Stephanie Corfee - Paint Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Painting and Mixed Media for Budding Artists of All Ages

52 CREATIVE ADVENTURES IN PAINTING AND MIXED-MEDIA FOR BUDDING ARTISTS OF ALL AGES

STEPHANIE CORFEE

2016 by Quarry Publishing Group USA

Text 2016 Stephanie Corfee

First published in the United States of America in 2015 by

Quarry Books, an imprint of

Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc.

100 Cummings Center

Suite 406-L

Beverly, Massachusetts 01915-6101

Telephone: (978) 282-9590

Fax: (978) 283-2742

www.QuartoKnows.com

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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the copyright owners. All images in this book have been reproduced with the knowledge and prior consent of the artists concerned, and no responsibility is accepted by the producer, publisher, or printer for any infringement of copyright or otherwise, arising from the contents of this publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that credits accurately comply with information supplied. We apologize for any inaccuracies that may have occurred and will resolve inaccurate or missing information in a subsequent reprinting of the book.

Digital edition published in 2016

Digital edition: 978-1-62788-798-4

Softcover edition: 978-1-63159-078-8

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data available

Design: Leigh Ring // www.ringartdesign.com

All photography by Stephanie Corfee; with the exception of model shots by Patrick F. Smith; other photos individual artists

This book is dedicated to Coop, Grey, and Langmy favorite collaborators.

THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING I COULD EVER HOPE TO SHARE WITH KIDS WHO ARE DEVELOPING A LOVE OF MAKING ART. It is full of color, encouragement, a bit of silliness, some cool techniques, and ideas to do more and to include everyone. If a project is a bit challenging, Ive suggested an adaptation for smaller kids. I truly believe that if art time is family time, and if all kids are empowered no matter their age or skill set, then making art will become a beloved practice that excites kids and helps them develop confidence in themselves.

I know that the confidence I have today had its beginning in my ability to be creative and express myself. When I see that spark in a child, I recognize it, and I want to help it grow. The nicest thing a parent has ever told me is that my lessons were making a visible difference in her childs confidence in her own creativity. Thats what its all about.

These Labs offer engaging projects for both boys and girls with an exciting subject matter. And I couldnt be happier to share all the amazing contributing artists included in each lesson. These artists are so inspiring. I hope that kids will see just how many creative people are out there doing something completely unique and that this will encourage them to want to put their own stamp on the world as well.

The best thing any person, young or old, can do for their creativity is to make something every day. It is a practice. Turn to Art Journaling Lab, on page , and begin that one today, right now. I always tell my son that I exercise my art muscle every day because its the only way to get better and really get in touch with my creativity. Doodles count! Painting counts! Sketching counts! Start today and see how far it takes you in six months, in a year. Youll be so happy you started today!

CREATING WITH KIDS DOESNT REQUIRE A LOT OF FANCY SUPPLIES, A FORMAL WORKSPACE, OR HOURS ON END. Have lots of supplies on hand, a mix of high-quality materials and discount supplies bought in bulk. Tack fun images and photos to a corkboard and switch them out on a regular basis to inspire imagination. Accept that painting often results in a mess and learn to be okay with that. You and your kids will be happier and more creative as a result.

In this unit is some of my best advice: a list of Basic Supplies, a description of How This Book Is Structured, a list of Basic Tips to Get You Started, and a word about instilling in your children the good habit of Cleanup and Caring for Your Tools, and an explanation of the color wheel.

NOW, LETS GET STARTED!

HOW THIS BOOK IS STRUCTURED

THIS BOOK IS ALL ABOUT PAINTING. Every project centers on brushes and paint, so they all have that in common. But you will see that the Units are divided into Learning Labs for learning about supplies and techniques, Wild Imagination Labs for tapping into your childs creativity and imaginative thinking, Palette Play Labs for learning how to work with color, Experimentation Labs for exploring mixed and unusual media, and Express Yourself Labs for guiding the creation of personalized art projects. There is no need to complete the Labs in order. But if your child is a very new painter, the Learning Labs are a great place to get comfortable.

Each Lab presents step-by-step instruction, but I encourage you to break from the steps and let your child do his or her own thing. The steps are meant as a guide, not as strict rules. Your child is the artist. Let them create as they like.

Each Lab also highlights an artist who is making art that is relevant to the lesson in one way or another. I worked so hard to find wonderful contributors who truly inspire. So check out the examples and challenge your child to learn more about these talented individuals. Supporting fellow artists is part of being in the creative community, and it will expand your ideas about art in the world.

Whenever necessary, the Labs have suggestions for adaptations that will make the lesson usable for very young artists. Incorporate these tips, and children of different ages can all do the same project simultaneously. Its a wonderful bonding exercise and so much easier for the parent or teacher.

BASIC SUPPLIES

ACRYLIC PAINT Buy nontoxic acrylic craft paints. They are economical, safe, and vibrant. Artist-quality acrylics are a wonderful treat or next step, if you like.

PAINTBRUSHES Go for an artists basic pack. Stiffer, natural bristles are easier for kids to handle successfully with acrylics. Soft brushes are better for watercolor. Skip kids packs with 30 brushes that fall apart and opt instead for moderately priced or sale-priced artist brushes.