Art acts as a form of self-expression, bringing into this world something that did not exist and never could in the hands of anyone else. Rather than encouraging this, a teacher reportedly gave a student poor marks for her painting, the child received support from none other than KISS singer-guitarist Paul Stanley.
First, Edie, the child in question, received support from her mother Gemma Leighton, who shared her artwork and story online. At first, approval poured in from anyone on the internet who saw and shared her plight. Then, her story reached very hardcore supporters in high places. Read about just how KISS‘s Stanley worked to save a child’s passion here.
Doing a subjective field wrong
My 6 year old daughter painted this amazing scene at an after school art club.
Her art teacher told her she had done it wrong?!
You can't do art wrong!
She was so upset as art is her favourite thing to do.
Can you please show Edie some support and like her painting? pic.twitter.com/LV8rOgPwjc— Gemma Leighton (@GemLeighton) April 21, 2021
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the act of creating itself is awe-inspiring to behold overall. So, how is it possible to do art “wrong?” According to Leighton, that’s the criticism Edie received from her teacher. “My 6 year old daughter painted this amazing scene at an after school art club. Her art teacher told her she had done it wrong?!” she wrote on Twitter.
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Her post went on, “You can’t do art wrong! She was so upset as art is her favourite thing to do. Can you please show Edie some support and like her painting?” A picture of the art piece in question accompanies the post. It features a blend of segments in different colors: soft red in the top middle, framed by green and brown on the sides, with a disappearing road of teel below. Dark, solid lines outline shapes in the image of trees.
KISS’ Paul Stanley joins the call to support Edie’s painting
Edie… Your art is AWESOME!!! There is no such thing as doing art “wrong”. There are only teachers who are wrong”!!! Your art shows amazing freedom and spirit. How can that be “wrong”?!?! Keep doing EXACTLY what you are doing. I LOVE it!!! https://t.co/PRwkYfN3ru
— Paul Stanley (@PaulStanleyLive) April 22, 2021
Since Leighton’s post went live on April 21, it has received 144k likes, 11.7k shares onto other people’s profiles, and 15.6k comments. One of those comments and shares comes from Paul Stanley, singer and guitarist for KISS, supporting other artists, crossing mediums from music-making to painting. “Edie… Your art is AWESOME!!!” he wrote. “There is no such thing as doing art “wrong”. There are only teachers who are wrong”!!! Your art shows amazing freedom and spirit. How can that be “wrong”?!?! Keep doing EXACTLY what you are doing. I LOVE it!!!”
Gemma, show Edie this picture by the French artist, Raoul Dufy, and please tell her that her painting reminded me of his pictures. I would get Edie's picture made into a card or canvas print, or both, on Snapfish, and hang it in the house. pic.twitter.com/qeEH6X8StW
— Jan Bird (@pictureladyjan) April 21, 2021
His words echo what thousands of others have said. One user offered a comparison between Edie’s style and that of French artist Raoul Dufy, comparing her work with one of his that looks similar. Encouragement from so many people, including and especially Stanley, helped turn Edie’s despair around. Leighton shared, Edie would like to thank everyone for the kind and encouraging support. She feels much more confident than she did this morning and will continue with her art and is apparently now opening an etsy shop.” She adds this is the first she’s heard of it, complete with emojis of amusement.
Edie would like to thank everyone for the kind and encouraging support.
She feels much more confident than she did this morning and will continue with her art and is apparently now opening an etsy shop (first I've heard of it😂😂😂)And a huge thanks from me too.. You're all ace pic.twitter.com/23rjcHBh5S
— Gemma Leighton (@GemLeighton) April 21, 2021
Leighton then told CNET that it’s “safe to say Edie is definitely in the KISS Army now!” Artists have to support each other!