Reflections

Print making with children can result in a time of great excitement and discovery. As this artist chooses different colors of paint and brushes them onto the paper, she creates lines and patterns that will be reflected on the other side. She may not have a specific idea in mind, but has the courage to learn as she goes and to remain curious about the result.

After folding, patting, pushing and squishing the paint around in between the folded paper, the artist opens it back up to reveal the surprise of a design.  Not knowing what the final print will look like increases the artist's interest in the engagement process and motivates her to try making many more.

Using a different tool, the artist has come across a new technique and can compare the result with the images on her previous creations.  This activity allows her the freedom to have fun, without having to follow a set list of directions.  However, it does still teach the necessity of sequence, as the step of folding the paper and squishing whats inside can only be done after paint is applied to its middle.

The most amazing part of this activity is when kids use their imaginations to explain what they see in their painting.  Observing the reflection of colors and patterns on the paper is pleasing, but hearing the stories about creatures or far off places that young artists see in their work is even more inspirational.

This no-fail task is an easy and fun way to spark creativity.  It can be used to learn about symmetry, to experiment with various techniques and materials, and also to understand the fact that there are no mistakes in art!  Reflecting on both the product and the process creates a richer experience for both the artist and the observer, child and adult, amateur and professional.