Teaching Your Grandchildren to Love Art

Kids love art. Almost every child loves to paint, color, draw, play with clay, glue and create things. So how do you develop a love of art in your grandchild? Introduce them at an early age to the world of color and design. Use a variety of activities such as art projects, reading or looking at art books, or visiting museums and galleries.

For infants, toddlers and preschoolers:

Use "mess free" markers and paints for young children. You can buy these at any major discount store. The color only appears on special paper. Your floors, furniture, and clothing stay clean. Holding a paintbrush and markers helps to develop the fine motor skills required for writing.

Glue is fun. Make a collage together of fall leaves, pictures of spring flowers, string, cloth, large buttons (larger than 1" in diameter to prevent choking). Plain white glue diluted with water cleans up easily.

Provide your grandchildren with water based paints. Set them up on an outdoor table or drop cloth and let them have fun. Be creative and think outside the box when it comes to using painting tools. Try using brushes, stamps, or fingers.

Toddlers love color. Large, chunky, easy to hold crayons can deliver hours of fun. Sidewalk chalk is another fun and easy activity. It does not matter how they hold them for now all they need to do is to use them. I really like crayons that are self sharpening. They are slim, just slightly thicker than a pencil. The crayons work in a similar fashion as a mechanical pencil. You can use a grip with them if your toddler has trouble holding the crayon.

For young grandchildren 5 and up:

Art museums are a great way to get them introduced to art. Find a good art book and take them to an art museum so they can see special exhibits. 3D works and moving art have a high amount of appeal to this age group. Many art museums have special programs for young children. Call in advance to see what is available near you.

Make a picture journal of a special event, trip or family vacation. Use layers of old paper for the base and glue them together with a mix of white glue and water. Then take items from your event such as ticket stubs, scans of large shells, small pebbles or stones, etc., decorate the pages with strings and other items, put it all together by lacing it with cord, leather, or fancy yarn.

Pottery is a great activity. My boys loved to play with clay. Pinch pots, coil pots and simple shapes are best. If you have a grandchild who is having difficulty in writing, clay and other modeling compounds are inexpensive and a great way to build up the muscles in the hand.

Take an art class together. Choose a topic that would interest your grandchild and find a "mommy and and me" class.

Create an art gallery for grandchildren's work. Put paintings and drawings in picture frames and hang them up in a special area.

Display pottery and other 3D art on your shelves and tables.

For teens:

Art museums are still a good choice. So are gallery events. Find a local gallery and take them to a show. It can be a lot of fun.

Get them involved in an art class where they can learn techniques for pen and ink or comic book characters.

Experimenting with oil painting can broaden their art horizons and get them interested in works created by some of the masters. Try recreating well known pieces like "Starry Night" by Vincent Van Gogh.

Introduce textile arts. Teenage girls usually enjoy working with fabrics. This includes fabric dying, quilting, sewing, clothing design, home decor, embellishing jeans. Experiment with light sensitive paints and dyes, fabric paints, dyes and bleach.

Art is fun! Help your grandchildren find their inner artist. If you meet with resistance try exploring different mediums, including photography, welding, woodcarving, sculpture, and papier-mâché. With so many avenues of art to explore, your grandchild is sure to find something that sparks their imagination. Introducing your grandchildren to the world of art is a rewarding experience that can bring you closer together.

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