Fun learning environment through painting

Children like getting creative and would never pass any activity that lets them freely express their imagination. This is something that Learning on the Gogh promotes through the painting activities that it organizes for parties and playdates. Now on its fourth year, it has become a go-to activity among kids in the Metro.

Owned by 38-year-old school tutor Meg Entrata, the idea behind this business came about when a friend of hers mentioned how nice it would be to have services that organize Do It Yourself (DIY) activities for kids during parties. As someone who had been thinking of starting an activity involving children, Meg thought the suggestion was a great idea.

“That’s when we figured I should do it since I’m always working with kids. I had been a tutor for nine years at that time and had so much fun doing it. So, I decided to make it grow and make it a real business,” Meg shared.

If she can do it, so can you

When asked if she has always been into painting or doing artistic stuff, the full-time tutor admitted those didn’t interest her before. “I would always think that I had zero talent in painting or anything art related. However, I’m good at working with children and I really wanted to make a business where my clients will be kids,” she continued.

It was what drove Meg to attend painting workshops and learn the basics. Now she supervises painting activities for kids and even gets to paint with them. Meg always makes it a point to ensure each child in her class is enjoying.

“Since painting should be a fun activity and not a serious class, I encourage and remind kids when they get frustrated that everyone has their own interpretation of the painting, that no one will be graded. Also, I don’t force a child to paint if he doesn’t want to,” Meg said.

Seeing potential

The tutor added that running Learning on the Gogh doesn’t feel like work for her. Meg finds fulfillment whenever she sees the kids enjoying the activity or feeling proud of their work. “Some of them actually get shocked to know that they painted so well. It fulfills me because I have somehow unlocked a talent that they didn’t know they had. It boosts their self-esteem.”

When she sees potential in a child, Meg talks to the parents and encourages them to have him or her enrolled in an art school or nurture it at home. “I tell them that they don’t need so much stuff to paint at home. They don’t have to use canvas all the time and they can just use paper to practice the brush strokes,” she shared.

The fun journey Meg shared with her young students can also be experienced by the grown-ups. A firm believer that no one is too old to try something new, the tutor ended the interview by saying. “Just go for it! Don’t be scared to do trial and error. Maybe research a bit on the brushes that you will need so you will only buy what is necessary. Buy paint in small packaging first. No need to use canvas right away, thick paper will do, and always do it for fun!”

Since painting should be a fun activity and not a serious class, I encourage and remind kids when they get frustrated that everyone has their own interpretation of the painting, that no one will be graded. Also, I don’t force a child to paint if he doesn’t want to. — Meg Entrata