Part 1 - Love the Children through Nature's Art. Part 2 - Save Nature through Children's Art

In celebration of National Art Month, February 2026

Part 1 - Love the Children through Nature's Art

Dr Abe V Rotor
Guardian and Tutor

“They always say time changes things, but you actually
have to change them yourself.” Andy Warhol


Author demonstrates basic art under the trees.

Away from the cellphone and mall,
for a time precious however small.

“If I could say it in words there would be no reason to paint.”
- Edward Hopper


Wall mural brings nature to children in imagery.

Reach out for something a dream,
a pot of gold, morning sun beam.

“To create one’s own world takes courage.” Georgia O’Keeffe


A work of art is beautiful and never wrong.

Proudly they stand with their art,
a treasure their lives now a part.

“The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live.”
- Auguste Rodin



Outdoor art workshop under the trees. Living with Nature arboretum.

A school: its roof,
the sky and treetops,
its walls the horizon,
its floor bare earth;
it is Nature's zone.

Shh... these children feel free,
freedom in creativity

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso


Art guides children to a healthy socio-cultural life.

Time out, art is not in a hurry,
pause with nature and company.

“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” Francis Bacon


Author as guardian and tutor to children

Art has many expressions,
in different sessions;
shy and cautious at first,
'til released like a burst.

“I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart.” Vincent van Gogh ~

 Part 2 - Save Nature through Children's Art 

"Lolo," knocking on the gate, they called,

"Why it's gloomy, typhoon's coming," I said;

And the wind had started blowing cold;

Children are children, bless them, oh Lord.

And I, a parent, a teacher grown very old,

Rose from my armchair to meet the three;

"Can we draw?" chorused they cheerfully

What shall they draw when the sky's heavy?

Living with Nature garden with Rizal's shrine as background.  

The shrine depicts his life in exile at Dapitan as artist, scientist, 

doctor, teacher and farmer, among other roles.

 

Author and tutor Dr Rotor poses with budding artists, all students of San Vicente Integrated School. at the Living with Nature Center 

"Go to Mother Nature when tired, lonely and uncertain,
when all human comfort fails, when abandoned." - avr

Integrated Children's Summer Workshop conducted by the author 

at the San Vicente Botanical Garden , San Vicente, Ilocos Sur.

Take time out from TV, computer, malling;
     life's so dull, busy yet empty;
The left brain's overworked, the right idle,
     growing up is a sad story.

Take time out in summer away from school,
     put down your books and depart;
give imagination a chance over knowledge
     through creativity in the art.

Take time out to be close to Mother Nature,
     draw and paint under the trees,
recreate the world you wish it should be,
     let your worries go with the breeze.

Take time out to be your real self, discover
     beyond the world of reality,
with myriad colors and the paintbrush,
     the boundless realm of fantasy. ~ 

Author's Note: From the neighborhood these children came to learn drawing in spite of inclement weather lately caused by a series of typhoons . School classes were suspended, but thanks to the brief calm moments the children found respite in drawing. They brought home their works, in order to share their acquired skill and optimism to their family and community.