Learning to "truly" observe nature can provide a lifetime of artistic inspiration. Here's how you can turn your kids onto the idea.1. Bring a sketch book, colored pencils or crayons to the local park or go for a walk together and observe the colors found in nature.
2. Get up close to plants, flowers and trees with your child and point out neat patterns and details.
3. Find a place to sit, with closed eyes, be still and quiet and just listen together.
5. Let the sounds of nature inspire you both.
6. Once you are both relaxed, open up your eyes. You and your child may notice a deeper level of beauty; colors become more vibrant as the brain begins to assimilate the surroundings.
7. Each of you should now sketch what you see, trying to create the colors and shapes found all around you.
8. Discuss how nature can inspire creativity. Do you see faces in the bark of a tree? Animals in the clouds?
9. Find favorite spots to visit all year long and have your child practice drawing a certain tree, mountain or hill.
10. Whether you live where the seasons change or not, your child will begin to detect subtle changes in nature over the year.
11. When you and your child return home, take a moment and close your eyes. Try to imagine the images you saw on your journey. Can you sketch them from memory?
13. This technique will enhance your child? visual perception.
14. Frame and mount some of your child? favorite pieces.
15. Let your child know how their artwork makes you feel when you see it around the house.
16. Encourage your child to keep drawing and sketching outdoors. It's a relaxing outlet that can last a lifetime!
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