As our spring session begins, young artists enter the studio with wide eyes and high spirits. This young artist experiments for the first time with watercolor paints and realizes that mixing blue and red together make purple. As she continues to paint, she also learns that only a bit of water is necessary to make the paint work, and that too much water will drown out the brightness of the colors. Learning through creative play allows her to develop critical thinking skills, while still exploring and having fun.
Here, another artist experiments with materials by splashing, spinning and swirling his brush in the paint. He is actively using the muscles in his fingers and hand, building them up and becoming more comfortable with moving the larger parts of his body. In this way, he is constructing a visual rhythm of sorts and getting both his body and mind in tune through color and movement.
This girl is creating a soothing place for herself, as she works to complete her painting and feel an accomplished sense of pride. Seeing others' positive reactions to her work is an added bonus, but she is focused on her own personal expression and how this can take place without words.
By trying something new and learning to explore with an open mind, these young artists also learn to look at situations differently. Thus, they learn to gain many perspectives and apply this new knowledge accordingly. Making these connections is how we, as human beings, reach our full potential.
The artists are able to play and enjoy themselves, while making beautiful paintings. Such intimate involvement with creative activities allows them to further appreciate the world of artistic expression. While these aspects are very important, the benefits of brain development, critical-thinking skills building, and learning a stress-free method to increase self-esteem are everlasting.
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