Art Explorers - Alphabet Art

I consider this program a great introduction to a "wax resist" method of painting!

PROGRAM BASICS

• For children ages 6 through 12 yrs
• Must register prior to program due to limited space. If space allows, children can walk in day off. 
• 1 hour in length

THEME 
Alphabet Art

PROJECT EXAMPLE 

INTRODUCTION 
I've known of Jasper Johns since my college days. I came across some ideas on Pinterest for using some of his paintings as inspiration, especially his Alphabet (one inspiration source: ARTASTIC! Ms.Oetken's Artists). I shared with the children his life and career.

HOW TO MAKE IT?
Supplies 

• Watercolor paper 
• crayons
• watercolor paint 

 Using waterolor paper as their base I had the children draw a grid (some opted not too) before they wrote out the alphabet. I suggested using more than one color to help thicken the line and to create more contrasted. The same went with the letters. If there was space at the bottom of their paper the children added shapes, like hearts and stars, or numbers or their name. Once they drew everything they wanted with crayons the painting began!

HOW DID IT GO?
Attendance: 19 children, 3 adults

I think everyone really liked it. During the painting process I was able to show some children how they could make the nifty "tied-died" effect that you can do with watercolor paint, which garnered a lot of "That's cool!" responses.