Who knew all this artistic talent existed in the family...

I first recognized artistic abilities in Jenna-Rae when she was in Grade 3.  She made this ceramic penguin and I was soooo impressed...hers was really the only one that actually could be recognized as a penguin!  I was surprise and wondered if it was a lucky day for her...

(the little orange nose fell off...)

And then there is this guy made from toilet paper rolls.  He was originally sitting on a park bench (the bench didn't survive over the years)...even has his legs crossed.  This was Grade 3 also.

So I dug back a little and found this soccer dude that Taylor made years and years ago...Grade 4.  Taylor wasn't too excited about art...ever...but still came up with the odd thing that was kinda cool.

And then Medusa.  Jenna did this a couple years ago.  It thought it was cool.

Jenna has several drawings that are amazing as well.  So when it came down to it, I really thought she was the family artist.  But then, this year, Lewis has made some very impressive pieces of art and this was one of my favourite...

I'm just so happy that each of them has embraced opportunities to explore and develop their talents...and share them!

An acrylic painting of a portrait of Taylor.  I just love it.  He doesn't think he's that great, but I do.  In fact, I'm thrilled that some of our people love art and are brave enough to try so many different things.  Lewis has also been impressing me this year with his passion for piano.  He is taking lessons...and although his ADHD comes through at times (he plays some pieces really fast...and his practice times are either really long, or not at all...but I get that too. lol) he is really talented.  

I shouldn't be too surprised.  My Mom has played piano by ear for 60 years!  She can still sit down and lay out some old ragtime music that she used to play (while donning a dress and heals) for my Grandma and Grandpa's dinner guests years ago.  My Mom can draw as well.  I didn't get that talent!  I can play piano, but forget drawing!

On the music side of things, my Dad's Dad was a true musician.  He could play any instrument.  The singing voices on that side of the family are amazing...I think all of my Aunties and Uncles can sing beautifully.  My Mom's side can sing as well.  Both my parents have beautiful voices.  

On Dennis' side, apparently his Dad's Dad played trombone in a band.  His Uncle still has the trombone!  It's so cool...and maybe that's why it was so natural for Taylor to play as well!