My favorite moments painting outside involve engagement with children. Giving them permission to pick up art and ask questions is such a beautiful experience. Encouraging their creativity and indulging their wide array of inquiries is a delight. I’ve come to hold the belief that everyone is my sensei. No matter the age of the person I benefit immensely with each connection. There’s no such thing as small talk. It’s a matter of how you choose to appreciate or not, communication with others; especially with regards to Art.

A special bonus with youth is inviting them to paint too. It takes a village to raise a child they say and I fully support that notion. Through this action and giving children your undivided attention while chatting are invaluable assets when performing the role of an elder effectively.  Parents for the most part are tremendously appreciative of the time and care I take. I’m sure they even glean useful methods of communication with their children based on the examples I give.

On those days I’m out where the interactions with people passing by are sparse, it only takes one enthusiastic small human’s affirmation to motivate C. whilst reminding me of the value I bring to the world with this practice of simply being available.

C.