Are models inhibiting or freeing?

Wary of inhibiting their creativity, we tend to avoid teaching drawing to children, instead letting them figure it out on their own. But they are receiving input from all around them, and want to learn to draw. Why let them flounder when we can provide positive models? Does providing direction inhibit their creativity? In the Scientist class we found that offering a step by step process for drawing was actually very freeing for the children. As you can see, when provided with the drawing models, Lucas decided to create his own, working and explaining his drawing in a step by step fashion, just like the models, even though his drawing was completely unique.  Art skills, such as drawing, painting, and sculpting what you see, can and should be taught to children.  I can't wait to see how our artists continue to use these skills.