Art can be interpreted in so many ways and so many forms. It can be a stunning garden, a beautiful tray of tomatoes, a piece of sculpture, a painting, a child’s drawing. When you speak with your grandchildren about art, you are not only imparting art appreciation, but also exploring color, perception, nuance, light, and feeling. Plus, you are helping develop critical thinking; an opinion is a valuable asset for growth and development in children of all ages.

As you discuss art, stay open-minded. Know that your grandkids may have a different interpretation than you. Let them tell you what they like, or do not like, and why.

Visit a local museum, and let your grandchildren’s minds soar with thoughts, ideas, and discussions. Study the art piece from a distance, and then up close, or from different angles. Examine different sections of a painting or sculptural object, and then discuss the whole effect.

Ask questions. What do you think about this sculpture? What is it made of? Do you like it? How does it make you feel? What do you think the artist is saying? What would you title this piece?

You can help discover art –anywhere and everywhere. If you are looking at that magnificent display of vegetables at the farmer’s market, converse about the array of colors and the textures. Or, if you see a public piece in your local area, talk about it, where it’s located, how it is displayed. Do you have art in your home? Is there a terrific illustration in a favorite children’s book, or one of your own books? Look at the beautiful flowers in a garden, the shape of a tree, the design of a toy.

After you have seen the art, whatever or wherever it may have been — at the museum, on the streets, in a garden, ask your grandchildren to draw their interpretations of what they saw. Or, just let them draw, color, or construct anything that pleases them and adds to their enjoyment and creativity.