Yesterday I did a workshop at one of my universities, teaching very young children to paint with sumi ink. It was an introduction to the medium. For most it was a first chance to experience ink, and washi. What is the smell of sumi ink? How does it move on the paper? How does ink feel? How does it taste? Of course they taught me many things.One kid tired of using the rolled paper brush he was given and started painting with the big old rock that was supposed to be his paper weight. My first time to see someone paint with a rock. Kids are unique in our modern era of specialization. They are scientists discovering the world, and natural artist sharing their vision with the world. They are little Divincis walking among us.
Of course it did not take long for some to abandon other tools for the more basic hands and feet.
One judge of success, every painting was different, as the individual person that creating it.