Tips for Doing Arts with Kids

Doing arts with kids is fun, but it also can be challenging, as there are no hard and fast rules on how to start and what to teach them when they’re just getting started. You can start by exposing arts to your kids in small doses – in books, galleries, museums, and everything else you come across in your daily lives. Next, get rid of the notion that art has to be a certain way. It’s art! It can be anything you and your kids want it to be. Lastly, it also helps to teach your kids techniques and concepts like colour theory, composition and perspective.

 

Here are some more tips to help get you started with doing arts with kids:

 

1. Have ample supplies available

You can't make art if you don't have the right materials. This may seem self-evident, but have you ever tried colouring without crayons or coloured pencils? It's quite difficult! What if you didn't use any paint at all? If kids want to make art, they'll need art tools.

 

To begin, stock your studio/art space with crayons, coloured pencils, ordinary pencils, watercolours, tempera paints, chalk pastels, oil pastels, and plenty of paper. Keep your art supplies in a box near the kitchen or anywhere convenient so that the kids may use them anytime they want.

 

2. Encourage the use of mixed media

In addition to the usual colouring tools, mixed media should be provided alongside the art tools for the kids to utilise.

 

The following are examples of mixed media:

• papers from the past
• Newspapers \ buttons
• Other miscellaneous items such as yarn, twine and just about anything you can think of
  
  

You'll also need glue or Mod Podge. That'll be used to glue the mixed media together! You'll be astounded at the amazing artwork that children can make using mixed media. Your kids will be able to attach buttons, glitters and other media to their artwork. To add depth and texture to the artwork, they can use strings and yarns. Also, to enhance uniqueness, use a newspaper.

 

So, in your art box, keep a range of media for the youngsters to use. Then encourage the students to utilise a variety of mediums in their artwork!

 

3. Teach kids to improvise

Teach your kids to improvise when you don't have the exact supplies needed for a project. For instance, use tempera paints instead of acrylic paints in an art class where acrylic paints are required. You can simply choose the closest thing you can find to the required supplies and improvise. Usually, the kids will have more fun inventing and experimenting with different materials than they do when just following directions.

 

4. Have them copy great masterpieces

Copying masterpieces is an excellent approach for children to improve their artistic abilities. Simply display historical works and have the kids try to recreate the Mona Lisa or sculpt David. Alternatively, before they start painting, have the kids make a sketch to see how close they can get to the original painting. This is also a fantastic method to learn about the masters!

 

We recommend focusing on one master artist at a time and working your way through the other elements. By the end of the month or year, your kids will have a thorough understanding of the master and his work!

 

5. Experiment with different art styles

You can do some experimentation when teaching your kids about other art forms. For instance, you can choose one style to expose your kids to at a time, such as impressionism. Then progressively, work your way through a book or course on the style, putting the various skills into practice. You can also encourage your kids to show what they learn by making paintings or other artworks, sketches, and cards for family members and friends.

 

6. Be inspired by nature

Head outside and allow your kids to draw or paint with nature as inspiration. Set up easels and encourage your children to act like famous painters. This is also a great method to bring variety to a study of one form of art!

 

As your kids paint or sketch outside, remember to also get them to practise applying the skills they learn in their artwork. Your children will be inspired by this change of pace and you'll be able to enjoy some fresh air!

 

Conclusion

Doing arts with kids is an excellent way to spur their creativity from a very young age while combining study and play. It’s also a great way to spend time with your children during your free time. Need more tips and guidance on how to do art with your kids? Get in touch with us or register for a trial class today!