Arts education and kids
In spite of my fits and starts as a fine/commercial/graphic/freelance artist and musician over the past two decades all four of my sons have given into the joys of self-expression through the arts. Three of my sons dropped out of high school. Two of those three earned GEDs, got day jobs and are chasing and catching up with their musical desires while attending community college. One is a married father working as a graphic artist during the day and making art, web design, and music on nights and weekends. My last son is now a sophomore at an online high school here in Ohio. He too excels as an artist and musician.
I've watched in utter dismay as the appreciation and funding of the arts have decline through my lifetime. I've witnessed gym teachers standing in as art teachers and the detrimental effect that a general indifference to the arts in K-12 education has had on my children. My sons have witnessed my artistic struggles and triumphs while I've been "primary caregiver" for over 25 years. (My wife is now a hospice RN and has always been primary breadwinner by default. Thank you, Liz.)
Their primary reason for leaving high school?
They did not suffer fools.
When teachers ignore or display open animosity to exceptional children because they are "creative types" in lifestyle and world view, we all lose. When the art teacher's job is the first to go, artistic discrimination can be the result. These creative children are the ones who give design and substance to everything you see, hear, and touch in this world of ours.
Our society should sustain, not disdain the very human act of creating art in all it's forms.
The free watercolor book
I am writing the free watercolor book you can never lose. You will always know where it is. Just find an online computer and here's your book. You have no need to buy a revised edition every couple years because it grows and changes by itself.
It is better than gym teachers trying to finesse their way through a classroom of "creative types" and it is better because it is written from an artist's perspective for artists of all ages.
Testimonials
I know this web site has been making a difference to many online patrons. I get e-mail testimonials from readers world-wide telling me so. See? Testimonials
A few facts to get you thinking:
- An art magazine subscription costs you $24 or up to $8 per issue at the newsstand. ($5,$10?)
- Books teaching you how to paint watercolors can cost from $5 to $45. ($25?)
- Watercolor classes and workshops can run anywhere from $25 to $3,500 an up depending on location and instructor. ($50?)
- My bandwidth is going nuts from the higher quality content and I fear reprisal from my ISP. (Ouch)
- Completing the educational core of the site will allow me more time to paint and refine the content I publish for you. (Free to you)
If you care to help my mission...
- and are learning the joys of watercolor painting, skip the watercolor magazine for one month and send the money as your donation.
- and are a supporter of the arts, send any monetary donation you are comfortable letting loose of.
Note: PayPal is a safe and secure way to donate directly online.
If you wish to mail a donation use my address:
Gregory Conley
www.watercolorpainting.com
6957 Manhattan Dr.
Riverside, CA 92506
(Check or MO payable to Greg Conley. Thank you.)
Things to look forward to at WatercolorPainting.com:
- Monthly online updates as I search the Internet for interesting watercolor painters and other art-related information for your artistic entertainment and education.
- More original articles on watercolor technique and materials
More original step-by-step watercolor paintings
- A comprehensive and fun illustrated history of watercolor painting. Currently 8000 words and counting...coming soon!
- Completion of the educational core of the web site (2008)
- A CD and .pdf version of watercolor tutorials, lessons, and other relevant content from the web site. (2009)
Thank you for supporting the arts online!
Greg Conley
artist and owner
www.watercolorpainting.com
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