The wisdom of Robert Henri on painting children and respecting their world
I’m completely in love with Robert Henri’s book The Art Spirit. There’s so much wisdom in its pages, and I’ll share more soon, but for now, take a moment to appreciate his beautiful painting of a young child, Rosaline (1927). And then read what he writes about painting children:
“I must win my way in with a child. He lives in a world that he has made, and in it there is no tying down to literal facts. Paint with respect for him. You can’t buy him. He is the great possibility, the independent individual. The child lives in his world. It is nothing to you, but it is just as big as yours.”
Henri’s words and painting are a powerful reminder of the depth and uniqueness of children. He saw them not as incomplete adults but as individuals with their own rich, imaginative worlds. Their perspective might not align with our own, but it’s just as expansive, just as real.
Later in The Art Spirit, Henri describes the “tremendous activity of a boy sitting still.” This observation feels so true—you can sense it in his painting. The child’s stillness is alive with curiosity, imagination, and the boundless possibilities of their inner world.
Respecting the Child’s World
Henri’s approach to painting children is more than an artistic technique—it’s a philosophy. It challenges us to respect and honor the independent spirit of children, to see them not as blank slates or mere observers but as creators of their own vibrant universes.
As someone who works with creativity and metaphor, this resonates deeply with me. Like children, our creative minds thrive in spaces where there are no rigid rules or “literal facts.” Respecting that space—whether in art, writing, or life—is essential to creating something authentic and alive.
Inspiration for Artists and Creatives
Whether you’re an artist, a teacher, or simply someone who loves creativity, Henri’s words offer a profound reminder:
- Approach your work with respect for the subject, whether it’s a child, a landscape, or an idea.
- Recognize the world within—both your own and others’.
- Embrace the unseen energy and possibility that lie beneath stillness.
Henri’s ability to capture the essence of a child’s world—both through his words and his art—continues to inspire. It’s a call to all of us to slow down, observe deeply, and honor the life and creativity that surround us.
