Summer Never Tasted So Good -art lesson for kids

If you are anything like me and my family, you have found yourself spending more time in the kitchen since the stay home order. I have been doing more home cooked meals, baking, fermenting komboucha and kefir, and I even joined the "sour dough" club.  I find it comforting knowing I'm preparing something delicious and nourishing for my family, and we all can use some extra comfort during a time like this.

 

 

One day last week I was in the kitchen baking, and I started thinking of what art lesson I should share next that would be fun and easy for you to do with your children.  So, I came up with one that would teach more than one skill while being productive, tasty, and creative. Ok, my idea isn't an original idea because artist have been doing this for years, but I still think it's a great idea to share with you!

Are you ready for this?  Since most of us are spending our time discovering new recipes or baking our favorite comfort foods, let's turn a few moments of that kitchen time into a lesson.

 

 

Part 1:

Choose a favorite treat to make with your kids.

For example... Cupcakes. 

Have your kiddos help you gather the ingredients, measure the ingredients, mix the ingredients, and place it in the oven.  The more hands on they are in the making of the food, the more excited they will be when it is all finished.  This is also a great opportunity to teach them the importance of following directions, teamwork, and math.

Once the cupcakes are cooled, give them all the fixings to decorate their cupcake... icing, sprinkles, candies, etc...

  

 

Part 2:

This part may take a little self control, but it will also provide motivation.  Give your children paper or canvas, drawing tools (crayons, markers, colored pencils) or paints (watercolor, tempera, acrylic), or whatever your preference is, and tell them they have to draw / paint / color their cupcake before they can eat it. The cupcake is their still-life first and their snack later.

You may find that you children feel a bit overwhelmed when looking at their cupcake so to help get them started, point out the basic shapes and lines that form the cupcake.  Circles/ovals (the mound of frosting and/or candies , curvy lines (the movement in the frosting and the bottom of the cupcake, straight and zig zag lines in the texture of the cupcake liner, etc...

 

Art Appreciation:  Wayne Thiebaud

 When I think of paintings of pastries and cakes, I think of the beautiful works of Wayne Thiebaud.  Take some time to show your children some of Wayne's paintings that are easily googled and share about his life as an artist.  You can read about Wayne Thiebaud here.

 

Part 3:

Enjoy the cupcake and tag me in a photo on Instagram @bevann.art or on Facebook  @beverlygurganusart

 Happy Baking, Creating, and Eating!

 

Taste of Summer

is a mini watercolor collection that was created to send virtual hugs to friends and family in hopes to brighten their day and put a smile on their face.  I received request to make these available as greeting cards so that is what I did.  Learn more about my greeting cards.