A school to teach yound kids how to draw? (Houston: university, camps)

[swiminpenumbra]

Hi,guys.
I am looking for a good after school program or academy to teach my 8 year old kid how to draw professionally. I live in NW.
Any suggestion?

Thanx ahead.

[Svensk08]

Has your 8-year-old child already shown an unusual ability to draw objects, animals, people, etc., on his/her own, employing correct proportions and perspective? If so, you might call the Museum of Fine Arts Glassell Junior School and ask about classes there, or perhaps in your area. The MFA teachers are professionals who work with children of all ages and varying levels of skill.

I have an MFA in Studio Art. I have worked as a professional illustrator. I am certified in Art Education and have taught art at all levels from primary grades through university courses. In children, "making art" is related to their developmental skills and the way they perceive their world. Creativity in an individual develops in many ways. Each child learns at his/her own pace and drawing realistically is not a skill to be "taught" (i.e. "forced upon") most grade school youngsters.

It is VERY rare to find an 8-year-old who is ready physically, intellectually and emotionally, to tackle the rigors of "professional art training". Sometimes, parents want to see their child produce work demonstrating skills far beyond that youngster's natural level of development. You will always find artists out there who are willing to tutor pupils in copying the work of others and doing pictures for family members to "ooh" and "aah" at. Unfortunately, the pupil learns very little.

[Dreamtx]

Try artist within in Cypress.It is in NorthWest Houston

[KatieKennedy]

I second the Glassell Junior School They have good weekend and summer programs. It is in the museum district--maybe a bit far for you.

[golferadam]

Might be too far but Houston School of Art and Design is on Katy Freeway between the loop and the beltway.

[Meyerland]

Ask the Art teacher at your child's school. My daughter's Art teacher does camps/tutorials in summer in HISD.

[swiminpenumbra]

Thank you all!

[trbstang]

My oldest was very advanced in art at that same age. He could give Jim Davis a run for his money drawing Garfield comics. Kids lined up at his desk in school so he could draw pictures and cartoons for them! We enrolled him in several classes at the Glassell school and he really enjoyed them. It was a drive, but luckily I work close by and could drop off and pick him up for classes he took during the summer days.

If he has a visible talent, certainly try to nurture it. My son tired of drawing as he grew older, but focused his artistic talents into music and video productions and hopes to make a career of it.

Good luck!