The teacher behind the paint splatters
Mrs. S
I'm Lisa Snyman, Mrs. S to my students. I was head of the art department at Beaumont for ten years, and ran the art club there for five of them.
When Reddam offered me a change, I brought my art club home and ran it independently, while also running the junior art department and another art club at Reddam itself. I have also co-ordinated and run the Helderberg Art Eisteddfod for about 11 years.
After much consideration I decided to put everything into my own studio. Mrs. S Art Club has been running from home for about six years now, and it has been so much more exciting and fun, for the students and for me.
years heading the Beaumont art department
years co-ordinating the Helderberg Art Eisteddfod
years of Mrs. S Art Club in the home studio
“You cannot make a mistake in art, only a discovery.”
Hi, I'm Mrs. S!Confidence before realism
Art club is not about producing camera realism. Forcing that on a child too early often breaks confidence instead of building it. Realism tends to arrive in high school, once the passion is there.
Learning without noticing
With younger children I teach the elements and principles of art, like line, shape, colour, texture, balance and harmony. They are often not even aware of it, until it becomes second nature.
Only happy mistakes
I guide, but I never force. Children are free to discover, and what looks like a mistake usually turns into the best part of the piece.
Art is therapy
My students' happiness is very important to me. Tell me what is happening in your child's life, so I can understand and help from my side.
Work that gets seen
It has been a wonderful journey. I have seen many students go all the way up to matric with me, and many, many of them carry on to study art, receive scholarships and go into art careers.
