We do art projects pretty regularly around here, but after reading a post at WhipUp about Family Drawing Time, I’m trying to make this a more regular thing. I’ve expanded it a little bit for now. We draw at the beginning in our sketch books, then I break out another project. Yesterday we did oil pastels with watercolors (which is a beautiful effect and children can make some pretty frameworthy art with this) and today we made trees out of circles. I found some lids around the house that we stamped in paint. Emma of course, takes it the extra mile and glues glitter "ornaments and snowflakes" on everything. After talking with a friend who is a mother/artist about art with children, I’m trying to keep things as open as I can–giving direction on how to use the supplies, without any pressure about what the finished product looks like.
I’m enjoying this regular relaxing time of coming around the kitchen table to create. I save my cup of coffee for this time in the morning. I work in my idea journal, we put on some good music….I may not always have a big project planned, but being together, pulling out all of our supplies with endless possibilities is relaxing and inspiring.
(I think this is why Mary enjoys Family Drawing Time–the washing of hands afterwards).
somehow, I missed this on whip up. what a great idea– even though we already do a lot of drawing around here. see, I like the idea of a special book, special supplies, creating a miniature still life… drawing with each other. ezra is still a little young for this but ava will love it. she already covets my guache paints and oil pastels… loved reading about your experience with this as well!
ah yes….the washing of the hands:) My kids loves these too:)
totally cool. i can’t wait till lukas is old enough to sit at the kid table and draw with owen.
We are going to start a drawing time too. You must show us some of the things that come out of this creative time.
I love this idea, Just recently I’ve started letting Jack paint. He really loves it and spend a good 45min painting. It’s a little difficult with Stella though all she wants to do is grab Jacks paints and put them in her mouth. I can’t wait until we can all sit and enjoy the time together.
that is beautiful!!!! i look forward to those days too… when diego gets a wee bit older… your site is beautiful by the way!
What a sweet post, thanks for sharing! I remember strongly my art time as a child. My mom was an artist so she kept pads of paper around everywhere, and let me use *some* of her art supplies, even some of her more expensive color pencils. I usually preferred plain old marker and pen. I drew all the time, whenever the urge struck. I’m sure your kids will remember art time, too, especially since you sat down with them and set aside special time for it. I would have loved to use oil pastels and watercolor as a child!
Sounds like such a completely nice morning. This is what its all about. This is what everyone will remember. My Emma would agree with your Emma…everything is better with a little glitter.
Oh yes, my Lily is all about glitter these days. Your morning drawing time sounds wonderful. I need to learn to let go more during our crafting times. I tend to get a little anal about making a mess (*bad mom*).
Oh yes, a very nice way to start the day. I have so many memories like this with my older kids when they were young, especially my two oldest boys. Now I’m trying to make the same memories with Noah too.
I love seeing this! We’ve been painting together, too, but that post by Amanda really reminded me of it’s “ceremony.” I can’t wait till Chas stops throwing his paints across the room; he’s a very….expressive painter 😉