Art For Kids

Children Draw is a concise, richly illustrated book, aimed at parents, teachers, and caretakers, that explores why children draw and the meaning and value of drawing for youngsters—from toddlers aged two to pre-adolescents aged twelve. Informed by psychology and practical teaching with children, it guides readers through the progressive stages and characteristics of drawing development as children grow and change mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and creatively. It offers parents tips about encouraging children to express their ideas visually, age-appropriate art materials, workspaces, and different media, as well as suggestions for making an art museum visit more meaningful—not to mention more fun—for both parents and kids. Packed with many delightful examples of children’s art, Children Draw is an essential book for parents interested in their child’s art activities.

Easy-to-use art lessons with award-winning books.

Drawing on the natural folk art tendencies of children, who love to collect buttons, bottle caps, shells, and Popsicle sticks to create beautiful, imperfect art, this activity guide teaches kids about the history of this organic art and offers inspiration for them to create their own masterpieces. The full breadth of American folk art is surveyed, including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and textiles from the 17th century through today. Making bubblegum wrapper chains, rag dolls, bottle cap sculptures, decoupage boxes, and folk paintings are just a few of the activities designed to bring out the artist in every child. Along the way kids learn about the lives of Americans throughout history and their casual relationships to everyday art as they cut stencils, sew needlepoint samplers, draw calligraphy birds, and design quilts. Important folk artists such as the last surviving Shakers, the legendary Grandma Moses, and the Reverend Howard Finster are also explored in sidebars throughout the book.

75 great American masters are introduced through open-ended quality art activities allowing kids to explore great art styles from colonial times to the present. Each child-tested art activity presents a biography, full color artwork, and techniques covering painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, architecture, and more. Special art options for very young children are included. Many great artists will be familiar names, like Cassatt, Warhol, and O'Keeffe. Other names will be new to some, like Asawa, Smithson, and Magee. Each featured artist has a style that is interesting to children, with a life history that will entertain and inspire them. Sample of some of the artists and companion activities: Andy Warhol - Package Design Bev Doolittle - Camouflage Draw Dale Chihuly - Pool Spheres Maya Lin - Memorial Plaque Jasper Johns - Encaustic Flag Joseph Raffael - Shiny Diptych Roy Lichtenstein - Comic Sounds Thomas Jefferson - Clay Keystone Edward Hopper - Wash Over Grant Wood - Gothic Paste-Up Wolf Kahn - Layered Pastel Jackson Pollock - Great Action Art Mary Cassatt - Back-Draw Monoprint Louis Comfort Tiffany - Bright Windows Hans Hofmann - Energetic Color Blocks Rube Goldberg - Contraption Georgia O'Keeffe - Paint with Distance 2009 Moonbeam Children's Bronze Award 2009 Benjamin Franklin Award

Help your children leave their creative mark on the world with Sharpie Art Workshop for Kids! This treasure trove of drawing and crafts projects features Sharpie markers, an incredible versatile art tool with rich color and bold lines that bring out the best in kids' creations. Sharpie Art Workshop for Kids includes an overview of different types of markers, the surfaces you can create on, essential tips and techniques, and features 30 all-new fun and inspired projects that let kids create their own art and craft masterpieces with minimal supervision. Each project features step-by-step instructions supported by detailed photos to make following along easy. You'll also find ideas for working with classrooms and groups, full-sized templates, and instructions for how adults can help. Let your imagination leave its mark!

A refreshing source of ideas for creating fine art with children, Art Lab for Kids encourages the artist's own voice, marks, and style.