More Yellow Paint

Today marked day 2 of exploring paint with the wobblers.  We have had other hands on experiences before, but this week I am dedicating myself to giving the boys a chance to paint every day.  We all were very excited about painting today.   GW had a hard time during diaper changes because he kept saying "paint!  outside!" and pointing to the front door.  

Finally we were there, and everyone helped carry the supplies we would need: the jug of yellow paint (almost all gone), the shower curtain to protect the grass, lots of wet washcloths, and ourselves.  SC was especially interested in carrying the large, yellow paint jug.  I taped the paper to the shower curtain and invited SC to hand me the jug of paint.  

"Here's our painting from last week, "I said.  "I see yellow and red.  Today we're going to do more yellow!  Would you like the paint on your hands or on the paper to start?"  I asked each child.  SC wanted it on his hands, as well as SW!  I always get very excited when the children are ready to dive hands first into an art provocation.  The rest of the paint I dribbled onto the painting in small dots.  Everyone was watching me, some with apprehension and others with excitement.  Once everything was set up, I sat back from the action to see what would happen.  A few fingers ended up in the paint, but within 5 minutes everyone was luxuriating in the rare chance to feel the wet grass on their feet.  Shoes are normally required outside, but since this was an art project we started off pants and shoe-less. 

 Even though this art experience was short lived, the boys had the chance to get to know paint a bit better.  At the end, the jug of paint was the biggest focal point, and then large river rocks were added into the mix.  A few of them never touched the paint, yet their knowledge of what paint is and what it can do has broadened.  These are the benefits of doing process based art with young children.  Their knowledge of the properties of an art medium is the focus of their work and play, and the outcome is always different!  Their interactions socially are also enhanced through our art, as they crouch down and observe one another, or negotiate who wants to hold the jug of paint.