Art Skills
Art Ideas Series
What’s inside...
This comprehensive creative guide is perfect for budding artists, providing over 120 ideas for painting, drawing, printing, and making collages. It teaches various techniques such as watercolor washes, spatter painting, and creating resist effects with oil pastels through simple step-by-step instructions. It also encourages exploration of art materials and includes Usborne Quicklinks, offering a selection of child-friendly websites with videos, quizzes, and games to further enhance learning. The spiralbound format ensures easy use and portability, making it ideal for rainy days, school vacations, and quiet times. This book not only builds artistic confidence but also supports STEAM education by encouraging creative discovery without requiring complex materials or equipment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of art style in the book did you enjoy the most and why?
If you could create your own artwork right now, what materials would you use and what would you make?
How do you think the artists felt when they were creating their art?
Can you think of a story that you would like to tell through your own drawing or painting?
Which artwork in the book would you love to see in real life and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
When discussing the book, be open to your child’s interpretations of art, acknowledging their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to describe artworks in the book in detail, focusing on colors, shapes, and emotions they perceive.
Relate art topics to your child's experiences or current events to deepen their understanding and connection.
Follow up by doing a simple art project together inspired by the book, reinforcing themes and styles explored.
Ask your child to imagine being an artist featured in the book, and discuss what kind of art they would create.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book encourages children to explore and express themselves through various forms of art.
Real-World Application: Children can use art as a means to communicate their feelings and thoughts, enhancing their emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Patience and Persistence
Explanation: As children learn new art skills, they face challenges that require patience and continuous effort.
Real-World Application: This teaches them to be persistent in the face of difficulties, a skill that is applicable in learning and in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Attention to Detail
Explanation: Art requires paying attention to minor details, which is emphasized throughout the book.
Real-World Application: This can help improve children's observational skills and their ability to concentrate, both in academic settings and in daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Diversity
Explanation: Through exposure to different art forms and cultural expressions, children learn to appreciate diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson fosters open-mindedness and respect for others’ perspectives and cultures in their community and beyond.