I'd Like to Copy: My Kid Could Paint That

Hello you.

Did you manage to catch up with Kirsty's wonderful series of posts on children's illustrators last week? If not, or if you're wondering if you missed anything, then have a look >>>over there >>> in the sidebar where there are some handy links to all five for you.

Following on from children's illustrators though, I thought I'd bring you something which was still about children's art only this time I mean art BY children.

[Image source]

Or, more specifically, the art on one child in particular, Marla Olmstead: Image source]

By the age of 3 Marla's work was already selling in galleries and her works, and the questions around whether she was painting them unaided, created such a media storm they made a film about it!

I love the storytelling which clever documentary film-making manages to draw from 'everyday' life and was captivated by Amir Bar-Lev's 'My Kid Could Paint That', a 2007 study of Marla and the controversy surrounding her and her family:

It's a great film which I'd urge you to catch it if you ever spot it in the TV listings.

Bar-Lev hadaccess to the family amid the press scrutiny of Marla's paintings, the parents are questioned, probed and challenged on whether they are actually either behind the paintings or at least behind coaching her as to what to paint where. It's a fascinating insight into parental behaviour, children's 'natural' artistic capabilities and also the value of modern art.

If you'd like to read more about 'My Kid Could Paint That' then see:

• The official 'My Kid Could Paint That' site;
• The 'My Kid Could Paint That' Wikipedia page; or indeed ...
• The official Marla Olmstead artist website...

From which, should you really feel like making your own mind up about Marla's work, you can purchase one of her available paintings:

But, just so you know, you have to apply for the prices so I'm guessing it's a case of if you have to ask ....

Julie :)