One day, while my daughter was happily distracted in her own marker drawings, I decided to risk pulling out a new sketchbook I had special ordered. It had dark paper, and was perfect for adding highlights to. I had only drawn a little in it, and was anxious to try it again, but knowing our daughter’s love of art supplies, it meant that if I wasn’t sly enough, I might have to share. (Note: I’m all about kid’s crafts, but when it comes to my own art projects, I don’t like to share.) Since she was engrossed in her own project, I thought I might be able to pull it off.
Ahhh, I should’ve known better. No longer had I drawn my first face (I love drawing from old black & white movie stills) had she swooped over to me with an intense look. “OOOH! Is that a NEW sketchbook? Can I draw in that too, mama?” I have to admit, the girl knows good art supplies when she sees them. I muttered something about how it was my special book, how she had her own supplies and blah blah blah, but the appeal of new art supplies was too much for her to resist. In a very serious tone, she looked at me and said, “If you can’t share, we might have to take it away if you can’t share.”
Oh no she didn’t! Girlfriend was using my own mommy-words at me! Impressed, I agreed to comply. “I was going to draw a body on this lady’s face,” I said. “Well, I will do it,” she said very focused, and grabbed the pen. I had resigned myself to let that one go. To let her have the page, and then let it go. I would just draw on my own later, I decided. I love my daughter’s artwork, truly I do! But this was MY sketchbook, my inner kid complained.
Not surprisingly, I LOVED what she drew. I had drawn a woman’s face, and she had turned her into a dinosaur-woman. It was beautiful, it was carefree, and for as much as I don’t like to share, I LOVED what she had created. Flipping through my sketchbook, I found another doodle of a face I had not yet finished. She drew a body on it, too, and I was enthralled. It was such a beautiful combination of my style and hers. And she LOVED being a part of it. She never hesitated in her intent. She wasn’t tentative. She was insistent and confident that she would of course improve any illustration I might have done. …And the thing is, she DID.
Soon, she began flipping through my sketchbook, looking for more heads. “Do you have any heads for me today?” she would ask me each morning. So I began making a point at night to draw some faces for her (which was my pleasure–faces are my favorite part, anyway). She would then pick up a pen with great focus, and begin to draw. Later, I would add color and highlights, texture and painting, to make a complete piece. Sometimes she filled in the solid areas with colored markers, but I would always finish with acrylics later on my own.
Sometimes I would give her suggestions, like “maybe she could have a dragon body!” but usually she would ignore theses suggestions if it didn’t fit in with what she already had in mind. But since I am a grownup and a little bit (okay a lot) of a perfectionist, I sometimes would have a specific idea in mind as I doodled my heads. Maybe she could make this into a bug! I’d think happily to myself as I sketched, imagining the possibilities of what it could look like. So later, when she’d doodle some crazy shape that seemed to go in some surrealistic direction, or put a large circle around the creature and filled the WHOLE THING in with marker, part of my brain would think, What is she DOING?!? She’s just scribbling it all up! But I should know that in most instances, kids’ imaginations way outweigh a grownup’s, and it always ALWAYS looked better that what I had imagined. ALWAYS.
For example, the filled-in marker of the one above, she told me, was a chrysalis, for the caterpillar to transform into a butterfly. Of COURSE it is. I never would have thought of that. And that’s why kids make awesome artists.
Later, I would show her what I had done with our drawings–the painting and coloring. She seemed to critique them pretty harshly. “That’s silly, mama.” or “you put WATER behind her?” But for the most part, she enjoyed them. I enjoyed them. I LOVE them.
And from it all, here are the lessons I learned: to try not to be so rigid. Yes, some things (like my new sketchbook) are sacred, but if you let go of those chains, new and wonderful things can happen. Those things you hold so dear cannot change and grow and expand unless you loosen your grip on them a little. In sharing my artwork and allowing our daughter to be an equal in our collaborations, I helped solidify her confidence, which is way more precious than any doodle I could have done. In her mind, her contributions were as valid as mine (and in truth, they really were). Most importantly, I learned that if you have a preconceived notion of how something should be, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE DISAPPOINTED. Instead, just go with it, just ACCEPT it, because usually something even more wonderful will come out of it.
SIDE NOTE: As an idea (mainly for myself) I decided to put just a few of our collaborative prints up for sale on a site called Society 6. I purchased one myself (the space beavers, called “Outer Face”) to see how they would turn out, and I’m pretty happy with it. We’ve done dozens and dozens of collaborative sketches, but I only put a few up as prints. I’m not sure what to do with the others. Maybe make a children’s book out of them? Make poems to go along? I’m not sure, but I love them with a very large portion of my heart, and they need a special place.
busy mockingbird 
Love this post! Thank you for the “letting go” encouragement. I can get so frustrated with my almost 4 year old. She too loves to use my art supplies and draw on my paintings and sketches. I don’t want to suppress her creativity or her desire to share it with me. These pictures are lovely and unique!
Could you post the one titled “Alone” up for sale as well? I like that one 🙂
are they for sale….can I send a pic of my kids and you draw a pic…please let me know and how much….thanks
[…] This post originally appeared on Busy Mockingbird. […]
THIS is brilliant! nicely done 🙂
Hi,
I don’t usually comment on internet things, but I just had to applaud you for allowing these amazing pieces come to fruition by letting go. They truly are uplifting and mesmerizing. I am currently obsessed with them, love the throw pillows on society six, just snagged a couple. Beautiful and inspiring me to let go a little too!!
Fantastic stuff!
This is such a wonderful story. It reminds me of when I sit down to teach my daughter piano and she ends up creating her own songs and I try to stick to the music, but we go back to her original songs because they are more fun. It’s such a breath of fresh air to see the next generation enjoying the simpler things in life. She must be proud to have a mom like you.
That is truly awesome. The combined drawing styles are an amazingly cool combination!
As someone who has always appreciated art, and as a mother, these are beautiful. I think that making a book, and giving part of the proceeds to a childrens charity would be amazing. Also, maybe you could let people commission paintings from you? I would love to have my daughters face done with the body done by your daughter! Especially if she could do a bee because we call her Jujubee. If you can please email me at nsleighter@hotmail.com to let me know if you would be interested in something like this and what it would cost?
I would also be interested in the details if the artists are open to taking commissions!
Can’t think of a fitting superlative. This is one of the best things I’ve come across. Super.
Just amazing results! Totally engrossing, totally fresh, wonderful stuff!
WONDERFUL! How fun. What a creative, imaginative child you have. I think a collaborative book is a FABULOUS idea! I can picture parents (and we grandparents) sitting down with our little ones and your book. Such special opportunities for conversations. Thank you. Lisa in Indy
Love, love, love these & it must be so much fun to create something so beautiful with your child. Congratulations on making wonderful magic. Absolutely you should have them organized into a book. What a keepsake for your descendants. P.S. I agree with you – the faces are the most fun!
One of my jobs is making tops for kinder children often using their drawings. Sometimes their drawings needed fattening up or slight alterations and I thought I could copy them as I am an artist. No chance I tried and tried and could not copy the lovely freedom in their lines – everything I did was stilted. Your collaborative effort works like magic.
Another Masterpiece!! A new artist in the world!!
Really another masterpiece!!! There is no second artist like her. MASTER!!!!
Wonderful story; you both do beautiful work. The details! I love your daughter’s name. Myla.
Am I the only person that feels the reason that these turned out so wonderful is because they are being completed by a extremely skilled, talented artist who can make simple vision come to life? I don’t mean to trod on the creativity of a 4 year old, but I feel like realistically, Mrs. Hendricks could make just about any shape given to her from any one person look amazing, and this is because she has developed her own sense of artistic vision. This is in just the same way that a master composer can transform a basic child’s melody into a 3 hour long symphonic masterpiece, and this has absolutely been done before. I’m sure her child has the same sense of artistic vision as her mother on a much simpler level, and certainly there are others out there that lack the same freeness and talent of creativity… but let’s be honest here, if Mrs. Hendricks had not completed these pictures, they simply wouldn’t be impressive. And credit needs to be given where credit is due, regardless of the age of the artist.
Well thank you, you do make some good points. But I assure you, my work alone has never generated this much interest and attention. I think you’ll find the beauty in the collaboration, and the lesson about letting go…
Great response 🙂
I do find the beauty in it and also in the lesson. Make no mistake I appreciate the work here. However you have to admit that your work alone has never generated this attention because it has most likely never been the subject of a viral internet craze, and more importantly one that is both heartwarming and appeals to such a broad audience. This article and the work along with it can relate to anyone who has raised a child, and indeed does, and has. This is clearly shown by the vast attention it has generated that you speak of.
Loving your response, also. My daughter was quite the little artist at 4, too. Unfortunately her art was not very well received by her kindergarten teacher who insisted the detail took too much time. Kudos to you for letting go and encouraging her to find her own way!
Brilliant…
Nice! I do this with songwriting too! Sometimes I take the most silly thing anyone says, child or adult, and I can turn it into a song somehow. Children have such great imaginations because they are so carefree. And you’re so lucky to have something so great in common with your daughter and you’re helping her explore her imagination. She is already showing her talent and perhaps will follow in your footsteps as an artist.
If you made a book with these pictures, it would be a wonderful coffee table book, or a bathroom reader…. These are SO fun, and I would love to read whatever story is behind each of them. Thanks so much for sharing this!
These are beautiful…I mean REALLY beautiful!
Every child is an artist until someone tells them they aren’t. Once that child’s freedom and joy of expression is gone, it’s gone. If the pleasure of making art ever does come back, it won’t be the same. It’s impossible for it to be the same. “Good parenting” – you’re doing it! Congratulations on fostering your child’s belief in herself and her abilities. Somewhere along the line, I lost mine and it’s been a real struggle to get the belief in myself and my ‘art’ back.
This is so, so true, as a child I had a music teacher that told me I had no sense of music rhythm at all. To this day I will not dance or sing out loud no matter how much I know I would enjoy it.
I want to write the children’s story that goes along with these!
Thanks for sharing. I love your head drawings…and the final touch is added by your daughter in truly wondrous fashion. I could spend a lot of time trying to figure out the why and how of this…but rather…I will blissfully enjoy and accept that somehow, someway, God had made his presence known through your joint endeavor. Rejoice Mom! You have a special connection with your daughter that so many parents search for with their children.
these are amazing… and inspiring… and made me smile. Thank you for sharing!
Reblogged this on Tommia's Tablet and commented:
The amazing things we can learn from children!
I love these and would buy up prints and hang them in my home! Absolutely love the charm and humor and colors! So much fun!
Thank you! Have you seen the print site? Society6.com/micaangela
So amazing! Truly fantastic!
I love this. Wish I had the talent this four year old has defining what she is familiar with! And Mom, I can see you read her books and she learns from the the pictures! I am placing this site on my Favorites so I can check in and view the expansion of your collaborations!
Thank you!
Sandy in So Cal
Awesome!
I’m sure your daughter knows these characters’ stories. You could make a portrait gallery with short biographical notes.
[…] see more, visit Mica Angela Hendricks’ […]
WOW… i think is so beautiful…. i love the portraits and the way the little girl drew the bodies… it tells s story… i all of them… Great Job…!
This is the making of an entirely new concept; accept nothing detractors might say! As the new generation opens its heart to the imaginations of young people like your daughter, it might very well be what saves the art community if it is ever in jeopardy of cynicism and greed closing its doors. CELEBRATE THIS TALENT! I’m a professional painter, and I know what I see!
Exactly who is being greedy or cynical? Read carefully, my friend.
I think it was actually a positive comment, no? 🙂
I was speaking of the notion that, for example, the Detroit Institute of Arts has been looked at as a target of creditors in settling of Detroit’s debts. Art is a thing of beauty and self-expression…something no dollar figure can be placed on. This girl has obvious talent, and it shouldn’t matter that the world is such a confused place that greed should be a factor in the judgment of real talent. I’m just saying I hope that there are no marketing ideas in anyone’s heads that take precedence over the observation of that.
Thank you very much…this is why I don’t think we’ll put the pressure of custom work on her, or sell the originals. There are many things much more precious than money. Thank you for your words.
i hav bin so rigid n too complanining 2 ma cc kids but u guys hav open ma mind neva ,never i wil be so serious 2 them
Love your beautiful artwork ladies!!!!
I really love just about anything and everything that deals with arts and crafts (Thank you to my parents and grandparents for encouraging imagination). I also have a 4 year old son with whom I share this love with 🙂 His favorite things to draw right now include clocks, dream catchers and of course the wind chimes! He has precise timing when we are drawing and coloring.. He will wait until I am almost done with what I was doing and come up and add all of the finishing touches.. My inner child also silently grumbles and whines.. But his little additions just make it extra special!!
I absolutely love your work and want to applaud you for encouraging imagination.. It truly is something special..
Yahoo brought me here!
These works are beautiful. As I don’t have children, I’ve never really seen their works of art to be able to truly appreciate them, but this allows me to, and in such a special way.
The piece you call “Into the Storm” is literally so beautiful, I began tearing up. I’m not sure what it is about it… Maybe I’m reading into it too far, but it seems like there’s a story, between the look on her face, the rain, and the body that your daughter drew. Just beautiful.
Thank you for sharing!
Tasha
Love it! These are brilliant!
This is what what I needed to see! Art is all about being our inner selves, without any form of obstacles. Brilliant idea 🙂 Your daughter (.. and You ) has a beautiful mind. Thanks for sharing!
J.E.Hvidsten
Excellent. Reminds me of Alice In Wonderland for some reason. I can see it getting more surreal. Have you thought of sharing body parts with her? One hand or one foot each? Or letting her start with a head and you do the body and a foot?
I’d love to design of book of your drawings.
They’d also make great wallpaper or furniture cover designs 🙂
Regards
[…] “If you’re not going to share, we might have to take it away from you.” https://busymockingbird.com/2013/08/27/collaborating-with-a-4-year-old/ […]
[…] check out her blog: https://busymockingbird.com/2013/08/27/collaborating-with-a-4-year-old/ […]
These are beautiful! You and your daughter are so talented. Can’t wait to order a print! I love them all!
I love these! I’d like to see them as notecards… and available in the UK! 🙂
[…] More here. […]
[…] Collaborating with a 4-year-old. Children are natural artists. Via Ellen and her two artists. […]
Incredible. I really like to watch these things
[…] Collaborating with a 4-year Old. […]
I love them! As some one who is a bit of a control freak I applaud your strength to allow your daughter to draw freely over your ‘precious’ artwork. I’ve learned a lesson here. Thank you.
Have you had a look at the books called Flanimals by Ricky Grevais. They could give you some inspiration for your book to go along with the drawings. I’m sure your daughters imagination about who your collaborative characters are and how they got to look the way they do, will create something magical. Good luck.
Really, that is amazing. Wonderful work.
These are nice pictures but it feels like a huge ploy for attention and sales to get the 4 year old kid on it.
She didn’t seek out this attention, merely worked and sought appreciation.
[…] Mama malt mit Tochter. Sehr süß. […]
[…] Lees hier meer over Mica en haar 4 jarige dochter: Mica Angela Hendricks […]
It is magical!!!
[…] musí pracovat na projektu. Co kdyby však vaším kolegou mělo být 4leté dítě? Když si Mica Angela Hendricks, profesionální ilustrátorka, koupila nový skicák, její dcera přispěchala s vlastními […]
Amazing!
Wow ~ I loved the beauty that together you made! What an awesomely talented duo you are! And the memories that you are making with her as well as the self-confidence, not to mention the talent you are encouraging ~ I loved your post!