I’m just going to start this post off by saying, I just watched the ZEDD concert on #GMA this morning.  He’s only 24.  He had the Central Park crowd so pumped up.  It gave me goosebumps.  But the part that made my eyes tear is when after the song Clarity was over…HE clapped for his audience.  Am I getting old if stuff like this warms my heart?  Gratitude really is beautiful.

Ok, Cooper, get it together.

In my past life, I went to school to be an art teacher.  I never ended up in the traditional classroom, but have always enjoyed keeping my foot in the children’s art world.  I’ve done that through a variety of ways the past few years, designing kids art and craft projects for the industry, teaching at the Honeywell Center (our local art center) and hosting a children’s craft show on PBS.  I’ll show you more later, but the primary focus of the newly renovated White House is to create experiences for children to make things.  Creativity builds self esteem and good for problem solving skills (plus a whole. lot. more).  I want to promote this!  Once a week, I’d like to share a kids project over here on my blog.  I hope it inspires you to make things along side your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, bible school groups, or even at lunch time with your colleagues simply to take time to play.

This project requires: Oil pastels, Watercolor paper, a pencil, tube of watercolor pigment, soft large paint brush, a pencil and eraser.

These are the brands I use when making this project.  To be totally honest, I’ve worked with both of the below companies in the past through different projects.  However, neither are paying me to promote them right now.  I use these companies art materials because I know they work.  The paper isn’t going to fall apart if it gets a little too wet and the oil pastels are going to be bright and go on easy.  I also believe it’s better to create within your budget than to not create at all.  Ya feel me?

Here are some Amazon links:

Sakura Craypas and Koi Watercolors

Canson Watercolor PaperThese are a few shots from a class I taught at our local art center.  We worked with about 45 kids at a time in a big gymnasium.  Sometimes I forget to take pictures with all that excitement.

This class started out by discussing Paul Klee’s Sun and Castle.  We talk about what shapes they see and then what they think those shapes might actually be.  I love hearing their answers.

Then they set to drawing their own geometric town or neighborhood or castle or a house (or whatever the painting just inspired them to do).

I’ll insert a video of this project at the end so you can get the full skinny.We had trays of Craypas on the tables and then one big long table set up with bowls of watercolor wash ready to roll.  You’ll also want to have paper towels on hand in case they want to blot some of the excess wash off.  When it comes to mixing a watercolor wash, I go pretty strong with the pigment/water ratio.  Start with a teaspoon of watercolor and add a 1/3 cup of water, mix and see if you like the effect on a scrap piece of paper.  Adjust if needed.  I store leftover washes in the fridge in tupperware (probably should label them too).  Craft supply hoarders unite!This class had 5 year olds up to teens making it.  That’s one of my favorite things about this project in that a wide age range loves the art making process.

Alrighty–now here’s the video how to.  Message me if you have questions!  Thanks for peeking and happy creating!

And please don’t judge for that Diet Coke I accidentally left on the stove during the video taping. Momma needs her caffeine.