Kids & Education
WHERE TO BUY ART SUPPLIES IN BANGKOK
© © King Thong Stationary , Sukhumvit 44 / 1 , Prakanong BTS
© © B2S and BeTrend , both of which have several locations in major Bangkok malls
that is certainly painting with a broad brush . Not everyone can become the next Picasso , but people should realize that many art techniques can be learned , if only they try .
And yet , it ’ s not often declared that someone wasn ’ t born with any ability to perform math , not even after being stumped by a geometry problem — you don ’ t see arms thrust in the air . No one says geometry ’ s not in their genes . The stumped math student usually gets an eraser to try again , even though solving math problems requires so-called “ inborn ” creativity .
It doesn ’ t help that art is undervalued in today ’ s society . Art programs are often the first to be affected in budget cuts , even though it ’ s been shown many times how important art is for learning . And too many children who express interest in creative fields are told they ’ d better have “ a backup plan ,” because it ’ s hard to earn money as an artist . No wonder people feel discouraged .
It seems that an embedded belief ( creativity is inborn ), conflation ( creativity equals artistic skill ), and undervaluation ( art isn ’ t worth doing ) form a triangle of myths that points people toward throwing in the canvas before they ’ ve given the arts a real shot , without even jotting down a logical proof .
So how do we prevent passing an age-old misconception to our children ? One way is by making a child-focused art center in your home .
Art centers create an environment that will allow your child the time , space and experience necessary to explore his artistic talents and interests . The centers approach encourages children to engage in their art thinking and to create independently . Parents still need to be present for safety and to facilitate and encourage ; but the centers approach , if done well , gives children freedom within structure , which is an ideal environment for budding creativity .
It ’ s easy to set up a home art center , too . Use the following guide to find out how :
1
SHOPPING FOR YOUR ART CENTER
The first step is establishing an age-appropriate collection of materials for your child ’ s home art center . Everything under “ The Basics ” in this list applies to elementary school students . As your child gets older , he ’ ll be able to use more advanced materials , which are of better quality and are harder to use . In the lists below , you ’ ll find some more advanced materials to add to the art stash as your child matures .
Physical , fine motor and technique-based skills develop according to cultural upbringing as well as age ; therefore , materials need to be catered towards a child ’ s particular development .
THE BASICS ( Age 6 +) © © Paper
© © Small squeeze-bottles of tempera paints in red , yellow , blue , black and white
© © Watercolor palettes © © Colored pencils © © Crayons © © Aprons or old t-shirts
© © Various types of paint brushes in different sizes ( round , flat , fan brushes )
© © Observational drawing materials ( e . g . fake flowers , shells , toys )
© © Recyclable materials ( e . g . egg cartons , toilet paper rolls , plastic containers )
© © Tape and or TOA glue © © Plastalina modeling clay
© © Old newspapers and magazines for collaging
© © Children ’ s books about art and artists
AGES 9 – 10 All previously mentioned materials plus : canvas , acrylic paints , and Photoshop . Styrofoam , tray , brayer , and acrylic paints can be used for printmaking .
AGES 11 – 12 All previously mentioned materials plus : stretched canvas on wood for painting . X-ACTO knives , cutting boards and stencils to use for spray painting . ( Use protective masks and spray outdoors when using spray paints , and make sure children handle the X-ACTO knives with extreme care .)
2
SETTING UP AN ART CENTER
1 . Organize books and assortments of materials using baskets or containers and keep them in a collection , perhaps in a low bookshelf . Together , these resources and materials will serve as your art center .
2 . Your child should be able to use the art center without much help from a parent or caregiver , similar to what an art classroom is like . Create easy access so that your child can reach the materials in the center independently . Be sure to label containers to help kids identify the contents at a glance .
3 . Let your child freely explore within the clearly defined art center . Ideally , your art center would be located in a playroom where creative messes wouldn ’ t be considered a problem . This way , your child will feel comfortable and unconcerned about using the art supplies ( and getting messy ) as often as he likes .
Tip : Using a second-hand table and set of chairs for art creation is one way to avoid damages to your existing furniture .
A well-stocked , organized art center gives your child the opportunity to find out for himself if he has interest in the visual arts . It is a physical manifestation of encouragement that demonstrates the life lesson to always try before giving up , and it can foster the idea that art skills can be developed with effort and practice . Just like geometry .
In the next edition of Creative Kids , we will talk about some specific art projects and art techniques that your child can try at home using your new art center .
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