I HAVE recently been rather selfish, and for a few weeks been focusing on my own artwork.

Deciding I should do something with the numerous pieces in my studio, I went on Curatorspace, which is a project management toolkit for artists, such as myself, who wish to submit work to exhibitions.

A decision had to be made, regarding each submission, as there is always an entry fee and obviously not a guarantee that my work would be accepted. As you may be aware, my motto is `Go For It` so I had no choice but to follow my gut and off I went

Many emails, and filling in entry forms, later I received the news my paintings had been accepted into four different exhibitions. I am still waiting to hear about two more and on with work for a third. I was worried I was becoming complacent, but to be honest the boost I get from a positive acceptance email never fails to make me glow inside.

You may be wondering how this is connected to the way I try and promote children`s art.

My enthusiasm and assertiveness seems to be rubbing off on the children I teach and tutor. We all know how children react to praise in a positive way. I know, myself, if I receive a compliment, or a good reaction, whether it is for my art or in any other way, it helps my whole mindset for that day and beyond. In these strange times when there are so many things we could worry about, to me it is essential to seek out at least one positive happy moment per day. We mustn’t assume that children are coping. Another of my sayings here is ‘Never Assume.’ Art is a wonderful release for adults and children alike.

The fantastic work I receive from children and young people for my T&A column has been sent with pride and love. A simple painting from a two-year-old has just as much energy as a detailed piece of work from an 18-year-old. Both are eager to receive praise and see their art going public in the newspaper.

Only today I accepted a painting for this article sent from a father of a five-year-old little girl. When I informed the dad I was putting it in the next article, he rang his daughter and her reaction was exactly why I love doing this column. She shouted down the phone: ‘I am an artist now!’

Enthusiasm is contagious. I submitted a painting, by one of my private tuition students, to an exhibition and it has been accepted. This has brought an abundance of pride to her family, as well as, to herself and me of course. One press of that Submit button has spread all this happiness.

Celebrate the joyous naivety of young children`s art and watch how their talent develops. The images I’ve chosen this time are, as usual, a varied mix of ages but all enjoying their art experiences

In my last T&A article, published in October, I mentioned the Big Art Celebration event that I’m planning, for all children between the ages of two and 18 - for schools but youth organisations, nurseries and pre-school children. I’m asking all children who wish to be involved to do a piece of art - a painting, drawing , sculpture, anything, any size, as long as they can to hold it in front of them. I want them to line up with their work outside their schools or homes for someone to film and/or take a photo, which can be emailed to me. I will edit submissions and join them into one continuous parade of art. Email me at red4paint@yahoo.co.uk

* Lynne Dobson is a Bradford artist and retired art teacher.