Christmas Cars!

This idea, from Deep Space Sparkle, is a perfect introduction to illustration art. The artwork is not intended to be realistic or painterly, but more like an illustration in a children's book.                                                      Kids often try so hard to make things look 'real,' especially middle schoolers and up. This project offers a great opportunity for them to loosen up and draw something a bit less perfect, even cartoonish and silly, while illustrating a rather quaint and old fashioned subject. 

The kids (ages 10 to 15) were a bit hesitant about it at first, but loved the Christmas Car once we got going! Corban (our only male artist) painted Christmas Humvee driven by Slenderman in a potato storm. 

Well, alrighty then! 

Glimmering Trees!

This is such a fun winter project! 

Great for all ages too, especially because of the surprise painting technique using bleeding tissue paper. (A 4-year-old created the trees on the bottom left.)

Also, kids love to use metallic Sharpies, so you can't go wrong. 

We've created glittering trees many times, always with beautiful results. 

If you would like to try this project, you can find out more at 
http://kidsartists.blogspot.com/2010/12/colourful-christmas-trees.html

Just Let 'Em Paint!

Sometimes you just gotta paint! 

"Free-painting" is an integral part of our art program. No rules. No instruction. Just paper, brushes, palettes, water, and paint. Then let them go to it! Often, amazing things happen. 




Okay, I admit I encourage the kids to mix their own colors. I might even show them how to do it. (That's what the palettes are for.) And if they ask for help, I'm there. 






It's important for young artists to take art classes and attempt directed art projects. They will learn new art processes, how to use new materials, and try new subjects and ideas. 

However, it's equally important - for the sake of creativity - to let young artists go their own way and paint at will! 

Beautiful Autumn Leaves!

Our young artists drew these autumn leaves with black Sharpies. Then they added details and outlines in crayon, focusing on repetition and patterns. 

Finally, they used watercolor to paint over the entire composition while enjoying the amazing wax resist effects as the colors 'popped' through the paint!