Age Quote by Betty Edwards
“In early childhood, children develop a set of symbols that 'stand for' things they see in the world around them... Children are happy with symbolic drawing until about the age of eight or nine... when children develop a passion for realism. Our schools do not provide drawing instruction. Children try on their own to discover the secrets of realistic drawing, but nearly always fail and, sadly, give up on trying.”
About This Quote
Children initially enjoy symbolic representation, but around ages eight to nine they shift toward realism, often lacking formal instruction, leading to frustration and abandonment of drawing.
In simple terms: Early symbolic art gives way to realistic aspirations, which schools rarely teach.
Key Takeaway
Without guidance, kids abandon realistic drawing.
Themes
developmental psychology
art education
symbolic vs realistic representation
motivation
learning curves
Mood
reflective
concerned
hopeful
Type
observational
educational
When to use this quote
- element art class
- home art projects
- after-school programs
- parental guidance
- self-teaching attempts
Key Concepts
symbolic drawing
realism
instructional gap
self-directed learning
Practical Applications
- Introduce structured drawing curricula
- Provide mentorship for realistic techniques
Questions to Reflect On
- How can schools integrate realistic drawing without stifling creativity?
- What motivates children to persist despite early failures?
![“When people look at my work, they often say, “Your picture is so good. I can’t even draw a straight line.” I think everyone can learn to draw. The important thing is to keep trying, keep drawing. […] Young children make marvelous pictures. There is nothing they can’t draw. They paint and draw from…” quote by Alice Provensen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c65/alice-provensen-84348_children_when-people-look-at-my-work-they-often-s_978720.jpg)
