Kawaii animals to draw and a tale of building confidence in my own abilities.
When I was about 12 years old, I was sitting in art class looking at an under the sea painting I had created. I thought it was amazing. The creatures were all Kawaii animals and it was one of my art works I will never forget. I was so excited to have created such a great picture, however the teacher was less than impressed.
My Art teacher had no appreciation for cute or cartoon style images. She wanted the students to do realistic, sketches and paint pieces that looked impressionist or real life.
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No Appreciation for My Kawaii Animals
No matter how hard I tried I did not have the talent for “real life” paintings and my teacher held up my precious painting as an example of “what not to do.” It broke me inside, and I genuinely thought my picture was rubbish. I was not good enough. I never would be good at art and so when I moved to New Zealand a few months later I chose not to study art anymore.
In fact, I avoided all art right through my high school years, opting to do music and cookery instead. Interestingly enough I am a fantastic cook and the skills I learnt at school as well as in the home have come in really handy. However I never again practiced art in any shape or form.
I Won’t Be Giving Up Art
Recently, however since becoming a blogger I came to realize that drawing in a Kawaii style is something I still love. It’s something I want to improve and develop, and I am sad that I have lost 20 years of skill development time due to one teacher putting me down and making me believe I was rubbish.
My Kawaii Anime Characters
I have been doodling for a while now, just a few months. In October I decided I want to develop this talent. I am a little scared. I have a long way to go and a lot of work to do to get good, but I have started creating my own set of Kawaii anime characters which I will draw and then paint onto lollipop sticks and stones.
Selling Kawaii Art
It would be a dream to make these creatures sellable to others. This could be a book, nursery resources or another product. Even though that teacher didn’t believe in me, it is a possibility. Practice will only make me better.
Do You Like My Kawaii Animals?
So each day I am going to have some down time and just draw and paint. It may help me especially as i am feeling so unwell and sick at the moment. Here is my first Lollipop Kawaii Fox. I love it. I can’t wait to create something new tonight.
Angela x
Uni-posca Paint Marker Pen – Extra Fine Point – Set of 12 (PC-1M12C)
Uni-ball Posca Color Metallic Marking Pen – 1.0 mm – Set of 7Uni-posca Paint Marker Pen – Medium Point – Set of 15 (PC-5M15C)
Check Out my Kawaii Animal Milk Bottles And Stones!
These are great drawings. An inspiration to us who want to pursue art but don’t know where and how to start. Kudos!
Thanks. I have no idea where to start …this is my starting point I guess ha ha!
How disappointing that a teacher would do that to you. We are all different and have different styles. Half of my family was/is artistic while the rest of us use our creativity in other ways. I’d never discourage my students or kids about their art. I’m glad you are back to it.
Yes I am disappointed thinking back but will use my experience to make sure this does not happen for my child!
So glad that you gave this one another go! I think your drawings are adorable. Art is always freedom of expression and there’s no bad or ugly.
Thanks. I am going to work at it and develop this talent!
I really love the boxy art style. It really makes them feel like cartoons.
thanks. It was fun coming up with these!
What a horrible thing to say to a student! Make a bazillion dollars selling your adorable characters and then send a print to your art teacher.
They look cute. Could be turn into emojis or something. Love it!