When I was a kid I loved to do art, which mostly consisted of drawing and coloring. I would spend hours creating and would get lost in my projects. But as I grew my self judgment grew with me, and I quit doing art...not feeling my creations were good enough. When I had children of my own I loved to watch and encourage them to do art because I remembered how much joy it brought me when I was little. It wasn't until my son Will was very sick in a children's hospital that I began to be passionate about my own creativity again. Determined to make our hospital room feel more joyful I borrowed long rolls of paper, paints, markers and crayons from the Child Life department in the hospital and I began to cover Will's walls with art.
Some of the art we covered Will's hospital room with in 2009.
Creating the art, which Will directed, gave us all something to focus on instead of the fear and pain we were all experiencing. It also helped us connect with the hospital staff that entered the room. We asked many of them to sign the art and the bright walls brought smiles to their faces. It was this experience that helped me see how healing creating art without judgment can be, and it changed my life!
Magazine collage on recycled cardboard - simple flower drawn first by adult.
Upon returning home I decided to open a children's art studio. Partnering with a friend for two years we opened our doors to children and created a joyful positive culture within our walls. Giving children creative freedom to express their view of the world and themselves was an amazing gift for all of us! To me...the most beautiful art that walked out of our door was often the most imperfect. I found that the imperfection drew the observer in for a longer look and a deeper connection with the art. This experience released me to be less judgmental of my own creativity.
Painted paper collage on bright black card stock created by Gabe - age 9-makes an impact!
Even though my art studio is closed now, I have been blessed with opportunities to continue to teach kids art. I teach art class to grades 1-6 at my sons' school and I incorporate art activities in almost all of my occupational therapy sessions. I believe in the importance of allowing kids to create without judgment. When presenting an art project I like to provide some structure in the beginning of the lesson, but then give the artists freedom to explore and bring personal meaning to the project. Most of my art projects have a limited supply list to avoid the student being overwhelmed. Some of the children are uncomfortable with my lack of constant instruction and direction and throughout my art classes I have children ask "Is this okay?" or "Can I do it like this?" I always say "Yes!" and encourage, encourage, encourage, so the artist will begin to trust their own God given creative instinct.
Fun step by step bird drawn first then watercolored then details added in oil pastel. Project found on www.deepspacesparkle.com
I have taught hundreds of art classes to kids and some of my favorite projects were done with a last minute gathering of art supplies. Art projects do not need to be expensive or have hours of planning to have a big impact. We all need to feel comfortable with just creating with whatever we have available when the mood strikes us. Below is one of my very favorite last minute art projects with Will when he was 5 years old. I have proudly displayed this piece in my office for over 3 years. Below you will find instructions for this activity.
Recycled art project!
Supply list:
* old book paper
* recycled cardboard backing from old spiral notebooks or packing supplies
* oil pastels
* black Sharpie - medium point
I love using recycled old children's books for art projects. Since they are children's books no need to worry about inappropriate words in the content. I pick up old children's books for $.50-$1.00 at a local thrift store.
1. I allow the child to draw a simple image like a flower, leaf, tree, butterfly, house on the book paper.
2. Trace exactly over the child's lines with the black sharpie, resisting the urge to make the lines straighter. The black lines gives the drawing definition and helps the child stay in the lines when coloring with the oil pastels. (Tip...always trace over pencil lines with sharpie before they color with oil pastels. The oil makes it difficult to trace over afterwards.)
3. Let the child color the image with oil pastels. I LOVE oil pastels! Their colors are brighter than crayons and the wax in them helps them glide easily on the paper. I NEVER throw away broken pieces! In fact the occupational therapist in me prefers them because when I am working on pencil grip using small pieces forces the child to pinch the piece close to the end with a more appropriate grasp.
4. Cut the cardboard about 1/2"-1" bigger than book paper and glue the art on the cardboard. The cardboard is stiff enough that the art piece can just be propped up on a shelf instead of framed.
Cubism butterfly by Will - age 8
Many kids are discouraged about their artistic abilities. I have heard many times..."I can't draw." "I'm not good at art." "Mine doesn't look right." And, yes, I have seen tears shed in the art room. I love to talk to kids about beautiful things in nature and how there are no straight lines, and nothing is symmetrical or absolutely perfect, but there is beauty everywhere. When we study a famous artist and do an interpretation of their art, I remind the student that the famous artist may have painted the same painting hundreds of times before they had their masterpiece. I encourage the kids not to be so hard on themselves. My goal with each class is for the kids to explore the technique and be free and joyful in the creative process. I want to create a culture of "Yes!" when we do art together, because this is their opportunity to explore their own spirit and view of the world.
I hope this post will encourage you to create art with a child. Don't just be an observer....be a participant. It is a huge ego boost because children are often very encouraging about what you create. I think you will find it to be very healing indeed! Joy to you this day!