Water color paining is not hard, but many parents seem to worry about it. A great book to get is Painting with Children, linked below. It shares the theory around why it is important, the spirit in which it should approached, how it done, color stories, examples and so much more. It is makes it all look easy, and it is!
Once your children see the reverence for the art that they should by watching and being guided by you it should not even be that messy or time consuming! The right tools though are vital.
Needed:
- Thick Water Color Paper
- Painting Board or Table
- Tape (optional)
- Wide Brushes
- Liquid Water Colors like Stockmar (link below)
- Smocks (to keep children clean)
I really believe that stockmar paints are the best and those little bottles can last a very long time! Really all you need are the three primary colors but I like having others as well for when I and my oldest daughter paint.
On to painting. With our paper taped to the table where they will be safe tonight till morning to dry, our little water containers ready, our three primary paints mixed, we started to paint. We started with eyes closed, deep breaths, and open minds and hearts. I told this tiny poem, a few times letting it sink in, letting them feel it.
The sun is going to bed today.
A deep blue blanket by it’s side.
The black night coming out to play.
A bright moon along for the ride!
This is what it inspired
girl, age 4
girl, age 12
Mommy
Boy, age 6
