Everyone can draw

A society is at its best when it appreciates art. It is ideal if the art students can start at a young age.

As the new academic year begins in Oman, teachers have been preparing to plan the lessons for the students.

Sara al Hosni, an art teacher, is all set to handle a confession that tends to come from students, "I am not good at drawing."

"For grade five, I always introduce them with the most common saying like "I don't know how to draw" or "My drawing is not beautiful."

And change that point of view to a positive one, 'seeing' is what they need," said Sara.

"I see the talent that they carry from fourth grade and even earlier. And begin from where they have stopped, step by step, to reach a good level.

Sara believes everyone can draw.

"Yes, absolutely! I had tested this before when I was in university. Everyone can draw. Each person can try their best to do something. It just depends on what level they are at," she noted.

As a teacher, she is used to facing children with mental blocks toward art, especially when they reach 5th grade.

"They often tell me they cannot even draw a straight line. I tell them to draw; if you get it wrong, erase it and draw again. You can do that over and over again. Trying from time to time brings in experience, and this helps. But stopping it where they left it is not going to develop anything or for that matter any skill further.

So, is it fear?

"I always tell them not to start with negativity. That always stops a person's path to reach a higher level. For example, if you are going to say, 'no way I can do it,' you don't realise you can do it by practising," she said.

She describes her journey to discovering art as a beautiful career.

"At age five, my family encouraged me to try pencils, paint and even sculpture. Teachers and even friends can encourage us. This encouragement helped me so much when I was younger. I chose it to be my career as an art teacher," she explained.

She quickly points out the benefits of making art part of your life.

"I feel that it helps you move on to another feeling. If stressed, confused or lost in deep thoughts, it could help you find a relief or a solution for that person who is looking forward to a better change," Sarah suggested. The art teachers take the young ones to museums and art galleries to see the works of professional artists.

"This is important because the ideas are not limited to Calais rooms alone. They can see what the future could be like, including modern art, so they can dream to reach a higher level in art.

The art form she likes the most is realistic.

"I always like to depict the sea, the clouds, etc., that captures the view. I love that very much. That is my favourite troupe of art form," she reflected.

She looks forward to a future where she can have her exhibition.

"Surely it would have to feature the sea and nature," she said while looking ahead to a bright for her and her students.