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Boy, 6, Paints Like a Master
Filed under: In The News, Weird But True, Amazing Kids
Kieron Williamson has stunned the art world with his beautiful watercolors. Credit: Albanpix, Rex USA
The art world's newest sensation isn't an Oscar-winner-turned-painter or a brooding ladies' man. Rather, the name rolling off the tongues of Britain's art cognoscenti is Kieron Williamson, a 6-year-old boy with a knack for painting beautiful watercolors.
Kieron, whose first show will open at the Last Picture Show in Town gallery in Norfolk, England on Sunday, is being lauded for having talent, "well beyond his years," writes the Daily Mail. The paintings of harbor scenes, animals, landmarks, and rural vistas are rendered in muted colors and shadow, baring an emotional depth usually found in the works of adults. As a result, some media outlets are calling Kieron a "prodigy," placing him among a select group of children whose talents both awe the public and raise its suspicions.
Kieron's paintings are not your usual kindergarten art projects. Credit: Albanpix, Rex USA
"I like painting because ... it makes me think of places I can't see," said the young artist, who's father Keith is an art dealer.
Art didn't interest Kieron very much before he visited the coastal towns of Devon and Cornwall with his parents and younger sister Billie-Jo, mom Michelle told the Daily Mail. The boats and local landscape inspired the young boy to ask for paper and begin drawing; his mom described those early works as typical of his age group.
When family friend and artist Carol Ann Pennington saw Kieron's work, however, she recognized his potential and gave him lessons. Ms. Pennington owns the gallery showcasing Kieron's paintings. The young boy has already sent an original to the Queen of England and plans to send one to Prince Charles as well, reports the Daily Mail.
Child prodigies become media sensations once discovered and sometimes the attention turns ugly. In 2004, the U.S. became taken with a 4-year-old girl named Marla Olmstead whose works were compared to Jackson Pollack. At the time, Marla's paintings were selling for as much as $24,000 and she was featured in The New York Times. The overwhelming praise for Marla led 60 Minutes to video tape her creative process and show the footage to a psychologist specializing in gifted children. The expert was underwhelmed and cast a shadow on the authenticity of the prodigy from Binghamton, N.Y. Marla continues to paint today.
Kieron will experience his first gallery opening two days before he turns 7. As the highly anticipated paintings make their debut, the world might do Kieron a service by holding back the "prodigy" label until the boy can deal with the accompanying baggage.
This article was originally published on Aug. 4, 2009.
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ReaderComments (Page 3 of 3)
8-15-2010 @ 2:02AM
Rob said...When I first read this story I was a bit jealous, being an artist myself, not of his talent but his age. Would this even be a story if the exact same art were displayed by a 20 year old? No... he or she would be accused of imitating Monet or Van Gogh or another impressionist. What bothers me is the noteriety placed upon him simply because of his age. As an artist I hope my work is recognized and appreciated; but I want it to be my work. Did he paint it himself? Did Shakespeare write all those play? In the end WHO CARES! The writing we enjoy is what stands the test. The composition, use of color, choice of subject these are what we should see; what should matter. Does the piece MOVE you...
Reply
8-15-2010 @ 2:20AM
Hamrick4 said...Hahaha......well put Wayne, couldn't have said it better myself!
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8-15-2010 @ 2:23AM
Patty said...Here here Bruce! Well done!
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8-15-2010 @ 3:21AM
2201 East said...I deal in the art world myself. My sister teaches art in elementary school. I saw a piece painted by a child in the third grade last year that I would have bought if it could have been arranged. There are other children who show signs of genius at an early age. Why shouldn't it happen here?
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8-15-2010 @ 3:53AM
gravy1126 said...he is good
Reply
8-15-2010 @ 6:45AM
Roberta Hughes said...His works, as pictured, are fantastic. What a gift!
What became of the young girl who could paint flowers like Georgia O'Keefe? Remember her?
Oprah once did a show on amazingly talented children, and the girl who paints like O'Keefe was one of them.
Reply
8-16-2010 @ 7:33PM
Ray said...Wonder how many like him and with many other wonder talents as well, have died in our country's usless wars.
Reply
10-14-2010 @ 8:18PM
Trebor said...Woweee!!!! Dont care if a child painted it or an adult---still love it either way.
Reply