With the holiday break fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking of some simple and affordable art projects to entertain the kids. Creating inspiring art projects at home is always fun, but getting outdoors for a while can help get the creative juices flowing. Try these three art-related excursions for an easy way to get children inspired over the holidays.
Top 3 Ways to Inspire Kids With Art During the Holidays
From buying art supplies to observing landscapes and scenic beauty, there are so many ways to entertain kids with art.
1. Discover Fun Art Materials
In the earliest stages of a child’s art journey, providing crayons and washable finger paint lets them focus on colors, shapes and patterns. However, as they become familiar with simple techniques, going in search of art supplies is a fun activity in itself.
Visit a local art supply store and pick up paper, glue, popsicle sticks, pom poms, ribbons, beads, glitter and other materials. Next, try a dollar store for things like paper plates and cotton balls, and a thrift store for old magazines, picture frames, fabric and other items for a collage. Searching through the aisles is great fun and sets the stage for their next art project.
2. Get Outdoors and Enjoy Nature’s Beauty
Painting outdoor scenes and landscapes is a popular type of art with kids during the winter. Go in search of inspiration by taking the kids to a local area of natural beauty, perhaps a park, riverside, woodland or nature reserve. If it’s cold where you live make sure to bundle up, and take along a sketchbook, canvas, pencils and paints.
Being outdoors is an excellent setting for introducing kids to a range of artistic concepts. For instance, you might explain how texture enriches a painting and the importance of capturing light and shadow. Should they focus on the wider landscape or choose to explore a more detailed component?
3. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery
If it’s too cold to be outside for long, try a local art gallery or museum for some creative inspiration. Experiencing art in a dedicated space differs from viewing pieces online. Kids can get a true sense of the scale of a painting or sculpture, while also seeing it in the context of an exhibition.
Local galleries like Grey Raven Gallery in Beaverton, Oregon also introduce kids to the works of local artists. Watch for workshops and events, and make sure to discuss the various artistic styles, techniques and materials with your children after a visit.
Watch Free Art Lessons for Kids During the Holiday Break
At Golden Road Arts we create fun, engaging art tutorials for elementary and middle school children. Browse our video library for instructional and art literacy guides on a range of creative topics. Browse our free art lessons here.
