Finger Paints & Fearlessness: What Kids can Teach us About Art

I often find myself looking for inspiration in galleries, nature, and the works of other artists. However, one of the most profound sources of inspiration for us all comes from an unexpected place: the uninhibited creativity of children.

Spontaneous Creativity

Have you ever watched a child create art? There's something magical about it. They approach their canvas (or paper, floor, table, wall, or any other household surface in my experience) with a sense of freedom that we, as adults, often forget is possible. They don’t worry about the rules of composition, the balance of colour, or whether their work will be well-received by an audience. They simply create. This fearless expression is something that many artists strive to recapture. As adults we often seek meaning in every mark, but children embrace a freer, more uninhibited approach to creativity.

The Joy of the Process

Children revel in the act of creation. For them, the process of making art is just as important, if not more so, than the finished product. As adult artists, we sometimes get so focused on the end result that we forget to enjoy the journey. The tactile sensation of paint on canvas, the feel of paint on your fingertips, the sound of a pencil scratching on paper – these sensory experiences are part of the joy of creating art, and children embrace them wholeheartedly.

Art Without Judgment

A child’s art is pure in its lack of self-criticism. Children don’t judge their work in the harsh, critical way that adults often do. They create with a sense of pride and accomplishment in whatever they produce. As artists, I think we could all benefit from adopting a bit of this non-judgmental attitude, appreciating our creations for what they are and what they represent in our artistic journey.

Limitless Imagination

Perhaps the most striking aspect of children’s art is their boundless imagination. A box becomes a castle, a stick turns into a magic wand, and a few scribbles on a page create an entire universe. As we grow older, our imagination can become inhibited by norms and expectations. We should strive to look at the world with the same wonder and possibility as a child does.

The Science Behind Creativity

The way children approach art, often viewed as just a playful aspect of their childhood, actually aligns with several scientific studies that provide fascinating insights into their developing minds. These insights help us understand the unique and uninhibited way children engage in the creative process:

Flow state
According to a study by Dr. Kylie Peppler, an Associate Professor at Indiana University, young children operate in what could be termed as a ‘flow state’ when creating art. They are entirely absorbed in the process, unencumbered by the self-criticism that adults often experience. This state, as Dr. Peppler notes, is where learning and creativity flourish.
Brain development
A child’s brain is like a sponge, absorbing and adapting at a rapid pace. Neuroscience tells us that the brain's frontal cortex, which governs our problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, is still developing in children. This allows for more creative risk-taking and uninhibited artistic expression. In a study conducted by the University of California, researchers found that this part of the brain doesn’t fully develop until our mid-20s, suggesting why children may approach art with less reservation than adults.
Divergent thinking
Creativity is often linked to 'divergent thinking' – a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. According to Dr. Joanne Foster, author and educational specialist, children naturally excel at divergent thinking. This ability can diminish over time as we conform to societal norms and rules. Dr. Foster emphasizes the importance of nurturing this creative freedom from a young age.

Embracing the Childlike Approach

What does all this mean for us as artists? First and foremost, it's a call to reconnect with our inner child. To approach our canvas with the same sense of wonder and exploration that we had as children. The scientific data backs up what we've intuitively known all along – there's a purity and honesty in children’s art that we stand to learn from.

In my own practice, I try to channel this childlike spontaneity. I remind myself that art doesn’t always have to be a serious, structured process. It can also be playful, joyful, and free-flowing – qualities we often associate with childhood.