At the end of school, the class parents always purchase a gift for the teachers. This year, our teacher’s assistant, Miss Hema, was leaving, so we wanted to make her gift extra special. One of the parents came up with the idea of making a painting for her, or rather, me making a painting for her. I liked the idea, and thought it would be great to include the children.

After preparing the canvas with its first layer of paint (which I typically do in a very messy fashion, slapping on paints at the end of a painting session), I brought my easel, brushes, and paints into the Grade One classroom. The children were very eager to help. One by one, they each made a heart on the painting, using the colours and brushes of their choice. I asked them to send a kind message or memory of Miss Hema into their heart. When they were all finished, I brought the painting home, unsure about how it was all going to come together; there was so much orange on the painting, I found it quite garish.

Well, I am always amazed at how a painting can come together, becoming cohesive so beautifully. It’s always a bonus when it only takes an extra layer or two (especially with a deadline!!) I brought the painting back into the classroom so all the children could sign their names on the reverse. Miss Hema was very pleased!