I was once asked to teach in an art studio which offered children's lessons. Upon entering the studio I noticed that the still-life subjects offered to the children for observation were various sized vases and plastic flower forms. I wondered how interest was maintained. My idea of a good time was to bring in a caged canary, real sea shells, live bunnies and lizards, large calendar photos of wildlife, wood and metal animals and figures, busts, and more from the reduced price Hobby Lobby home decor isle.

Finding subjects that interest each child is the surest way to get him or her involved in the process of making art. We must keep in mind that subject matter is extremely important to children. While an adult may focus on technique, brush strokes, or methods whether painting landscapes, figures, or still life, the child rarely considers the means of making art. To a child the object is all-important. The objects a child chooses to put into his or her art will most likely have personal significance or meaning. This is easier to achieve at home than in a classroom. At home a child is surrounded by familiar objects both indoors and out. A child's bedroom is a great place to find favorite objects. Once a child realizes that his favorite sports equipment, stuffed toys, and models are highly suitable subjects for his art, their will be a high level of interest making art.  Family activities are another great source for subjects in art.

In wrapping up a teacher evaluation my supervisor asked why I had allowed a second grade boy to paint a car when the assignment in the class was to paint the bowl of fruit that sat in front of the students. He thought this was both unusual and pretty out-of-the-box behavior on my part as the teacher. I explained that this young boy had attended my class for six weeks and had found no interest in art. This was the first week that he was focused, interested, and had completed a work of art that he was proud of. What I had found out that day through conversing with this boy was that the object of his painting was a picture of a car model he had made with his dad for the Boy Scout's pine wood derby. That day he had a reason to record something on paper. From that day forward he loved art class and was fully engaged in all that we did. How sad it would have been if I had required that he follow the assignment I had designed for the class that day. Interest in the subject is vital to maintain interest, especially for the young artist. Adults can guide, suggest, lead, and offer opportunities for exploration of new subject matter. Do that, and your child will find new inspiration and motivation for making art.