Ed Flanagan: Through the Eyes of a Child

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Ed Flanagan, "Landscape 25,” 2019

watercolour, 29" x 33"

Artists Statement: Ed Flanagan

My wife had a career as an elementary school teacher and principal.  As a result, I have observed children’s art for many years and have found a number of interesting common characteristics. Speaking generally, children use simplified shapes, vivid unmixed colour and compositions that line up subject matter along a horizontal line.  In schools, the subject matter is based on themes related to special events, seasons, and holidays throughout the year. Their lack of formal drawing skills often results in an amazing array of unique expressions and interpretations of their world.  In effect, these children become remarkable symbol makers.These techniques have served as inspirations for my latest work.