Paint Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Painting and Mixed Media for Budding Artists of All Ages
Lab For Kids Series
on Goodreads (82)
What’s inside...
Paint Lab for Kids is an inspiring collection of 52 fresh, kid-friendly projects for nurturing an artistic spirit and a love of art through working and playing with paint. Popular artist and author Stephanie Corfee offers an exciting resource of easy-to-follow instructions supported throughout with step-by-step, full-color photographs for projects that teach techniques, stimulate new ideas, explore color, combine materials in interesting ways, and encourage self-expression. Each project sequence includes a complete materials list, finished sample, and the inspiring work of a noted artist. Have fun exploring painting techniques by making folded paper insect monoprints, igniting your imagination with a marbled paper galaxy painting, exploring color with pencil eraser pointillism, and creating mixed media art by embellishing a family photo mounted on canvas. This book is perfect for anyone who teaches or leads hands-on art experiences: creative, DIY-inspired parents, families, friends, homeschoolers, scouting, community, and youth group leaders. The popular Lab for Kids series features a growing list of books that share hands-on activities and projects on a wide host of topics, including art, astronomy, clay, geology, math, and even how to create your own circus—all authored by established experts in their fields. Each lab contains a complete materials list, clear step-by-step photographs of the process, as well as finished samples. The labs can be used as singular projects or as part of a yearlong curriculum of experiential learning. The activities are open-ended, designed to be explored over and over, often with different results. Geared toward being taught or guided by adults, they are enriching for a range of ages and skill levels. Gain firsthand knowledge on your favorite topic with Lab for Kids.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What colors make you feel happy or excited when you see them in the paintings?
Can you describe what the artist might have been feeling when they created this piece?
What other materials would you like to use to create your own artwork?
If you could step into any painting in the book, which one would it be and why?
How do you think mixing different media and materials can change the way a painting looks or feels?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each painting, rather than just observing them.
Discuss the various techniques and materials used in the artwork, relating them to the child’s own experiences or experiments with art.
Prompt your child to think about the emotions and stories behind each piece of art to deepen their understanding and appreciation.
Ask your child to imagine being an artist and explore what themes or subjects they would be interested in painting.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-Expression
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore various painting and mixed media techniques, fostering an environment where they can freely express their thoughts and emotions through art.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express their feelings and ideas creatively, which can be applied in school projects or personal hobbies, enhancing their ability to communicate and think innovatively.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Each project in the book presents unique challenges and artistic decisions, prompting children to think critically and make choices to achieve their desired outcomes.
Real-World Application: The decision-making and problem-solving skills developed can help children in academic settings and in daily life, providing them with the tools to navigate challenges more effectively.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Art
Explanation: By engaging with different artistic techniques and styles, children gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the visual arts, learning about various art forms and their cultural significance.
Real-World Application: This appreciation can foster greater cultural awareness and can be applied in educational settings, such as during museum visits or in art classes, enhancing their educational experience and cultural empathy.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: Art projects often require patience and time. The book guides children through complex projects that require persistence and dedication to complete.
Real-World Application: These qualities are critical in all areas of life, from completing homework assignments to engaging in long-term goals, teaching children the value of enduring effort.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of attention to detail in creating visually appealing art. Children learn to pay close attention to the elements of their artwork.
Real-World Application: This skill can enhance their academic skills and personal tasks, leading to improved quality in schoolwork and other detailed-oriented activities.