The recycle bin should be the first place you turn to for your art supplies. Throw in some unexpected tools such as sponges, feathers and cotton buds and step back and watch the creativity unfold. Sometimes our knowledge or urge for perfection takes over and we tell our children ‘how to do it’ before they have the joy of mastering the creating on their own accordance. Put down some paper, cardboard, pencils, crayons, glue, sticky tape…whatever you have on hand and let your little artist create! Materials don’t have to come from an art shop. They can be from the kitchen cupboard like pasta, flour and food dye. They can come from the bathroom such as soap and a steamy shower screen. They can come from the garden, like leaves, sticks, dirt and sweet smelling flowers.
By Rachael Morris Masters Of Education (Student Wellbeing) Founder, Teacher & Artist of Little Art Big Art www.littleartbigart.com.au Photos by Jacqui Taylor Photography www.jacquitaylorphotophy.com
Rachael and Jacqui are running FREE family friendly workshops during April as part of Art in Public Places. Go to littleartbigart.com.au for details.
Step 3: CELEBRATE This is the most important ingredient. Celebrate your child’s artwork by framing it, posting it to family members, taking a photo of it or adding it to a special art journal. The options are endless! Like a good cake, you share the end result and relish in the compliments, and so too does your little artist. How we talk to our children about art is very important. Ask the very important openended question: ‘What have you created?’ (not just, ‘what a lovely picture’) and allow your child’s natural dialogue to flow. Once they have shared their interpretation, then you can share yours. Be positive about each artwork. Art communicates emotions and complexities in a way that words cannot. It reveals emotions and at times, hidden messages. You can say, ‘You used black over here, tell me about it’ or ‘Yellow is a bright colour, how does that make you feel?’. The ability to express non-verbally is particularly important for young children. When your child’s vocabulary is still developing, asking questions like, ‘Have you drawn a cat?’ is ok. You’ll be surprised, our tiny artists do know what they have created! Art is a powerful tool and it gives children the power to express their emotions and thoughts well before words will.
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