Observing Art Creation With Your Child
Whether we are reading, painting, making construction sites in the mud, or singing new silly songs, we try to show our kids that there are infinite ways to be creative.
We make an effort to expose the boys to many different types of art and ways to experience art. I was thrilled when, on a recent visit to Cambridge, Massachusetts, my 4 year old asked if we could pause to watch a street artist at work. Here are some ideas to make the most of observing art creation with your child.
Observe the Process
We stopped our walk to watch Antonio Maycoff, a spray paint artist. My son was transfixed as the canvas progressed from blank white to a brightly colored mythic landscape.
See the Progression: After each step, Maycoff held up his work for the audience to view.
Talk about the Tools: Maycoff used a variety of tools in his art. We talked about each one, and how he used them. We noted a variety of stencils, coins, brushes, and a rubbing cloth, in addition to his selection of spray paint colors.
Keep it short. Luckily, Maycoff worked fairly quickly, spending maybe 10 to 15 minutes on a smaller piece. This was the perfect time to keep my son engaged.
Try to personalize it. When my son realized people could keep the art, he turned to us with wide eyes and requested his “own work of art.” He was able to request art showing planets, using blue, green, and orange.
Plan Your Own Version. (Affiliate link included)
My son is collecting his own objects to use as stencils, including a coin, a can lid, and a paperclip. He wants to use spray paint, but although I am totally comfortable with him getting messy, I am not comfortable with my 4 year old wielding a can of spray paint. My husband found this kid-friendly airbrush kit
Disclosure: An affiliate link was used in this post.
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