Art That Makes Us Happy

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Encouraging kids to do art

Encouraging kids to do art

Encouraging kids to do art

Encouraging kids to do art

I have never seen Henry so proud as when I framed his latest watercolor painting and displayed it in the studio. Truly. His little earnest face transformed into something I had never seen yet, wanting to smile his biggest smile but trying to keep his cool. He showed his cousin when she came over and described every little part of it. He made plans to tell his friends all about it. But let’s back up for a sec.

The arts are a permanent fixture in our home. Ryan and I are both singers and dancers, I play piano and guitar, and we make things with our hands every chance we can get. And from day one, we’ve tried to instill in our kids that art is key to being human. It enhances understanding of one another, it fosters new ways of thinking, it connects people, it makes us smart. It makes us happy. And I want our kids to be comfortable making art of all kinds — painting, singing, drawing, dancing, sculpting, designing. Right now, I just want them to know that there’s no wrong way to do it.

I was inspired by Life is Good and a contest they’re currently having that centers on kid art (more on that in a minute!), so when Henry and I sat down the other day to do art I decided that I’d let him pick the medium, pick the subject, and no matter what came out, we’d frame it and display it to give him an idea of how that feels. The only prompt I gave him was to ask him what makes life good. And his response — no joke — was Star Wars. So he decided to paint Star Wars, and this is the result.

Encouraging kids to do art

Encouraging kids to do art

He can tell you about every brushstroke. He has taken such ownership of this little project, and that makes me so happy. I also firmly believe that if you toss any piece of kid art into a gold matted frame, it’s display worthy. 😉

How do you handle art in your home? I love the contest that Life is Good is currently having. It’s so simple (but so important). Ask your child (ages 5-21) “What makes life good?” on an ordinary day, and then have them draw it. They can interpret it any way they like. For each entry, $1 will be donated to help kids in need through the Life is Good Kids Foundation. And four winners will receive a $2,000 scholarship, art supplies, and have their design printed on Life is Good t-shirts. I just think it’s such an amazing way to encourage kids to explore drawing, and so important to teach our kids to think artistically. You can find more information and submit your child’s artwork here.

Henry got into the spirit of the contest (even though he’s too young to submit), and drew “a lake with trees and flowers and snakes swimming and a sun” and “a snowman in a tent.” Hahaha!

Encouraging kids to do art

I’d love to know if you have kiddos that you think would enjoy submitting a drawing! And also how you display your kids’ artwork at home. We’re always looking for inspiring ideas. Have fun! xoxo

This post is sponsored by Life is Good. All ideas and opinions are my own. Thank you for being supportive of the partners who help keep Lovely Indeed rocking!

Encouraging kids to do art

Encouraging kids to do art

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3 Comments

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