My oldest son is an avid drawer. He is incredible moved by colors and will quickly answer the what's-your-favorite-color question with "magenta". His artwork at home is quite prolific and well-loved by our family. I've been amazed on this journey of parenthood watching his artistic expression grow. Although his content and draftsmanship has evolved, his color palette has remained fairly steady. He is moved by bright vibrant colors...oranges, bright pinks, yellows with saturated purples and bright blues.
We have been to LACMA many times with our NexGen memberships, but this was the first time we ventured to the third floor in the Ahmanson building to view Mulholland Drive by David Hockney. I have been sharing the idea of David Hockney's Mulholland Drive with my son for a long time. To watch him see this picture for the first time was awesome. His eyes widened, his mouth opened, he gasped.
We spent at least twenty minutes exploring the painting. That's a lot for anyone especially a two and five year old.
Our adventure began with a wonderful picnic and errant soccer ball on the grounds between the Page Museum and LACMA.
After meeting Mulholland Drive, my oldest son decided to listen to the lecture on Paul Cadmus' Coney Island. My two year old lasted through the introduction but lost interest when the historian delved into Cadmus' education. He curled onto my lap and announced, "Mommy, I'm done."
A great day was had by all.
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How utterly cool that he connected so vividly with a painting!
ReplyDeleteMulholland Drive and your son's age reminds me of a crayon drawing I did as a five year old in pinks and reds and greens. It was abstract and Picasso-esque, and when my dad asked what it was, I answered "a witch". And he said, "yeah, it does look like a witch" in a now-I-see-it tone. I have been thinking for a couple of years that I wish one of my parents had saved it, because I'd love to do it again as a painting. I just can't remember it well enough to attempt it again.
Years ago I had a boyfriend who was a graphic designer- he was a fine artist as well, but he made his living in graphic design. Anyway, his grandfather's third wife, whom everyone called Aunt Vi, saved every piece of art that he ever did for her, and one day gave it all to Michael in a big dress box. He was really interested to see his old work, and see how his talent evolved.
I guess what I'm trying to say here is save your son's work!
We make a point to save our son's work. It has been a real journey trying to figure out a way that makes sense. It kind of needs to be "catalogued". I make a point to write the date and his initials and maybe something he said about his work on the back. I do suspect it will be something he returns to as he grows.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can work on your witch drawing from what you know and feel now. It sounds like a great adventure.