KidzArt Official Blog

Is your child in tune with the artwork of Van Gogh, Rembrandt or Andy Warhol? In the name of art education and as a great teaching tool, try introducing your youngster to some great artists and their works.

As budding artists, it’s important for children to become familiar with different art styles and techniques. What better way than to show them master pieces of famous artists?

Learning about and copying art methods can be both fun and inspirational for kids of all ages. “Hands on” work and imitation can be a good approaches to learning and understanding. By performing art activities related to an artist, children can practice their observation, critical thinking and creative skills.

To help you get started, here are two books that not only introduce artists and their works but also offer games and activities that encourage children to learn by doing.

Discovering Great Artists by Mary Ann Kohl and Kim Solga

13 Artists Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel

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If you’ve never thought of holiday baking as an art form, then think again. The creativity, attention to detail and talent that goes into making beautiful  and delicious holiday treats can be achieved even by young artists with a little bit of help! The most interesting and adorable creations are usually made with the help of children. In addition to decorating traditional cutout cookies or making gingerbread houses, here are a few tasty and artful recipes that you can enjoy making with the whole family.

Candy Sleighs

photo by TasteTester

Ingredients

• 24 fun-size Nestle crunch bars ( any other fun size bar will work)
• 48 miniature candy canes
• 48 gummy bears
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Unwrap candies and have ready, you will need to work quickly.
2. Place chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on 50% or mediumin 30 second intervals stirring between each interval, until chocolate is thoroughly melted.
3. Use melted chocolate to attach candy canes onto the sides of the the candy bar to create a sleigh.
4. Attach gummy bears sitting on the top of the candy bar with the melted chocolate.

Snowman Pops

photo by 5hungrykids

Ingredients

• 32 large marshmallows ( 1 bag)
• 1 lb almond bark ( white)
• 16 sturdy wooden skewers ( long)
• 1 cup white icing
• food coloring

Directions

1. Place two marshmallows on the flat end of each of the 16 skewers. Do not pierce all of the way thru the top marshmallow. Be sure the pointed end of the skewer is down and not inside the marshmallows!
2. Break almond bark into chunks. Place into micro safe bowl & cook 1 minute in the microwave. Stir. Continue microwaving 30 seconds at a time until melted. Stir each time.
3. Dip the skewers into the melted almond bark. Roll until well covered. Let dry.
4. Color the icing in desired colors and pipe on or decorate with eyes, a carrot nose, mouth, and a scarf or buttons. Let dry completely before proceeding to arrange or wrap.

Source: www.Food.com

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If you know a budding artist or any child who loves arts and crafts, here are some fun gift ideas to enhance their abilities:

1. Specialty Drawing Paper

Kids love to draw on paper in unique colors and textures.  Try Scratch Art, Folia rainbow paper, Mulberry paper, Acetate(transparent) or simply card stock in cool colors.

2.  An Artist Portfolio

Give your artist a place to collect or organize his/her masterpieces.  A sturdy portfolio will protect artwork and also give it a showcase.

3. Chalk Pastels

A large set of chalk pastels will let your artist experiment with chalk’s unique texture in a vast variety of colors. 

4. Hard Bound Sketchbook

Sketchbooks come in various sizes and shapes and are reasonably priced. The bound books offer long term protection of your artist’s creations.

5. Air Dry Clay

Natural air dry clay dries hard without a kiln or oven. It’s easy to use and clean up.

There are many more materials and mediums that all promising artists will enjoy experimenting with.  Happy gift giving!

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