Children and Art

[mik...@ix.netcom.com]

My child (9yo) has recently become very interested in art. I want to
encourage his interest in art. I found tempera paint for sale at
www.risewise.com and was wondering if use of tempera paint would be
easier for my child to learn with than watercolors. I remember being
very frustrated with watercolors as a child, because there was
not "white" to use as an "eraser".

Does anyone have an opinion on which painting method is most
appropriate for elementary school age children?

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[moe]

Hi Mike,

Any paints at all will do fine.

When doing art with children, just let things happen.

Remember: Having a good time doing art is as rewarding as looking at it.

WaxMan...

[Craig Luce]

IMHO, positive feedback is at least 60% of "talent"--- that's the main
ingredient and you sound like you are well on that road.....

Some ideas for media: tempera paint is ok for *general* color use;
further down the road, you may want to use something more
interactive.... i.e., overlapping and mixed colors on the paper--- I'd
suggest using oil pastels (cheap) on darker construction paper or
board.....which allows the child to get a full range of value (dark and
light) and color in the work (including using white as an 'eraser')---
and its easy to get a finished work that hangs well. Let the color of
the board do some of the work for your child.

Introduction to oil painting is good to bring in early--- [tho never
done in school due to expense].... it allows the colors to blend on the
surface and make a "real painting"--- but the materials/handling is an
issue (it stains permanently). Art stores have heavy canvas paper...
When your child is 12 it'd be OK; earlier, there are (more expensive)
water-soluble oil paints that I use in the open air cause they
mix/clean-up with water!! Yes, they are real oil paint when the water
evaporates. Ask the dealer. 'Decent' brushes are key.

In general, one important thing (not taught in school) is to allow the
student to "waste" materials--- if they are considered precious, too
much inhibition may result. Make sure they use the whole page
(compose). Get the child a tutor, fourth grade is NOT too soon!!!

Buy your budding artist a portfolio for the works,to make a 'special'
place for the finished pieces, and so that progress can be seen. AND
do art often!!

Just my $.02--- signed, a professional artist for 25 years.

[kafooey]

There's something of a division in the schools of thought with
watercolour - if you should use the paper as white, or paint.

I guess neither way really makes any difference - it's the result that
counts.

I would say that making sure you keep paper as white makes you that
much more careful. Also probably helps develop patience too.

[jour...@home.com]

Tempera is great! Aviva Gold uses it with "grownups" in her painting
from the source workshops. I was amazed at what you can do with it.

[PB]

I started my granddaughter at age 4. 6 now and has access to all my paints
including my holland brand. She has learned how to handle a brush for
loading the paint, cleaning and storing. Try to have a art table setup so
that it is accessable all the time. My granddaughter is now asking to paint
before she goes to school. Hmmmm, getting quite good with the colors and
having a good time. Hopefully we can avoid the wild teenager disease.
Postive feedback is the tops on the list. Always let it be their ideas, and
don't try and force your ideas for them to paint. Suggestions that all.
Maybe say look how this picture is done in colors. She is even pointing out
the shadows and trying to paint them.

Cheaps paints are good at first. Don't forget to frame a couple and display
them.

Have fun and lots of Good Luck

Craig Luce wrote in message <3A5E2687...@home.com>...