Nine Years Old, Seven Hours In… and Six Paintings Later
There are some teaching moments that say more than words ever could.
This young lady is nine years old. After around seven hours of art lessons, she has six paintings to show for it… and I think the smile says everything.
That smile is the bit I never get tired of seeing.
Not just the finished artwork. Not just the canvas. But the confidence, concentration and quiet realisation that something has shifted. She is learning to see for herself, understand what is in front of her, and bring her own confidence into the picture.
That is the real joy of teaching.
At Mawgan Porth, surrounded by the sea, cliffs, changing light and fresh Cornish air, art becomes more than simply making a picture. It becomes a way of noticing. A way of slowing down. A way of learning how shape, light, colour, perspective and feeling all work together.
Young or old, complete beginner or experienced artist, the process is the same at heart. When someone is given the right foundations and the space to grow, it is amazing what can happen.
I believe one of her paintings has already been gifted too, which makes it even more special. Artwork carries something personal. Whether it is one of my paintings, one of my students’ paintings, or a piece created during a lesson, it becomes part of a story.
I feel so blessed to have been teaching and painting here at beautiful Mawgan Porth for 10 years now. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, stopped to chat, taken a lesson, bought a picture online or through Betty’s, shared a kind word, or simply smiled as they walked past.
And a special thank you to Betty’s, Stuart, Jay and Kat for all the help and support. I have been sorting out my art space and getting ready to move into my brand-new area, and I am so grateful.
Art lessons are available here on the beach at Mawgan Porth, online, or by Zoom.
For children, adults, complete beginners, nervous returners and experienced artists… the starting point is always the same:
Learning to see for yourself.
Jeanni x
