I can’t tell you how excited I’ve been for this very day. We have a new contributor at Small for Big, and she’s such a perfect fit. Please welcome Bar, who also writes the inspiring Art Bar Blog. She’ll be sharing some great art and diy projects – this first one is such a stunner. I know Bar will fit in just fine around here when I read a quote like this: “My goal for my own children is to create memories of a home filled with art, music, books, crafts, games, baking, singing, dancing, dress-up, movie night, dog hair, cartwheels, fireflies, kisses, hugs, tooth fairies and smoothies.” Hear, hear, and AY-men! Take it away Bar…
When I think of circle paintings, the Russian painter Kandinsky comes to mind. His painting, Concentric Circles, is studied and duplicated in many an elementary art class. It’s a rich lesson that includes a discussion about abstract art, and the chance to experiment with color and shape. Recently, we set up our own circle-painting project. The results were maginfique!
Here’s how I set up this project: Using oversized watercolor paper, 15 x 22 inches, I lightly drew a grid with a pencil and ruler. I ended up with 24 squares at 3.5 inches each. Next, I mixed up some liquid watercolors, which are super vibrant and just gorgeous. You can choose to paint with the whole rainbow, or stay more monochromatic (we tried both). I gave them each a clean jar of water and a damp sponge. Lastly, I gave them just one direction – draw a circle in each box, making sure to touch all the sides of the square (a great mini-geometry lesson). I encouraged them to go heavy on the paint so that the circles could blend. They loved this part the best! Watching the colors seep into each other was quite magical.
We also experimented with smaller paper, 9 x 12 inches. I think the kids could have painted these circles for hours! Most of the time, I promote open-ended art at home whereby the kids can just create without any restrictions or pre-conceived outcomes. But every once in a while it’s nice to create a little lesson. It’s especially nice when the lesson is for all ages. These paintings were made by kids ages six to thirteen. Oh, and PS…grown-ups can make these, too!
Thanks!
-Bar
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