Monday, August 09, 2010

making your mark


Many readers ask me for my recommendation for art supplies for children. Never before has there been such a huge choice of materials available to the artist. Almost all media comes in a range of grades and prices. Spend time in an art supply shop to familiarize yourself with the variety of products and tools. The employees - often artists themselves - are usually knowledgeable about their stock and can guide you to the appropriate tools for you or your budding artist.
Little children always like to start with crayons and these are available on line. I happen to really like these "Stockmar soy crayons." They come in a set which is great for travel.
These blocks are easy for little fingers to grip and are washable. If you have travel plans, these provide a wonderful way to occupy time for your artist to make their mark. Artist's journals or simple pads of paper are a perfect start to a library or a gallery for your little master. Artwork may be simply framed or hung from clips to showcase a grouping.
Keep in mind that most artists make their mark with color. A gift of a journal or sketch pad and colorful crayons make the perfect gift for any age. Creating art or a travel journal can be a wonderful keepsake for years to come. Take time to create a journal and practice making your mark.

suggested art supplies found on-line at amazon

19 comments:

René said...

Ahh a fresh new set of crayons. Does it get any better?

-Rene

pve design said...

Rene,
In your case, I would add "fresh paint" to the art box!
pve

Barima said...

A good tip is also the size of sketchpad one should give a child. Of course, it is important to start small and work one's way up

For some reason, I found that using a smaller sketchpad when I was younger was useful in assisting detail focus

I should really start again

All best,

B

Melissa @ Veranda Interiors said...

I love seeing my boys create, it always puts a smile on my face.

The Buzz Blog said...

I just sent my 10-year-old off to camp with cray pas and a drawing pad - I'm hoping he'll be inspired by two weeks of lakefront living!

Heather said...

We're loving finger paints on these hot summery days!

pve design said...

Barima,
Yes starting small is much less scary than a large blank pad. To this day, I carry a small sketch journal with me.
pve

Melissa,
Yes, creating does have a way of still making me smile. I love teaching others to create too.
Tell your boys to keep Mommy smiling with art!
pve

The Buzz-
Oh show us the artwork please. Did you get the little envelope?
pve

Heather,
finger paints are also really great, at any age!
Happy Summer!!!
pve

Purple Flowers said...

Just yesterday we were visiting the MMA in NYC, and I spotted several children drawing what was in their minds' eye of various paintings. I think it's just great!

Gretchen O. said...

My 5 year old daughter was just introduced to pastels last night at the festival we went to, and she LOVED them. We just put together an art box for her last birthday, and she literally spends hours in her bedroom creating projects. I guess we need to add a few things to it:) --Gretchen

Kwana said...

What a great picture and I love sketchpad for kids.

style chronicle said...

Great gift idea! I don't have a sent but I have several friends who swear by the Melissa and Doug crayon set. Apparently they are are sturdy and lack the paper which inevitably needs to be peeled.

deliciously organized said...

I know I'm not a kid, but I'd like everything listed. Nothing beats making your mark.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

beautiful. I did this for a 13 year old! I got my input from a knowledgeable young artist sales person, always they seem to know. pgt

Mary said...

I buy my 5 year old daughter journals all the time!! Ones with bright pink covers is what she chooses, she fills them with flowers and princesses!! I remember, when I was young, my mom used to buy us big blocks of paint that looked like the crayons. Do you know where to find them now? I've looked all over!!

Allison Stephanie said...

yes.. a journal is a great gift. My husband and I are travelling to europe (this week actually, to celebrate our 5th anniversary!). I started a blog of my own in order to reflect in an online journal... but a personal journal would be great too! check out my blog...

xoxo
walkaboutlovely.blogspot.com

kayce hughes said...

I love art supply stores! I am hoping that the internet doesn't crush them. We have a great one down town.

bentley said...

this just reminded me to stock up on some new art supplies for conner, especially before we head to the hamptons. is there a place nearby you recommend?

Aspiring Kennedy said...

i think my art box would require some glitter. :) those crayons are so cute. i can just imagine chubby little fingers grabbing them. :)

pve design said...

hmmmm, glitter, now that is worthy of a sparkling post.
pve