Thinking of Spring

As it continues to rain here in the bay area, I can't help but think of spring. It is sure to be colorful! However, I am tired of the constant dark caused by our clouds and for that reason I have this lesson designed to think about the beauty that lies ahead.

What you will need:
pencil/eraser
black sharpie
canvas board or watercolor paper
watercolors (please use an artist grade, not something that is designed for children. I find these very week in pigment which causes a week and watery color. Not very rewarding for a child.)
flowers (a great reason to treat yourself too!)

1) Have your child first sketch the still-life with a pencil. Try using a light pressure so that the pencil is light. Talk about scale, using the full page for the "focal point", the flowers. Look at the shape of each petal, the thickness of the stem, the shape of the leaves, etc. Children can add texture as well. Maybe the vane lines on the leaves and petals, any design they see on the table or vase. Depending on the child's age, depends on what details will follow. Picture above was created by a 6 year old.

2) After sketching you can have your child trace the lines with a sharpie. If they are under 5, you may want to assist in this step. Children under 5 are still working on their eye-hand coordination that enables them to trace right on top of a line. In the studio we practice this step beginning at the age of 3, after all, practice is how skill is achieved.

3) When all lines are traced with the sharpie, it is time to paint! What is great about using the sharpie to outline your image, children don't necessarily have to stay inside the lines. However they apply the paint, it is sure to be colorful and fun. If children are 4+ they can mix the paint to achieve the color's they are seeing in their still-life. There should be a table incorporated into the painting to create weight, so the flowers don't look like they are floating. This creates a foreground. The background and foreground color is personal choice. Color is a true view of personality, celebrate it.

4) Hang this colorful painting, to remind you that spring is just around the corner!