CREATIVE KIDS
ZENTANGLE WATERCOLOR CACTUS | AGES 9+
One of my favorite classes, with fantastic finished work! We started with a pencil sketch, then added our brilliant watercolors.
The kids finished their project by adding defined Sharpie lines to their landscape and unique zentangle graphics.
CRAYON-RESIST ABSTRACT DALMATIONS | AGES 8+
What a joy to watch a child's reaction when you introduce them to a new technique.
They loved the playful pups and the crayon-resist method was a hit!
Try this project with younger ones at home – it's simple with very few curved lines. Start with a pencil sketch and then outline with a Sharpie. Next, color in the body of the puppies with a white crayon, and wash the background with bright watercolors of your choice. Go over your Sharpie outlines again after paper is dry for a bold finish.
JAPANESE NOTAN ART | AGES 10–15
The method was a challenge initially, but once they got into the groove, they loved adding flair to their designs.
Cut construction paper, gluestick, tissue paper, Elmer's glue, and posterboard.
WATERCOLOR LAYERED LANDSCAPES | AGES 9–15
Mixed media project using torn watercolor paper, cardboard, watercolors, gold Sharpies, glue, and salt!
Lots of steps, tactile elements, and textures. The kids were super proud of their finished landscapes.
VW BUS COLLAGE | AGES 11–13
Using 2' x 2' MDF as a canvas, the students could use any combination of materials from the art box.
We started with a guided sketch in pencil. This class was held over several days during summer art camp and they could work at it in between other classes and downtime. I encouraged the kids to think about their color palette and the textures they would add to complete the collage. Love the variety of styles and colors!
ROMERO BRITTO CATS | AGES 8–11
Students followed a guided pencil drawing of a Romero Britto inspired cat. I asked them to break up the background into quadrants and fill each square with a unique graphic pattern. They chose their colors and filled up the composition with bold Sharpies.
CARDBOARD MASKS | AGES 10–13
The mask making class at summer camp started with collage cardboard masks. Students could use and many or as few materials to build their masks, but they had to use cardboard as the base. These are fabulous!
SPICY TRIBAL MASKS | AGES 10–13
We switched up our mask making class at art camp and used the color, and the rich, deep scent of cooking spices. After viewing some graphic tribal mask images, students were given full creative license to draw their masks. I encouraged them to fill 50% of their posterboard canvas with spices to add texture and color. Sharpies completed the remaining open shapes.
ZENTANGLE CHALKBOARD NAMES | AGES 10–13
I taught the students how to evenly space and center the letters of their names. We lightly sketched with a lead pencil, then used a white charcoal pencil to create a chalk effect. Using recycled posterboard, we made a white frame and added zentangle graphics with fine point Sharpies.
TAPE RESIST MURAL | 6th – 8th grade
For one of the summer camp programs, I proposed a tape-resist mural. I thought this would be a fun and interesting project the kids would enjoy.
This class was 1 week-long and 6.5-hours/day. Campers were so proud of their work!
COMPLETED MURAL
When we started this project, I was concerned we would not have enough time to finish the mural. The kids finished this in 3 days! Super fast (as most kids work now) but, they did a fantastic job. The installed panels, hung on the walls of the wellness center, are featured at the bottom of this page. I highly recommend this project for this age group, and keeping the class size small helps with management of the entire project and the kids. Happy painting!
