A new year often brings about new reflections and new ambitions, whether it's rekindling old friendships, beginning a new hobby, learning a language or setting off on an adventure to a distant land. Many of us use the first few months of a new year to make plans for ourselves or for our families. We all have dreams, but they are usually just that and not something, however optimistic we are, we are able to achieve.

I'm not a fan of cliches such as 'reach for the stars', etc., and 'to the moon and back' makes my toes curl, yet I can almost cope with 'follow your dreams' and other such phrases. The problem is, as I quote such encouraging words to my students and other young artists, in my head I know their dreams are probably and realistically just a step beyond their reach. However, I do want them to keep that glimmer of hope and aim high, always believing in themselves and how talented they are.

My year begins with me ploughing through advertised opportunities available for young artists, as well as for myself. My students step away from their sketchbook projects to work on their chosen subject matter and mediums: canvases or collages, sculptures or ceramics. It allows their imagination and freedom of choice to run wild. A welcome release from the restrictions of the school curriculum and other artistic boundaries.

I am very lucky to be a private tutor, as it allows me to break away from constrictions, rules and given expectations. I see the excitement art can bring into a child's life, the pride they show in their work and the confidence in their ability as an artist.

To provide children with these feelings and opportunities sometimes, as adults, we should break `the rules` ourselves and take risks and explore the world beyond Van Gogh and Monet. Allow young people to aspire to living artists. After all, art doesn’t stop at the Pop Art period. Children may relate to an artist they can contact or visit, rather than pictures and convoluted text in books.

The post-Christmas article I wrote focused slightly on recycling. I suggested children and families made use of the holiday and winter period to get creative with all the packaging and wrapping paper waste. I then realised I was breaking my own rule by restricting submissions to 'COLLAGE' work and therefore changed the 'call out' to include any art, in any medium and of any subject. The art in this article crossed both requests.

Two children from Fagley Primary School, Bradford, Emily, age 9, and Nayab, age 8, sent me their lovely space/rocket collages using wool, paper and tin foil.

Nusaybah, age 7, used coloured ceramic tiles to cover her drawing of a turtle, which I think you will agree brings personality to this sea creature.

Amanda, age 17, used wool, yarn and an array of fabrics to create her interpretation of the moors and countryside. The textures and colours certainly fulfil the image.

Vincent, age 10, enjoyed looking at the work of the Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh. He created his version of the Starry Night by Van Gogh in the form of a collage using fabric and yarns in the appropriate colours.

Thank you to all the young artists for submitting an endless supply of amazing artwork. Please continue to do so in order to be considered for all the exciting opportunities emerging in 2026.


Submit to purplegrandma48@gmail.com
Lynne Dobson (Yorkshire Artist)