It's easy and fun for kids to make their own painted papers for collage. The resulting textures, patterns, and color variations will add extra delight to every project. Making painted paper is a perfect "process-art" activity for the first day of school or anytime you need some "art therapy"! What you'll need for making painted papers: 9 x 12 white construction paper, at … [Read more...]
Abstract Art Project Inspired by Joan Miró
Kids of all ages enjoy art history when you teach it through projects inspired by the work of famous artists. Abstract art is especially fun for kids because it removes the pressure that can come with trying to achieve "realism". This project is inspired by the Surrealist movement and the work of Spanish artist Joan Miró. Joan (pronounced "Djo-ahn") Miró was a painter, … [Read more...]
The Surprising Truth About Teaching Drawing to Kids
Why teach drawing to kids? When you teach drawing to kids, you're giving them a skill that pays big dividends in today’s world. Drawing is the foundation for many forms of art. But you certainly don’t need to be an “artist” or work in an art-related career to benefit from drawing. Anyone can use drawing to explore an idea, solve a problem, give visual form to a mental … [Read more...]
Patriotic Noisemaker Tacos
Take your summer craft projects to the next level when you include the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, color) and the Principles of Design (contrast, rhythm, proportion, balance, unity, emphasis, movement, and variety). Look for ways you can weave some of this art vocabulary into every project you teach, like I've done with the project below. Be … [Read more...]
No-Measure Mandala on Aluminum Foil
Exciting news!! I'm honored to be a contributor in Kathy Barbro's new book, Sharpie Art Workshop for Kids. Kathy writes the popular blog, Art Projects for Kids. It was Kathy's blog that first inspired me to start my own kids' art blog many years ago, so that makes this even more exciting for me! You can order Kathy's new book here. Sharpies have been a staple on my art … [Read more...]
Unwind with a Relaxing Ceramic “Feeling Sculpture”
This "Feeling Sculpture" may be the most relaxing clay project you’ll ever do. My students loved it so much, they asked to do it again the next week! Ages 5-85 can all have fun with this project that could double as therapy. Credit for this awesome project goes to my daughter’s high school Ceramics teacher, Mr. Emery. He challenged his students to form the clay with their eyes … [Read more...]
Recycled Assemblage Sculptures Inspired by Louise Nevelson
Louise Nevelson (1899-1988) was one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Born in Russia, she emigrated with her family to the United States in 1905. Her unique artistic style was influenced by the cubist movement, co-founded by Pablo Picasso, and the found object sculptures of Marcel Duchamp. Calling herself “the original recycler”, Nevelson is … [Read more...]
Quilled Paper Designs
Quilling, also known as paper filigree, is an art form that involves rolling and gluing thin strips of paper into various shapes and arranging them to form designs. Quilled paper designs can be very simple or as complex as you have the dexterity and patience for! The art of quilling dates back to the Renaissance when French and Italian monks and nuns would use … [Read more...]
Volunteering as an Art Educator
Opportunities abound for volunteering as an Art Educator! If you've got a little extra free time this summer, why not take advantage of this chance to share your expertise with others in your community? This summer, I'm teaching Art classes for the elderly residents at a local retirement home.... a completely new experience for me! With new experiences come new challenges, … [Read more...]
Basic Collage with Positive and Negative Shapes
I do this project with my first graders every year to help them understand the concept of positive and negative shapes. This project also teaches symmetry and offers important practice in cutting on a fold and applying glue. First graders are often surprised by the shapes they see when they unfold their papers - they are some pretty cute kids! Materials: 9x12 black (or … [Read more...]
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