Since the beginning of the year, my now 2.5 year old grandson Hudson has painted pictures at my house. He begs to paint every time he comes. And I love sharing his beautiful paintings.
This is his latest, one he painted on a gessoed art paper I had already penciled a design on.
He usually paints for someone else, but this time when I asked him if I could have it, he waffled and then finally withdrew it from my fingers and said he wanted to keep it. So I let it go. Sadly because I had this brain storm of collaging with his art.
Here’s the thing. I’m very proud of his work. He’s focused and determined. I love watching him make artistic decisions. He likes to mix paint colors to create new colors. I never let him have more than 3 or 4 at a time, but he figured out a work-around. A lot of friends have commented what a talented artist he is.
I have a theory, though. I do think he has a good eye for design, both color and composition. But I think most kids would be good at it if they had such great materials to work with. Because the materials are so superior to water colors and crayons, coloring books and cheap paper all marketed for childen, I think the end product is so pleasing that the child really appreciates what they have made.
Hudson uses my acrylic paint tubes and either my art paper or pre-prepared canvases. The cost for 8 canvases is about $22 or $2.75 each.
Brushes can be purchased in a bag, very in expensive. I use whatever is old, one that I might not want to use again. My MIL was a wonderful artist. She used the best brushes. No need for Hudson and Grandma. He also uses a bit of sponge, a baby wipe, anything that spreads the paint.
The paints are very inexpensive since I already have them, but you can get 3 paint colors for a total of about $18 very easily, and these paints will last a very long time. And then use a paper plate for a palette. An old sheet to put down. And an old shirt on the child. Or this smock that I purchased at $8 for two:
When Hudson is done painting, I throw the paper plate away and toss the sheet and smock into the washing machine. Then Hudson and I clean up together with soap and water.
I put the painting up high to dry, and he likes to point at it later and explain to me that his painting is drying hah.
So what does it really take to make this art happen? 100% of my attention through the whole 20 minute project.
And making precious memories!
Absolutely!!!
What a wonderful thing to do for your grandson!
It’s such an easy thing to do!
Impressive color sense!
He does. Each painting has such a wonderful mix of colors.
Love this, Luanne!
It’s so much fun. I hope you get a chance to try it with your little one!
💙
You are the best grandma!
Haha, thanks, Kate.
He is an amazing little artist, and you are an amazing grandmother!
My point!! is that it’s so easy and not that expensive and most toddlers would respond well to painting with better supplies :).
If only I had one to play with!
Your grandson is already an accomplished artist!
You’re a grandma after Jenney Fitzkee’s own heart!!
I love that!
😀
Luanne, what I love most about this post is hearing Hudson discover that his creative choices matter!!!
That’s my favorite part! I see his mind working as he paints. He pauses and looks things over and then makes decisions and keeps going.
Hats off to you, Luanne! Clearly Hudson is talented, and yes the good tools make a big difference. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Aw thanks, Jennie. He’s such a pleasure to spend time with!
You are welcome. Keep fanning his fire.
And if I remember correctly, he is a talented creative musician too? How wonderful to play a role in his development.
You remembered correctly! He does love music. And it’s so cute when there is music on he starts tapping his toes.
Luanne, this is a great thing you are doing with him — DOING WITH HIM. He is learning that making is a satisfying and appreciated way to spend his time. He is learning that grown ups can be trusted (he said no and you honored that). His brain is developing well since he is using his eyes, his hands, his voice. He is also developing critical thinking skills as he checks out his work after. make, think, review, feel. All great parts of this.
Thanks, Carol. So well put. I love the dive into the ways this is good for Hudson!
You are an inspiration, Luanne! I think you are right about giving children the kinds of paints and paper that make all difference in the final project. I wish I had done that with my own grands, instead of the lesser quality material. But you are also right that little Hudson seems to have an ingrown sense of color and design. It sounds like you are still making art too! I had to lay mine aside while writing my books, but I miss it!!
You will get back to it when you feel a need for doing something tangible with your hands. I have not been doing much but then I finished up a batch of collages and sent them to anti-Heroic Chic where they were accepted for the fall publication. Lately all I’ve done is a few backgrounds, but those are fun and easy.
Wonderful! I too, buy acrylic paints in tubes for my grandchildren and I buy them canvases. I think when we believe in them as artists, they believe in themselves. Like you, I am astonished at their creations!!! I hang them up in the house, and I enjoy their works of art. They also bring their artwork home and I know they are proud of their paintings. I also agree with you that the time we spend with them on these projects is so important…Hudson is very lucky to have you for a grandmother!!!