Craft Day: Painting with Kids

Back before my days were overflowing with diaper changes, picking up and laundry, I used to fill blank canvases with my imagination. I would paint (watercolors being my favorite) or draw, sketch, color, you name it.  While daydreaming in the shower, as I often do, I became compelled to begin creating again.  Just as quickly as I had drifted into a world of art supplies and inspirations, my own little muses quickly interrupted me (you Moms know all about that) and I realized it had become time to share my passion with them.  Instead of locking myself away and disappearing into an artistic sanctuary, I would include them.  My Mommy Monday activity is about sharing my passion for art with the little loves of my life for an exciting craft day.

I decided on an idea all of my kids could equally enjoy even though they have an 8 year age gap, but as schedules and nap-times would have it, my middle son was the only one to enjoy this art lesson.  It turned out really well because I was able to focus all of my attention on him and turn it into a lesson on colors and mixing all while he was having a blast making a masterpiece.  We started with a blank canvas in which I laid out the word “Love” and a single line using masking tape.  I added several pieces and made the letters a bit messy just for some extra character.  Once the design was all laid out, we pressed all of the edges down one more time to make sure the paint wouldn’t bleed through.  Now on to the part he had been patiently waiting for.  I chose three colors of washable acrylic paint ( I used primary colors as an educational tool) and let him start creating.  He instantly took to painting and was clearly enjoying every moment.  It made my heart smile to see him take so much joy in something I personally enjoy so much.

From this point on, I stepped back and let him dictate what color, how much, where to put it, and how to blend them.  It was his masterpiece to create and I knew the more he did himself, the more proud and accomplished he would feel.  The only help I offered was to get more paint and to make sure he wasn’t leaving any white spots around the letters.  (This wasn’t a problem.  In some places the paint is an inch thick; he was having lots of fun!)  As he painted, we chatted about the colors he was choosing and what happened if you mixed each color.  He stayed with two different brushes, but you could use different sizes and shapes and even stamps or fingers for extra fun.  When the artist finally said he had laid the last brush stroke he gave a final “Ta-da” and we set it aside to clean up and began the patient task of watching paint dry.

I was so excited he enjoyed the experience.  I thought perhaps I would lose his attention in the middle of the project, but he truly loved every moment. Perhaps he will follow in my creative footsteps.  (I can hope!)  As much as I  love creating my own works of art, I must say, to witness the process through the eyes of my son and to see the true sense of joy and accomplishment he felt, filled my heart with the same inspiration.  I am sure there will still be times I can make my own creations, but I also realized part of the magic in creating is inspiring those around you.

Once dry, we removed the masking tape and unveiled the finished piece.  I was so impressed with the artistic talent and the lesson learned,  I already found a place to proudly display this little beauty. It hangs as a reminder to love, share, and inspire those around you with your passions for life.  I have decided to take this lesson and create Kiddie Craft Days in which local friends and family can come let their little ones create and share, while the adults can visit and socialize.  Everyone will leave a proud artist and be able to continue inspiring others with their beautiful work of art.