We spend at least one long afternoon each week drawing and painting. About once a month I will give them a structured art project (like below) but most of the time I encourage free painting and doodling. I keep a large tarp, brushes, paints (watercolor and acrylic), good thick paper, and art pens/markers in the kitchen.
Drawing Books
Drawing Book of Animals, and other books by Ed Emberley
I Can Draw Animals, and other books in the Usborne “I Can Draw…” series
20 Ways to Draw a Tree and many others in this series
Drawing Textbook by Bruce McIntyre
Art Projects
I really enjoy art projects that are 99% child friendly, yet still produce beautiful results of which they can be proud. These are some of our favorites over the years. There are also some math-related art projects on my Math page.
3D Shapes (one point perspective)
Metal Engraving (Used this for ancient Egyptian & ancient Assyrian projects. This Clip Art site has good reference pictures).
Advanced Monoprint (Easier than it looks; really fun with stunning results.)
Age 6
Simple Monoprint (Even the tiniest people in the house can enjoy this project.)
Eggshell Mosaics (Easter)(Lots of fun, but must be spread out over several days to allow for drying.)
On the List to Try Next
My Pinterest board on Art and Crafts for Kids
13 Watercolor Techniques (Mr Otter Art Studio)
Chuck Close self-portraits (more on color cells)
Acrylic Forest Painting with Gesso
Diagonal Perspective (textured wall with tissue paper and gesso)
Painted Autumn Leaves (tissue paper and gesso)
Resources
Art projects to learn about Great Artists.
Good quality educational Clip Art.
Free patterns for sewing or paper crafting.
Christmas Projects
Clay ornaments with words (Joy, Noel, etc).
Star Wars snowflakes.
Make a gift bow from old magazines.
Make paper cones and string into “bells”
Old Christmas card collage with glitter
Christmas decorations: paper ornaments, “bells,” and giant snowflakes.
Eclectic Ed 