Today I have another great book to tell you about, Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media by Susan Schwake. And I have a secret tip about this book to share.
Its really not just for kids.
Since I've been doing more painting and taking painting classes, I have discovered so much about what I love and what I am capable of throughout the process of learning the "art" of painting. There are so many ways to express yourself with simply adding color (or chalk, or resist dyeing, or ...) to paper. It got me thinking about how a kid must feel when they are exposed to new ways of making art. That's what this book is all about. Art Lab for Kids is broken down into 6 Units or sections, grouped together by mediums (printmaking, mixed media, painting, Drawing, etc) and each explores making different types of techniques used within that medium. There are definitely some techniques in this book I'd love to try, especially the gelatin printing. With this book and a few materials you may already have on hand, there are endless possibilities and ideas to engage kids and encourage them to make art.
In our house, we have one enthusiastic artist who sits across the room from me now, painting a series of dragon and griffin portraits based on old fashioned portrait photographs (I know!). I have less enthusiastic artist when it comes to painting or drawing. He prefers to create art 3 dimensionally through Lego's, or by creating elaborately layered stories, using words and typing on the computer. Though when I read through this book, my feeling is that they both can be inspired by the projects and techniques. There really is something for both of them (even though one may need a bit more coaxing to get started).They both love it, Emma is looking through it right now.
There is also some tips and facts about artists, both contemporary and historical. A great resource for adults and kids who want to explore creativity through making all kids of art.
I have one copy of Art Lab for Kids to giveaway to one lucky commenter on this post, just leave a comment. I will randomly draw a name at the end of the week.
Good luck!
8/25/12- Giveaway is closed and winner has been chosen. Thank you!
