Q: How do you fit in art? How can you do art in 5-10 minutes? When, oh when, is a good time to do art with children of all ages and stages? (These are questions I get often.)
A: The answer is super simple. We have found – after much practice in our home – that the best time for us to enjoy art is immediately after lunch. The morning school is out of the way, the lunch dishes cleared. We are ready for a change of pace. Baby wipes at the ready and we can do it together in 5-10 minutes.
Hope that helps!
More Art Inspiration
This quote speaks to me of freedom. Of permission. And of a child-like joy.
These days when I share an art project we’ve enjoyed or Nana’s latest chalk pastel tutorial, I sometimes get this reaction: “Oh my children would love that but I’m just not artistic.” Or, “my children would love to come to your house to do art.”
Dear friends. You just need to say yes. Just do it. Take a deep breath and fold yourself into the possible messiness. With children there is bound to be a mess. But that mess is beautiful.
Practice will help you feel comfortable with paint and canvas. Or chalk pastels and paper {raising my hand again}. Practice. Practice. Practice. Start small. Pull out the crayons. The paint with water. Bring on the paint another day. And watch the joy spread on their faces. And maybe the paint spill on the table. You don’t have to commit to an afternoon. Just 10 minutes.
- Free Video Tutorials – Subscribe to our You ARE an Artist YouTube Channel and enjoy our video art tutorials. Most can be completed in 1-5 minutes.
- Free How to Get Started in Chalk Pastel Art video art lessons with Nana. The super short supply list and sample lessons.
Over 600+ video art lessons with Nana’s all access You ARE an Artist Complete Clubhouse membership. Use the lessons on your schedule and grow a love of art a lesson at a time.
- Dealing with the Art Mess – It is the nature of the art. Yet there are a few, very simple tips to keep in mind that will ease your fear of messes and ramp up the enjoyment for all. Blessedly messy as we often say.
- Help for Reluctant Artists – “Every child is an artist…The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” ~ Pablo Picasso.
- How to Plan Simple Afternoon Art Projects – Simple afternoon art projects? Just getting through a school day can be overwhelming. And here I am sharing about art projects? Well, rest assured I entitled this planning post Simple Afternoon Art Projects for practical purposes. Because I know. I know about trying to be a fun mom and wanting to give my children opportunity to enjoy art.
- How an Art Box Inspires Artists – I often hear fellow mamas say that they would love to offer their children more chances for art every day. That statement is usually followed by: but I…
- A Painting a Day – a fun habit we built last year!
- Art and Children’s Books – A wonderful way to introduce and encourage children in a love of art is to do a project around a beloved book.
You ARE an artist!
-originally published June 2014
Tricia, what wonderful encouragement for those of us who think we are not artistic. Just do it!
Yes! And as Nana always says, “we were all born with an inborn wiring to create!” We all need to have just a bit of time for a creative outlet, activity. So good to balance these type of activities with all the others in our day.
Thank you for the reminder that art doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. For those of us to whom it doesn’t come naturally, I think we can feel a little intimidated. I like the idea of the after lunch habit. Sometimes consistency and simplicity are the keys. Thanks for the great post!
Exactly Heather! It really does not have to be complicated. Just a simple medium you can easily say yes to.