Here is a photo of Pablo Picasso drawing with his daughter Paloma. It shows why I like this great artist so much. At that moment, they were lost in what they were doing. In fact, her freedom was what he was looking for in his work.
Last October. I saw a wonderful show of Picasso's drawings in New York. Maybe, because he thought himself a painter first, he was freer to play with art. The artworks make us think of Picasso's famous word, "Every child is an artist. The problem (问题) is how to remain an artist when we grow older. "
Part of my job as a writer and artist is to go into schools and read my stories to children. I also draw with them. Every time, I'm surprised in their drawings. These children draw after me. However, their drawings always make mine seem lifeless. Children draw whatever they feel. They just put it out there. For me, I always worry about what others think and put a limit (限制) on myself.
I've been working with a school for a few years. I see six-year-olds expressing (表达) themselves freely in their drawings. However, when they leave at the age of eleven, too many of them feel worried about the act of drawing. They learn that there is a "right" way to draw, and a "wrong" way. There isn't. It is important that you do it and that you express yourself through it.
Picasso painted with few limits to express himself. He shows us all parts of life - light and dark, its problems and happiness. Maybe this is why his artworks are popular.
