I just had a blast working with my 17 y.o. son on an art project for school. He had to pick a style to work in for the entire semester and he had chosen fauvism. The assignment was to do a self portrait in this style. He drew the portrait, but when it came to painting it in soft pastel, he was at a loss to pick a color scheme to work in. As we chose colors and began to apply them, he was aghast wondering how this would ever work. As he worked and the image began to take shape, I had the pleasure of seeing the light bulbs go off. I think he really got it. It was a rewarding moment.

He is much like I used to be, stuck in the perfectionistic rut of realism. I think this will really free him from that and will take him far. The portrait turned out wonderful and he has high hopes that he will earn a spot in the school showcase. I think he stands a good chance.