What experience made you fall in love with art? Was it the first time you ever saw a work of art that really struck you? The colors? The subject matter? That “Aha!” moment when you finally realized what art could do?
Now imagine sharing that experience with your child. Getting your kids interested in art can be easy, and it can also be a lot of fun. If you also love literature, it may be helpful to better understand and explain art. For example, if you know what is the hero’s journey from StoryboardThat, you can use this knowledge in relation to some paintings, too. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1. Take them to an art museum
This one is pretty obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. If you live in a city with a good art museum, take your kids there and introduce them to some of the great works of art that they can see up close. Many museums offer family programs and activities, so be sure to check those out too.
A good idea will be to prepare in advance. Check the paintings or exhibitions that your child might like the most. Also, make sure you know enough information about those artworks to be able to explain to your child what are they about and what makes them special.
Be patient while you are in the museum. If your child wants to spend more time in front of a certain painting, let them. You may be surprised by how much they have to say about it.
2. Visit a local art gallery
If you don’t live near an art museum, visit a local art gallery. Most cities have at least a few galleries, and many of them are free to enter.
Again, it is important that you prepare in advance for the visit. Talk to the gallery owner or curator and find out what type of artwork is currently on display. This way, you can decide if it’s something that your child would be interested in seeing.
When you’re at the gallery, take your time and let your child look at each piece of art. Encourage them to ask questions and express their opinion. It’s okay if they don’t like everything they see. Just make sure they understand that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to art.
3. Let their minds wander
Take them to a place where they can be free to explore and create. It could be a park, the beach, or even your own backyard.
Encourage them to collect leaves, sticks, rocks, or anything else they find interesting. Then, help them turn those things into a piece of art. It can be anything from a sculpture to a collage. The important thing is that they’re using their imagination and having fun.
4. Give them some tools
If you want to take things a step further, give your kids some basic art supplies and let them loose. Some good options include markers, crayons, colored pencils, paper, and clay.
If you’re not sure where to start, look for a kids’ art book at your local bookstore or library. These books usually have step-by-step instructions for simple projects that your child can do.
5. Encourage their creativity
It’s important that you encourage your child’s creativity. Don’t criticize their work or tell them what they should be doing. Just let them express themselves and have fun. Who knows? You might just end up with a future Picasso.
6. Work together
Finally, one of the best ways to get your kids interested in art is to work on a project together. It can be anything from painting a picture to making a collage. The important thing is that you’re spending time together and being creative. You don’t have to be an artist to do this. Just let your child take the lead and see where their imagination takes you.
In Conclusion
Parenting can be hard, but one of the most rewarding things you can do is watch your children grow and develop their own interests. If you’re looking for a way to bond with your kids and help them explore their creativity, consider getting them interested in art. It’s a great way to encourage their imagination and have some fun along the way.
