The winter months can get a little dreary so why not break out some art supplies for the kids to play with. This project is called monoprinting because each print is one of a kind. In the past I’ve used this technique to teach kids to draw all kind of things like boxes or stars or flowers. The resulting prints are unique and beautiful.
First I pick a theme and look for inspiration either on the internet or in my picture files. I think a theme helps kids focus and can make the activity a teaching tool for subjects like the phases of the moon, leaf shapes or how to draw a star. A great book to go along with this idea is Draw me a Star by Eric Carle.
Because it’s January when I’m writing this I chose winter trees for my theme. This project is really fun for kids and adults and you’ll be surprised and delighted with the results. I hope you give it a try.
The supplies needed are listed below. Check out the Highlands Art Garage store to find some of these items.
- good construction paper or drawing paper to print on
- artist’s palette paper or cardboard and freezer paper for a printing plate
- spatula, Q-tips or artist’s palette knife to remove paint
- tempera or acrylic paint in liquid form
- variety of brushes including wide sponge brushes
- dish to hold paint
The prints make beautiful finished work on their own but I also like to use prints in my collages.
