... news from Leslie Vasquez

{Originally published March 9, 2022}

I use face painting to introduce young children to art. Anything can be an art-form if it transcends the artist. What does this mean? It means that anyone can decorate a cake and it'll most likely taste good but let an artist decorate a cake and it moves us emotionally. It resonates deep in our soul. It's sometimes too pretty to eat (but I'll eat it anyway). That's when it becomes an art-form. It transcends the artist because each person who looks at it will feel something slightly different whether the artist intended it or not. Sometimes it'll make you laugh. Sometimes it'll make you sigh. Sometimes it'll make you cry. 

Face painting is no exception to this. Sure there are a lot of hobbyists but you'll recognize an artist's work right away because it'll stop you in your tracks and you'll be like, "Wow!"

At parties, face painted children will go into creative-play mode which turns on the theatrical art side of their brains (the right hemisphere) thus turning them into artists on the spot. They become the characters painted on their faces acting out roles as if they really are the tiger, the princess or the superhero. It's brilliant to watch and you'll see pure joy on their faces.

At larger celebrations like festivals and fairs, face painting let's children know they are not only welcome at these events but they are also important to the celebration as well. They are part of the festivities. They add to the fun for everyone and let's face it, who knows how to have fun better than kids?

After being face painted, not only do their own faces light up, but so do their parents' faces and everyone who looks at them as they walk around. Oprah once said that's the one thing children need most ... 'for their parents' eyes to light up when they walk into a room' ... but sometimes parents forget this in the day to day activities. When I paint kids faces, it lights that spark again and reminds everyone how fabulous kids are.

The joy it brings is truly priceless. It's powerful stuff. Thank you for inviting me to make this magic happen. Let's get this party started!

What is your definition of art? Have you ever experienced this feeling -- that something you didn't expect to, moved you emotionally?

If you have an idea for a topic you'd like me to write about, please go to the "Contact" page and fill out the "message" part of the form after filling in the boxes for name, email, and phone number. I look forward to another fabulous year as a face painter.