Materials:
Stretched canvas (or paper, of course)
Tempera paints (non-toxic, washable)
Brushes
Who says you have to have a walk-up studio in Paris before you can paint on canvas? Pre-stretched canvases are readily available and modestly priced at most art supply stores. Lay one on a toddler-sized table, or on a floor covered with newspaper, and provide brushes and tempera paints in one or more colors. Chubby brushes are best for little hands. And no-spill pots will help keep the paint off your floor. Unbreakable bowls also work well to hold the paint.
You can talk about the colors and the characters of the lines as she paints them. Later, you can walk around the house together to find the perfect place to hang her masterpiece. Stretched canvases can be framed, but look fantastic without frames as well. And they make great gifts for family and friends!
This is reprinted from my “Small Hands, Big Art” article in the July/August 2007 issue of Mothering magazine. The photos are from about a year ago when the kids were younger. Henry’s hands are in the top photo, Marlise is holding a brush with one hand but painting with her fingers in the middle photo, and Vivi is painting with a brush in the bottom photo.
Note: I usually wait to buy canvases until I have a half-off coupon for one of the big chain art supply stores. You can often find AC Moore’s coupons online (or get on their e-mail list), whereas Michaels’ coupons are available in local newspapers.
threesneakybugs said
Love it! Do you prefer liquid or powdered tempera? We’re just starting to explore with them ourselves.
The Artful Parent said
We’ve only used liquid tempera paint, although from what I understand, the powdered stuff is really easy to use. We’ll have to give it a try soon. Have you used powdered tempera?
Mommy Bee said
We are so interested in this project. Would love to see my daughter’s artwork displayed in our home like Henry’s…and on canvas to boot! I consider myself a little art-challenged, though, and I don’t want my daughter to be the same. I have done absolutely no work with tempera paints. How do you know if they are safe for children? Does it say so on the container? Do you recommend a certain brand? Thanks for any insight you can offer.
The Artful Parent said
Make sure to buy tempera paints that are labeled nontoxic and washable–those are safe for children to use. And very easy!! Just realize that they don’t always wash out of clothing completely, so you may want to dress your kids in old clothes or use a smock. Maia paints naked often, but not in winter as much. I can’t recommend a certain brand of tempera paint at this point because I haven’t used very many.
Mommy Bee said
Thanks for the great info!
)
threesneakybugs said
I have many jars of powdered tempera that my mom gave me that are apparently from when I was a kid. So 30+ (ah-ehm) years old. I tried mixing it with water, didn’t work. I tried adding a little liquid dish soap, didn’t work. The powder just wouldn’t disolve. I tried using some anyway and when it dried it just flaked off. There are tons of recipes on the internet with all sorts of other additives that I’m a little overwhelmed. I may try a couple or maybe I just need to use really hot water. Or maybe, just maybe it’s too old. I was under the impression that powdered tempera had and extremely long shelf life, however, I may be pushing it.
The Artful Parent said
Hmm. Maybe you should pick up a jar of new tempera powder to compare to the 30+ year old ones.
Glitter Cards & Painted Canvas « Three Sneaky Bugs said
[...] stuck up with a magnet on the fridge. I finally settle on painting canvases inspired by Jean at The Artful Parent. I bought a two pack of cheap 16×20 stretched canvases for 1/2 off at a discount craft store [...]