Realism - Artist:
Patrick McGrath, age 10

In this age group, just like Patrick's picture demonstrate's, kids are interested in making their drawings look like something real. Here, Patrick draws realistic dinosaurs, palm trees and a gory scene - typical of young men in this age group. Patrick also shows great compositional sense: he incorporates a horizon, a sun in the upper left hand corner, action front and center, and just enough space for every element of the picture.

It's also interesting to note the repetition in background elements: palm trees all have 3 to 4 palm leaves on each side, coconuts are represented by three circles and the tree trunks have similar criss-crossing patterns.

The Tyrannosaurus Rex has all sorts of realistic detail: 1) the head really looks like a T.Rex, 2) it has the tiny upper arms, and 3) a thumb claw on the hind legs - just like the "real mccoy".

This attention to detail is direct evidence that Patrick demonstrates the ability to observe carefully - all pointing to Patrick's future success as an artist - should he choose to pursue it.

(Other details about the picture from the artist himself, (and these cracked me up): just to the left of the T. Rex's foot is "a raptor eating a headless man". What's the T.Rex doing? "T.Rex is eating man's head...blood spilling out". I want to thank Patrick and his father Chris for their time and generosity. Keep up the good work Patrick!) 

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