Just realising what an influence art has had on my life... Children today have so much to hand, bright colours, choice of art supports, brushes, equipment...I wonder if this often leaves nothing for imagination....as a child in the 1940's wartime, we used bird feathers as quills, brown paper to draw on (sometimes)...collage would consist of old wool, buttons, rough string etc...Progressing through the years, ...we didn't have ballpoint pens.probably didn't know what an HB or 2B pencil was, but learned and enjoyed the journey through the years.... With such a variety now of equipment available....watercolour, quick drying oils, acrylics , pencils, pens, inks, papers, books DVDs, the journey is endless with a wealth of knowlege....artistic interests can bring a new dimension into the lives of many, especially those with mobility problems, or otherwise housebound. I am in my 70's and realise what an influence art has been in my life....we never stop learning.