24.7.09

IF: Idle??


(Click image to enlarge)

I was conducting a chinese ink painting class for these 5-year-old kids. All of the kids had their smock aprons worn properly except this little girl, Alexa. Well, maybe she was just idle and not in the mood to draw or paint. Worried that the class might be overrun as I have another class to make after this, I had to help her put on the apron and had the velcro fastened quickly and nicely in front of her chest.

After my demonstration, all of them (but Alexa again) begun to play with the colours on the rice papers.

I was anxious and asking why she was sitting silently on her chair and staring at the blank paper. Here's her reply, "Teacher, how can i draw as I was tied by you to the chair?"

Oh my goodness! How careless I was. I had made her immobile by tying her whole body and the chair together with velcro.

Embarassed and guilty, I quickly unfastened the velcro and apologised to her... She might have wondered why she was tied to the chair. And I might say it's not her day today. To run into such a muddle-headed teacher like me...

18 comments:

nella gatica said...

thank you very much!!! but you have a great talent too!!!

ABrushWithHumor said...

ha ha! wonderful illustration and the story is delightful!

Robin

eyecontact said...

HAH! kids -- 'idle'? Now there's a question for us. lol. Nice illo.

Caroline said...

oops! lovely illustration though!!

Cheryl Lynn said...

What a lovely story and a beautiful illo.

Have a great weekend.

yoon see said...

Very beautiful illustration and story. Is this a real experience?
You are a good story writer too.
Keep up your goodwork Owl Eng!

Duncan said...

lovely story and drawing, love the little details - especially the drawings on the walls.

Teri said...

LOL and she sat there so quietly is also funny. What a fun story this is!!

could you come and teach me chinese painting too? Only don't tie me to the chair. LOL

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

LOL this is super cute and funny Owl! I'm just sitting here giggling at this picture and your wonderful story. Great work again!

Amarettogirl said...

Too funny - what a wonderful story you share along with your art!! Thank you!

Sarah Lulu said...

Hahaha ohhh that was gorgeous ...
and can I do your class?

Asja said...

very charming illustration and lovely story!

Alex said...

This is gorgeous! :)
I really like it when you start to do people again, because they are just so adorable! I love your animals too, but I have the feeling you're able to express more with people somehow

Gordon said...

Came to see reflections. Enjoyed it just the same.

Artsnark said...

great piece - love your style

Amy C said...

beautiful painting, all the details are so wonderful, the ink paintings on the back wall, the children's little legs and feet under the table.....
And your story is hilarious!

Bella Sinclair said...

Oh, dear Owl Eng. I've missed your beautiful, beautiful art. This one is just darling, and the story made me laugh! Thank you, my dear friend, for your sweet condolences and thoughtful prayers. Your friendship and generous spirit are priceless to me.

xoxo
bella

joyfullyC said...

Kwee Eng, this is such a funny story! and Alexa darling. i love her, even though she sometimes challenge me to the max. :)