Alex is painting a scene he planned on small paper (above.) This is an example of how children in kindergarten can begin to learn to visualize, plan, and follow through on a work of art. Notice our painting set up with water, paints, and sponge for cleaning the brush.)
Every time Taija applies herself to a task in art she sees her project through in a way not often seen in my kindergarten students. Her ability to handle the paint, including layering colors and mixing new ones--notice the colors of the flowers--shows skill and refinement. The painting is a lovely example of her work.
More often, children must be prompted to "fill in" the white spaces of their painting. They are often satisfied with a linear design which is an extension of their approach to drawing. The brush replaces the pencil. Still, it is an accomplishment for Maci to keep her colors clean. Learning to wash the brush and change colors is a basic painting skill that we learn in kindergarten.
By the time a student is in fifth grade, they have had many opportunities to use paint in art class. Elizabeth's painting, entitled "River Rocks" is an original composition, developed over three weeks. There are happy accidents--the stars in the sky originated as splatters from a neighbor's brush. She was able to use them to add detail and richness to her painting. The ability to mix color values to show the shadow sides of the rocks and foliage is an advanced skill. I chose this painting for the Portland Museum of Art student exhibit this year. Congratulations to Elizabeth!
