So my kid is good at art. And when I say good, I mean really good. I’m not bragging (at least not much), but when 
I post his stuff on Facebook or show others who come to the house, they are really, really astounded at his talent. He’s six and you can judge him yourself if you want, by checking out his stuff on his teacher’s webpage here.
We noticed he was really into drawing at about 4 and decided, like good parents (I think), to indulge him. We stocked up on pads and markers and let him go to town. Owen loved it. It 
was a great “reset” for him too when he was overwhelmed or sick of playing with his brother.
Slowly, surely, we noticed he actually had some skills. We saw depth, perspective and poses of his superhero creations that, at age 5, seemed pretty advanced (especially since his mother and I could probably draw a barn between us).
My wife, always the woman of action, hunted down a young woman in our hometown who teaches art out of her home studio and we signed him up for lessons – first once a week, now twice. The result was nothing less than stunning (as you see from some of these Owen originals).
So my fear is, now what?
My friends and colleagues joke about monetizing it to pay for college (or Daddy’s boat). Of course I’m not seeking out an agent but, as people ask me about it, I am truly conflicted. I feel like we pulled off that rarest of childhood miracles, finding something your kid really likes and helping foster it. But how many kids who really seem to take to something eventually turn away – leaving the piano, guitar, paint brush or whatever behind as they turn to other things? I’ve actually allowed myself to love the idea of Owen as a professional artist, with all the good and bad that means. What if he just walks away this year, the next or in five years?
Our decision has been to get him access to the things and people he needs to foster his talent and help him grow while just encouraging him as much as possible when he says he wants to be an artist when he grows up. If you force it, it becomes work – something no 6-year-old will take to.
But how hard to push, how far to go, when to pull back? These are the questions I ask. I’m honestly looking for advice so, please, feel free to jump in here and give me some tips, some ideas or some stories of failed or successful efforts with your kiddos.
For now, I’ll just let him be who he wants to be and support the boy as much as I can. He’ll choose his path.
Until then – and probably even after then, I’ll just be a proud Dad.
I can sympathize with your “dilemma” (although, a good one to have)…My oldest has a wonderful talent of drawing as well. This definitely comes down from my grandmother…as she was a painter….and I think she definitely has a little bit of my grandmother in her for sure. But….we are keeping it fun, at this point. All of her teachers, parents of kids in her class, etc…always comment on her abilities. I think you have to figure out what kind of kid your child is. My daughter….man…is tricky. If she senses that it is something YOU want her to do…the less likely she is to do it (lets just say soccer didn't turn out so well). So we have down played it as well. She takes art classes and truly enjoys her plethora of art supplies. Her creations amaze us…specially for detail…Anyhow…much to our suprise…her MUSIC teacher told us to have her audition for the Boston's Childrens Chorus….THUD….are you crazy? Seriously? Katie at an audition? That, just blew our minds….I guess I don't have any advice, really…but I can totally relate to the position you are in. I would just let him be him…and enjoy it. Kids grow up so fast….that this “problem” might solves itself in a year or two.
I think your son will let you know how hard he wants to push. My daughter has this sort of mad talent with horses. Count yourself lucky, markers and watercolors are a little more affordable than a horse! We've gone from yuppie suburban family to a 4 wheel drive, horse trailer, and horse owning family that frequently gets up at 5 AM on the weekends to haul horse and daughter to a horse show. For her, there is no such thing as “too much.” She comes home from a 3 day horse shows and has her nose in a horse training book or equine veterinary manual an hour later. She also took 3rd place at the state fair in the youth watercolor division, so we have the art thing happening too, although she pretty much only draws horses. Just go with the flow, if it's getting to be too much for him you'll know quickly. Above all, don't let art teachers, potential agents, etc suck the joy out of art for him. If he is still enjoying it then the fact that he just bought you a boat is fine
Personally, I'm hoping there is a 4 year full ride scholarship at the end of our horse ride. If that happens, I might actually break even financially on the money I've sunk into horses. I'll always be way ahead pure joy though.
I don't know, my kids are younger than yours, but it sounds like you've got the right frame of mind. It's up to him to choose whether to attempt to make art a profession or just keep it a hobby. I love his drawings, btw.
Dave, his stuff is incredible. I've said this to you before…I'd buy one of those. Want to save up for college education? Here's your ticket man! Can't wait to say, “Man, I worked with that kids dad and bought an original, with is now worth a zillion bucks!”
Nice post and great work by your son. Very impressed.
you know my advice – bring his portfolio – and him! – to a busy coffee shop with a gallery (i'm sure there's one nearby) and see if they'd be willing to hang his stuff and maybe sell it on commission (or not – up to him). you never know who might see it, and it would be very exciting for him. have a little opening party, get some press…who knows! i'd keep it fun but don't downplay it – he really is talented!
oh – and make sure there's some kind of intro/overview to his coffee shop exhibition that explains who owen is, has his PHOTO and says he's six!
That's a great idea. Dave, you should do that and video tape it, using some sort of time lapse technique. Would make for great blog fodder! Could go viral too!
Excellent comments everyone … love shared stories from COD and Holly and Mel, your idea is a great one. There are some great little coffee shops in Salem and this could be fun… Thanks everyone!
I actually like Melanie's idea. He would be incredibly proud. We should try one of favorite restaurants – just imagine his art on the walls of Five Guys!
Or one of the coffee houses near the Peabody Essex?