Importance of Observation for Art and Creativity

Art of Observation

What is Observation?

An observation is a piece of information we consciously gather about something through our senses. We have five senses including sense of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. The process of observation is very important to learn something new and for good cognitive development.

Type of Observation:

• Quantitative: When we focus on quantity and measure it as many, less, none, enormous, big, small, tiny, infinite, etc.
• Qualitative: When we focus on the quality and attributes of the object in terms of color, brightness, shades, effect, and environment, etc.

Importance of Observation in Early Childhood Development

Though it is very obvious for kids to observe and analyze the things around them, in today's technology era kid's behavior towards the outer world is changing. Their focus is more on gadgets rather than being towards the profoundness of nature and life around them. Natural observation is an advantage for every human being. Especially when it comes to children, observation is very helpful for their cognitive development. It helps them in many ways such as:

• Being Creative
• Problem Solving
• Analyzing Power
• Concentration Power
• Thought Process
• Responding Abilities
• Being Innovative etc.

Importance of Observation for Art and Creativity

We keep on looking at many things all the time but how and what exactly do we notice with how much awareness is going to convert that "looking" into "observation". When you observe something consciously, it goes deep inside your brain. This stored information can now be used for creativity and analytical purpose.

How Observation is Helpful in Art

In general, children spontaneously make art without having the idea of dimension and measurement. But these two factors are very important for better drawing and art skills. Encouraging them for basic observation ideas can be helpful to them towards drawing the figures with the correct shape and size.

Image: Quote about Art and Observation

Observations are the key skills towards learning and creating Art. Observations help one to understand the look and feel of the object and its environment. Being better aware of the facts and information about what we want to make or draw, can be helpful when you are practically working on it.

How to Improve the Observation Skills of Your Child

Let's be specific to the points, how we can help our little ones with improving their observational skills related to art and creativity.

1. Start with simple observation, ask them to observe the nature of the things around them, and see the ratio and colors.
2. Observe the light and shadow. Learn that color becomes lighter and brighter in sunlight/light and looks dull in shady and dim light areas. (Make colors light by mixing white and give them a darker tinge by mixing black in the color.)
3. Shadow is always on the backside /opposite side of the object facing the sunlight.
4. Teach them basic 2D and 3D shapes. Start with easy drawings, which can be made by using basic 2D shapes such as circles, lines, rectangles, triangles, etc.
5. Invoke curiosity and ask questions about things they notice around them, such as:

• How many colors did they notice in a butterfly?
• How many legs does a spider have?
• How does a daisy flower is different from a rose flower in the colors and shape of petals?

General Observation Ideas 

Observation clip art: Little boy observing a plant

Here are a few very simple but impressive ideas for kids to get started with the art of observation. 

• How the sky looks on a sunny day and how it looks on a gloomy day. How it is on a cloudy day!
• Observe the color of the water 💦 at different places (though it is colorless.) Eg: Ocean🌊, River, and Pond🤽‍♀️, etc.
• How different trees have different shapes 🌴🎄🌳 and shades of colors.
• How Nature changes its color in different seasons, such as spring🌸, fall🍁🍂, summer🌞⛱, and winter⛄❄.
• Notice trees🌳🌴 and the ratios of their stem and branches.
• Ratio and size of objects we use in our daily life.
• Take the help of a viewfinder⏺. Make one at home by cutting cardboard in the shape of a rectangular frame. It's helpful when you want to observe/draw a particular area of a scene.

Collection of autumn leaves

To make these observations effective and long-lasting, associate them with some realistic doable activities such as a collection of colorful leaves, or drawing those autumn season trees/leaves. Make a collage using colorful leaves. Similarly, you can try many more DIY activities to make your child's observation effective and impressive in many other ways.

Tips to Increase Your Child's Power of Observation

Power of Observation

1. Ask logical questions and clear their doubts creatively.
2. Basic Meditation/Yoga.
3. Help them to grow consciously. Be conscious in day-to-day life and with nature.
4. Help them to learn about gardening. Let them grow and care for their own flowers/plants.
5. Expose them to Art and Creativity and see its magic. It triggers their natural observation power.  
6. Stop assuming results and procrastinating things and start trying and getting your own experience.  
7. Associate the observation with real-life practical activities.
8. Don't look casually towards life. Feel every aspect of it around the world.
9. Give them more occasions to visit places such as ART Center, Science Center, Museums, Cultural Fairs, and Exhibitions where observation is a must, and they can explore their horizons.
10. Test their observation: Give them a minute to watch something carefully,  then ask them to recall and note down things or draw that particular thing.

Observing and drawing a leaf

The art of observation is really magical for one who knows its power and utilizes it in his day-to-day life. If it's gifted to you and your child by nature, awesome, but if you feel there is a need to learn or improve, the above key points can help you to obtain better observation skills. So, don't just look, Observe it!😊👍

"Study Art to improve your observation skills, and improve your observation skills to become good at Art and Creativity." _Mohini M Bajpai

Related: Observation V/S Personality | You Are What You Observe