I have no talent or affection for kiddo crafts whatsoever. Not even a little. When I was pregnant with our first, my husband and I daydreamed about which things we looked forward to doing with and teaching the kids. “You get the crafts,” I said. But I do love art, all things art.
We use a classical approach to curriculum, with some Charlotte Mason thrown in. And both of those educational styles suggest putting great art in front of little eyes early on. So when it comes to art, there is the doing and then there is the appreciating. And at some point, for a great classical education, you’ve got to dive into both.
So what do you do when you have graduated from the popsicle stick and pom-pom stage? Here are a few of the things we do and how we keep it fun.
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Teach Them about Colors
I have always been fascinated by light and color. Maybe that’s why I love impressionist paintings. So, when I had to take an art class in college, I chose color theory. And I loved it! One of the things I do with my children, basically as soon as they can hold a paintbrush, is teach them about color.
I buy them tempera paints in just the primary colors, black, and white. Then teach them how to mix any other color they want from those. I love to watch them experiment with mixing–even if they do all eventually become olive-brown-throw-up color. But they get better with time. My six-year-old is now skilled at making pretty much any color she wants.
I once knew a mom who was obsessive about not letting her kids mix the Play-Doh colors. And, hey, I am Type A. So, I’ve got my own things like that for sure, but not the color-mixing thing. My philosophy is, “Mix away!” Trust me; they will learn a lot.
Use Technology to Help You
YouTube has a multitude of videos that teach drawing. Also, check out the websites of some of the world’s most famous museums for virtual tours of their collections without leaving your sofa. And Google “art documentaries on Netflix.” There are some great ones!
We love to watch Bob Ross on Netflix. He is as entertaining as he is informative. Half the time we are wondering what the heck he’s doing there with that black line he just made down the middle of his beautiful canvas. Then BAM! Happy little tree. He is talented. And every time we watch, it inspires my girls to go get their paint.
And, lastly, my favorite artsy thing to do with my girls is . . .
Find more homeschooling resources for every subject here.
Appreciate The Masters
As Charlotte Mason said:
An observant child should be put in the way of things worth observing.
Here are some practical ideas to incorporate art appreciation:
- Gallery Walk at Home: Create your very own gallery walk right in your homeschool space. Print out or find high-quality images of famous artworks and display them on the walls or set them up on easels. Allow your children to walk around, observe each piece, and discuss their observations. Encourage them to share what catches their eye, which colors they find interesting, and what emotions the artworks evoke.
- Artist Spotlights: Dedicate specific sessions to individual artists. Start by introducing a particular artist and their famous works. Engage your children by sharing fascinating facts about the artist’s life and the historical period in which they lived. Then, dive into the artworks themselves. Encourage your children to analyze the details, discuss the techniques used, and interpret the meaning behind the artwork. You can even have them compare and contrast different works by the same artist or by different artists.
- Art Appreciation Journals: Provide your children with art appreciation journals where they can record their thoughts and impressions about the artworks they explore. Include sections for them to sketch their favorite parts of a painting, describe the colors and textures, and jot down any emotions or stories that come to mind. This activity not only helps them develop their observation skills but also serves as a valuable keepsake of their art appreciation journey.
- Artwork Analysis Games: Turn art appreciation into a fun and interactive game by creating artwork analysis activities. Print out or project images of artworks and create cards with questions or prompts related to each piece. For example, you can ask questions like, “What do you think the artist was trying to communicate?” or “How does this artwork make you feel?” Play games where your children take turns answering the questions and sharing their insights.
- Artist Biographies and Stories: Dive deeper into the lives of the artists by reading age-appropriate biographies or stories about their journeys. Learn about their inspirations, struggles, and the historical context in which they lived. Discuss how their life experiences influenced their art. You can also incorporate storytelling by having your children imagine themselves as the artist and narrate their own artistic adventures.
So my strategy for art beyond the popsicle sticks is:
- lots of free time experimenting with color and different mediums,
- a variety of inspiration from sources as diverse as documentaries about famous photographers to virtual tours of blown glass exhibits, and
- a fabulous art appreciation course to expose them to famous masters.
How do you do art at home? Is there a particular artist or genre that you or your children gravitate to? Let me know. I love to hear your ideas!
