Request for Art Supplies, Lessons and Advice for Inspiring a 6 Year Old

[LittleMonkey212]

I spend one or two days a week with my 6 year old daughter and our rainy-day activity is painting and drawing (pastels, acrylic paint, pencil crayon). She has inherited some raw talent from her mother, so I am keen to inspire her to take it up as a hobby (and to cement our dad-daughter time as a happy memory)! However, aside from the occasional gem on YouTube, I can't find much stuff to teach her or which paintings art principles to attempt. My online research tends to uncover lessons and tips for more adult learners. Equally, I've trawled Mumsnet but can't find any previous threads dealing with this.

Anyone a seasoned artist with some advice on where to find online teaching materials or courses? Also, which art supplies are adequate for someone of her age? We use 'better than cheap' brushes, paper, pastels, paint etc, but have no idea if i should be paying more or less to be sufficient for her age group.

Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Hi littlemonkey, I was really into art as a kid, from the age of about 4 i suppose. I can remember doing lots of drawing and making. I eventually went to art college I'm a designer and illustrator now.

At this stage i wouldn't worry so much about art principles. It could become very boring for her and she could loose interest very quickly, or worse bog her down with lots of technical type stuff too early which could hinder her eventually if she were to continue with art and design.

If i was you i would be looking a fun projects to undertake, making models, collages, pictures etc but with an idea of an end product. I used to love attempting things i saw on TV or in books.

websites like these are great for sources of inspiration www.artprojectsforkids.org/

You can always introduce things like mixing colour etc and she'll be exploring media and materials so she will be learning all the time. If her ability is more advanced for her age you can find more challenging projects.

The materials you've described sound fine, really its what your budget can afford and whether they are non toxic. Although saying that, you could spend £££ on the best quality stuff and whilst its lovely to use is it really going to make a whole lot of difference? probably not. Really cheap stuff does tend to be a bit shonky though. My Ds is 3 and i've been shocked at how cruddy some kids stuff is.

If you haven't already, get some glue in for some collage and you could look at getting some more fun materials like glitter gels etc.

Get stuck in!!!

DD1 who's 6 has made some heart cushions for her family (all her idea, I just helped buy the stuff) on my sewing machine and she's loved it. It goes really really slow at it's lowest setting and she's done brilliantly...

Hi, I'd say that for young children ensure that the materials make a satisfactory mark. It really ups their confidence when their work has that vibrant look to it. Stabilo 3 in1 pencils can be used wet or dry and the colours
are fantastic. Stockmar beeswax crayons are pricey but last for years and years and are really deeply pigmented. People often thing that acrylic paint is a great choice for children, but I'd disagree- a high quality box of watercolours is transportable, accessible and again, lasting. Watercolours are also an excellent starter for the transition to oils in later years.
Charcoal has endless possibilities, and kids really love the freedom of drawing large scale on the back of old rolled out wallpaper etc.
Collect brushes everywhere- household ones/ hobby ones/ balding ones/ scrubby ones. A good arsenal of brushes encourages a wide artistic dialogue. I'd avoid online courses tbh, they tend to be a bit restrictive. Instead check out the offerings of your local museum or gallery for ideas, and buy old art books. For children who enjoy copying or figurative drawing, manga seems to really get their imagination going.
Drawing from nature is the best foundation for any budding artist, so dress up warmly and take the sketchbooks outside. Have fun!

I bought DS (5.8) a light box for Christmas, and will be encouraging him to trace pictures, reasoning hat this will teach him which the "important" lines are, will drill concentration and the fine motor skills necessary, and will be rewarding - good for boosting confidence and motivating him to do more.

www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/1018871/Trail/searchtext%3ELIGHT+BOX.htm

or

www.argos.co.uk/m/static/Product/partNumber/1018541/Trail/searchtext%3ELIGHT+BOX.htm