As an Art major in college I would say Marla definitely has a talent and it seems from her art work that it is intentional, at least to an extent. Her work should definitely be considered Art and many of her painting are very beautiful.

Sent by Rick Theile | 4:38 PM ET | 10-16-2007

I usually quite dislike abstract art - and, yes, I've been known to use the phrase, "I could paint that!" ...and I'm an engineer with little art talent. That said, I find Marla's work pretty and appealing, and I can understand wanting to own some. It's certainly more attractive than monochromatic canvasses, which are usually the "works of art" to draw my wrath.

Sent by Shannon | 6:02 PM ET | 10-31-2007

My wife and I are both graphic designers with two children of our own. We have noticed that young children have a talent for abstract art that we as adults try to control and sometimes cripple in our search to make it 'right.' We as adults generally work too hard to make it look free form. I think Maria's art is very nice but must note that the marketing of this child is very good as well, promoting her as more than an average child with talent. From working with many children in art classes I feel that even though her talent is apparent it is not extraordinary as many children can produce the same quality given the same incentives, rewards and opportunity. Children naturally have an uninhibited way of drawing and painting that we must admire. We may all be raising a little Rembrandt of our own. We just have to give them the a space to paint, a well stretched canvas and a lot of paint to play with. As far as art on our walls, we have placed many of our own childrens framed work in places of prominence by other pieces by 'real' artists. When framed and presented properly a childs art becomes legitimate and stands with the best.

Sent by Mark Cirzan | 11:08 AM ET | 11-01-2007

I don't disagree that Marla's work is art. But what one has to do is differentiate the difference between art (with a lower case a) and Art (witha capital A!). Marla is far too young to have an understanding of abstraction, or realism for that matter. Her brain hasn't developed to a point where she can draw or paint realistically, draw or paint what she sees or for that matter know or care about what she sees. She's four! When she sees mom and dad, she's happy. When she sees something she doesn't recognize, she's concerned or confused. The understanding and rationale for making her art is not yet realized.

Yes, they are pretty images, and yes, there are some wonderful marks being made in the composition, but what are the intentions of the four year old? What is she trying to communicate in her art? What is the social or theoretical commentary she is making? None. Nothing. Nothing. She's four for crying out loud! My child made wonderful artwork when she was four too, and I gave her nice canvas and paints too (well, not quite as nice, but nonetheless...). Her Jasper Johns painting of hearts is wonderful, but does it mean she has the same understanding of life and society, the same reasons for making her hearts and smears of grey and black as Johns? No. Do I hang the painting on the wall? Of course! I love it. Closest thing to a Jasper Johns painting I will have anytime soon.

Marla (et al.), good life to you in the future! I hope that the money "you" made helps out in your college or life experiences. I am curious to see how much attention the art world pays you in 20, 30, 50 years. It would be curious to see how much attention you paid to the art world in the same time. I hope that you, as you develop the mental ability to fully realize what you are doing, enjoy the work of making work and appreciate the history of abstraction (and all of Art [capital A] and how it all came to be.

Last note, in the book "Art and Fear," authors David Bayles and Ted Orlando make a wonderful point about the media. "Newspapers love to print stories about five-year-old musical prodigies giving solor recitals, but you rarely read about one going on to become Mozart. The point here is that whatever his initial gift, Mozart was also an artist who learned to work on his work, and thereby improved." "Artists get better by sharpening thier skills or by aquiring new ones; they get better by learning to work, and learning from their work. They commit themselves to the work of their heart, and act upon that commitment." Let us remember that great art was not invented because it was easy, but rather because it took a lot of failures and a lot of hard work.

Best to you Marla, best to you.

Sent by Frank Korb | 11:30 AM ET | 11-01-2007

Pierre Bonnard (French, 20th C. painter) once said "You draw with your heart but paint with your brain." Marla's "abstracts" lack the push-pull of spatial ambiguity where shapes never seem literally stuck on the surface where they were applied, but instead move illusionistically from front to back and vice-versa, ala Hans Hoffmann.

Sent by M Zivich | 11:59 AM ET | 11-01-2007

I think Art works prices are only determined by taste. I don't like her art, but that doesn't mean someone else doesn't like it. If people are willing to pay such a exagerate prices for her work, then what is wrong about it? However, let stop giving this type of special cases free advertisement.

Sent by Monica | 12:02 PM ET | 11-01-2007

Does she pick the colors? I would think that any child could paint like this if the paint and colors were picked out for them. Is it possible that her parents supply her with the colors they want to see?

Sent by Joshua | 12:13 PM ET | 11-01-2007

I don't pretend to be versed in the creation of art or the many expressions of art. But I have to admit that this, along with all the various versions of "abstract" art befuddles me. I sometimes think that people fawn over this art because they don't want to give the impression that they aren't as intelligent as it takes to understand it. In this case, I'm happy to admit my ignorance. Visit many heartland homes and you'll find similar looking work beneath magnets on refrigerators.

Sent by Steve | 12:40 PM ET | 11-01-2007

It looks nice but elephants make paintings too. Would you pay a few thousand for that? Only time will tell.

Sent by S Davis | 2:49 PM ET | 11-01-2007

Pablo Picasso is quoted as saying "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." I like her paintings.

Art lovers/critics may feel the back story on the artist is important, but one can project a lot of meaning onto someone's work, which may or may not have been intended by the artist.

I have three kids who enjoy painting and other art. I keep thinking, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Sent by Bobb | 2:58 PM ET | 11-01-2007

About Marla's work: Its wonderful that she is encouraged and that she is allowed to keep painting. As time goes along it may change. The notion that it is good, bad, or anything but what Marla's lets it be is really not relevant. It is just simply part of Marla, and we can all celebrate along with her.

Sent by Fil K. | 3:58 PM ET | 11-01-2007

Art as described by twentieth century practice could be defined as the visual manifestation of philosophy. While this statement is a generalization it does lay a veneer of substance that blankets a substantial portion of the "Art" of the last one hundred years. Much if not all of the "art" that avoids addressing issues of "Art" at best may achieve the label of decorative. The art of any four year old prodigy is by nature limited by both its influences and the artists abilities to comprehend. It could be argued that "Art" at its worst is at least, even in the mind of the non-initiate, confrontational. Witness R.Mutt. If the reader is perplexed by the last statement, I suggest a little research into the Art of the twentieth century prior to any serious A/art purchase. After all who in their right mind would base say their investment portfolio upon the whimsies of a four year old mind. After all it takes experience to understand cuteness and privilege are not a sound foundation for investment.

Sent by Robert Pepper | 6:59 PM ET | 11-01-2007

I love art, and buy alot of it and I never buy abstract art, not because I dont like it because I think it cheapens the word art, I know there is alot of people going to disagree, but its the truth, I remember on a 60 minute type show on T.V one night they had a art gallery on and just to see what happened they had a whole KINDERGARDEN CLASS, thats right KINTERGARDEN, and they had all of the kids paint on canvas, well they had all the art critics and art dealers and collectors and people out on the street come in and give there oppinion, you should have heard these people, one woman said I love they way he shows the lines of red which is his passion with the purple that is love, I mean there idiots, all of them were trying to desifer what the paintings meant and how much they loved them, then at the end when they told them it was by a kintergardener, they stormed out, knowing it was a scam, the bottom line is that its not art, it is, but you dont need the talent like impressionist, or realism, and I dont care what they say its the truth, my kids could paint that.

Sent by earl | 9:36 AM ET | 11-02-2007

I believe that what make's Marla's work stick out from other preteen painters is her choice of composition and color. I am sure they are intuitive or instinctive and she probably couldn't say why she organizes or composes the elements in the fashion that she does, but its clear that she has a good eye for color, movement and arrangement.

I think its great that she can make money on her work. And I wonder how her work will transform and evolve as she gets older. I am sure it will be interesting to observe.

Sent by Sundog | 12:01 PM ET | 11-02-2007

I AM NOT AN ART CONASEUER
I DO ADMIRE EXCELENT ART, THIS IS NOT, IT IS VERY GOOD, MY 5 YR OLD DAUGHTER CAN TO THE SAME WITH THE SAME EQUIPMENT! THIS CHILD HAS TALENT SO DOES MANY OTHER CHILDREN. GIVEN THE RIGHT EQUPMENT, MANY ARE JUST AS GOOD OR BETTER.

Sent by M.ROME | 9:00 PM ET | 11-02-2007

I have never been able to understand how one can label something "Art" when it has been created by someone or something with no true understanding of spacial relationships, color theory and or composition.
Do we not remember that names such as Kandinsky, Pollock and Picasso had extensive education and backgrounds in "Traditional" forms of art before moving into the Abstract realm?
I am of the school of thought that contends for a piece to be considered "Art," the creator must have knowledge of art. Otherwise it is simply happy accident. Admittedly, at times these can be beautiful accidents. But performing without knowledge of the "rules" which one is breaking makes the performance an exercise in ignorance.

Sent by Drew Bart | 1:34 AM ET | 11-03-2007

Everyone seems full of Should or Should Not, Must or Must Not.
Elephants can paint. Chimpanzees can paint. Children can paint.
So what. They all can somehow express a sense of space, volume, colour, pattern. When seeing it, does it cause a sensory reaction in you before you label it "tree", good , bad...
Good. Then you have a mind. Enjoy the window into another world.

Sent by doug rogers | 1:39 AM ET | 11-04-2007

I'll bet Marla's parents couldn't have painted those. Could you? I love childrens art but like all art there is good and not as good. Marla's parents recognize her gift and drive to create art and support it. Way to go. (I am a very realistic painter)

Sent by alison arnold | 5:40 PM ET | 11-04-2007

Many adults I know couldn't put the amount of work and focus into a piece that Marla has. Don't be fooled. Painting is work and Marla works at it (Unless it is done by someone else)

Sent by alison arnold | 5:48 PM ET | 11-04-2007

Can anyone remember the European prodigy of several years ago (Alexandera?) who use to paint in a Picasso style? Where is she now?

Sent by stephen | 6:39 PM ET | 11-04-2007

The Louisville Zoo has an elephant who picks up paint brushes and paints abstract canvases. This elephant's work is nice...I own one...they're for sale in the zoo's gift shop. Is it ART??...is the elephant an artist?? The little girl, like the elephant, has no background or knowledge about art, or art history... no clue what 'ART' really is. An artist learns theory, an artist learns realism, expressionism, this school of art, that school of art....and then finds the best expression of their personal vision and puts it on canvas, or paper, or the sidewalk. Folk art is the lack of learning or teaching and is the untrained and joyous expression of an individual's vision of their world...no matter how crude or simple.
An elephant, or a 6 year old girl, who splash some paint on a canvas are neither artists, nor folk artists...they are smiply curious creatures who had brushes shoved into their appendages, and they slosh pretty colors around on a canvas.....not to be confused with real art.

Sent by timothy | 12:31 AM ET | 11-05-2007

I personally appreciate Marla Olmstead and her gift from God. Her parents have the insight to know that it is a gift at such a young age and they are in position to encourage her as a parent should. I thank God for them and it doesn't matter what the world think if its authentic or not. Obviously, Marla loves working with paint and its something that is within her and will always be there no matter what. It's just only begun as she get older and the parent continue encouraging their daughter, because she is just only bringing out what God put in to share with others to view.

Sent by alice | 4:04 PM ET | 11-21-2007

I have seen Marla before i think on tv but i didnt realize how good her paintings are, and also how much fun it looks like she is having.I really like the painting at the top of this page, i think its called ocean.

Sent by Joey Brown | 1:29 PM ET | 11-26-2007

she is a 4yr old genius in abstract art,thats her gift, we did not have problem or question a nine year old in college or doing some college work.

Sent by CHINWE | 4:17 PM ET | 11-26-2007

I'm not a fan of abstract art in the slightest, but this child has truly been given a gift that most people do not know they are equipped with until much later in life. Though some argue that her work is not "art" I can't help but see it as anything else but a art. When I was four I had no idea that paint could be used for anything else but making odd looking people, I had no idea of composition nor color and this child has mastered it all. Perhaps it's the fact that she's not jaded by the world yet, or perhaps it's merely because she's painting for enjoyment, but she has been blessed with a gift and I can't help but actually adore what she creates.

Sent by Stacy | 10:14 PM ET | 11-26-2007

Not all art is completed for the end result. People will pay what they think the art is worth. It doesn't matter what anybody's intentions are.

Sent by Maegan M. | 10:36 PM ET | 11-26-2007

I don't like it. it's too easily and simply done. anyone could paint that kind of "art". i also don't believe a child painted all by themselves.

Sent by Charlie S. | 11:26 PM ET | 11-26-2007

It is amazing to me that a four year old girl can create those artworks.

Sent by Elizabeth | 8:28 AM ET | 11-27-2007

i think marla's painting of the ocean is very colorful and unique. the colors used stood out to me

Sent by rushi | 9:51 AM ET | 11-27-2007

I've seen peices by artists who've been around for years...and their art looked just as simplistic as little Marla's, but since they're by an adult they're accepted as abstract instead of just down right sloppy. I actually think her works are thoughtful and interesting, better than what I've seen in a museum. So, who IS to say this girl is not an art prodigy? She creates art that many understand while others don't, she sells her work with some expensive price tags, and she loves what she's doing. She looks like an art prodigy to me.

Sent by DeVan | 10:42 AM ET | 11-27-2007

i think its good for little kids to do something creative but i think any little kid could do what she does.

Sent by rob cedar | 12:12 PM ET | 11-27-2007

I think that she is being used from her parents. Her father knows the meaning and values of art. So he use some of his knowledge to obtain money for his daugther work that she has no idea of.

Sent by gregory rann | 3:02 PM ET | 11-27-2007

Marla must have an amazing imagination. These abstract works have such vibrant colors that catch the eye. Marla has the potential to become a known artist for our up-coming generations. ROCK ON GIRL!

Sent by Cyndi | 3:17 PM ET | 11-27-2007

What is art? I find that art is in the perception of the viewer. In the case of Marla, she is a child without the well developed mind to understand the language of art. Her work has been called abstract, free form, and it is, free of form. One can see that her work lacks the discipline of the trained mind. I think her work is pretty darn good for a four year old(at that time). When compared to mature artist's known for abstract work you can see differences. I did note on the "Eyes" there is an image present that I question if a child of that age could have created. I also noticed in "Faces" an image that clearly comes from a child's hand. Marla has an eye for color. That is what makes her work so appealing. The question remains, will she become a better artist as she matures?

Sent by Latice | 10:48 PM ET | 11-27-2007

HENOK
I like it, but it Is too easily and simply done. anyone could paint that kind of "art". i also don't believe a child painted all by themselves.

Sent by henok | 10:59 AM ET | 11-29-2007

I believe that Marla Olmstead is a blessed child and will one day be a great prodigy.

Sent by Jamie Snow | 11:26 AM ET | 11-29-2007