The Kangaroo Dinosaur
A few months ago the Art Class started this wall painting but got stuck on how they wanted to finish it. Time went by and then the funds ran out and the mural became an eye sore. I asked what they needed to finish it and they said a new design and some paint. I told them I would get them the paint but the design was up to them.
They came up with the idea of a Kangaroo Dinosaur and I said I didn’t think any thing like that ever existed.
“But how do you know?” they asked, disappointed by my lack of enthusiasm, and I had to admit that I really had nothing to base my response on. I suppose I was more concerned with how I would explain it to visitors.
The little ones liked it a lot and gave their vote of approval to it right away. They liked the baby Dinosaurs peering out from the mother’s pouch.
And in the end the Artist all agreed to the design as well, disregarding my negative input, and decided to get right at it.
They first made the sketch over the old painting and then prepared their paints. If I have learned anything from Mr. Hoeut, their teacher, it is this: Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or changing your mind on the design. You can always paint over what was done in the past.
They spent most of the afternoon repainting the area to be changed, first with white and then with color.
Today the wall had a fresh new character and the Kangaroo Dinosaur was beginning to take shape.
We’ll keep you posted on our progress right here on this web-site so please check back with us in a few days to see how we are doing.
very cool
That is a great story! and nice job (Wayne) making it into a teaching (covering up the past/starting over…) Fun to see this new development!! Say hello to all!!
These kids always amaze me. Your story made me smile. I can’t wait to see more.
A child’s imagination is a precious treasure. Any more white walls to paint?
I was totally amazed by the imagination your students have!!! Must have something to do with their CREATIVE LEADER, huh!
Its amazing how Wat Opot grew and discovered the talents of the kids.I would love to visit and see the place again where i considered Cambodia as my second home.Wayne you did a great job!
Hi Wayne, I really hope i can join them to paint the picture.Please say hello to them.
Im Loving the Kangaroo Dinosaur. When I first saw the photo of the design it reminded me of New Zealands extinct dinosaur Bird the ‘Moa’ kind of… I love the lesson in it all and I am very excited in being able to be amoungst these fantastically creative beings in 17 days time. Save Marijke a paint brush when we are there shes loves painting.
Well the Wat O Pot community has done it again!!!!!! Well done. I will never get over how we can all learn something new everyday and this place proves it can be done.
Cheers to their innovative and creative minds!! Please give the children my best and God Bless
you Wayne for all you do.
Thank you.
Michael – Bangkok, Thailand
It looks fantastic! The talent at Wat Opot is truly amazing and it’s great to see the initiative. I miss you all very much. Love to everyone.