Creating art allows me to bring ideas from my mind to life, but the best part about making art is the joy and fun of creating. What I love most about being an artist is getting lost in that process and thoroughly enjoying it. I love working with kids because they effortlessly understand how to incorporate play into art-making.
Picasso said it best: “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”
Similarly, the famous artist Basquiat shook the art world with his raw, childlike expressions. There is even a whole art movement in Western art called Naïveté art, where the aesthetic qualities mimic child-like expression.
Children are natural artists because their creative expression is free of self-judgment. I believe that preserving our inner child is one of the pathways to becoming a great artist.
This month, I've thought of some of the best ways to introduce play into the creative process:
1. Encourage Playful Explorations of Materials
Rather than focusing on the finished drawing, encourage your child to explore and experiment with different materials. This could involve mixing paints to see what colors they create, using unconventional tools like sponges or leaves to apply paint, or creating textured surfaces with household items. Abstract or non-representational art projects are perfect for this, as they emphasize the process over the final product.
2. Organize Themed Art Days
Introduce a new theme, style, or artist each week. For example, one week could be dedicated to exploring the vibrant colors and bold shapes of Henri Matisse, while another could focus on the whimsical, dream-like scenes of Marc Chagall. These themed days can make learning about art history fun and interactive, while also giving children a variety of styles and techniques to experiment with.
3. Incorporate Alternative Materials
Look around your home for materials that can be repurposed for art projects. Items like cardboard, fabric scraps, buttons, and even kitchen utensils can add interesting textures and elements to your child’s artwork. Encourage them to think creatively about how everyday objects can be transformed into art tools or incorporated into their creations.
4. Gamify Learning and Creating
Turn art-making into a game to keep it exciting and engaging. You could create a drawing scavenger hunt where your child has to find and draw different items around the house or yard. Another idea is to set up an "art challenge jar" filled with prompts and challenges, like "draw an animal using only circles" or "create a picture using just three colors." These games can inspire creativity and make the art-making process feel like an adventure.
I hope that supporting your young artist in their creative journey will also inspire your inner young artist to shine!
Sincerely,
Miss Jenny
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