Activities for children of all ages to look at, talk about and make their own discoveries about art.
As you explore this resource please keep in mind that there are no wrong answers, or that there is only one way to do the activities - they are all about looking, chatting, making, and exploring art, wherever you are and whatever you have around you.
You know your child best
Some activities may suit you better than others so pick and choose!
Age
We’ve aimed the language at age 7+, but activities can be suitable for any age, just adapt to suit your child.
Timing
How long your child engages with the activity will vary. Depending on their age, the way they’re feeling that day, the immediate appeal of any activity... some will work better than others. Don't worry if they're not feeling it - try again another time, or move on to something else. You might be surprised by what they're interested in.
Creativity
We hope these suggestions will allow your child to develop their creativity by encouraging their curiosity, open mindedness, problem-solving and imagination.
Art knowledge
You don’t need to know anything about art to have fun with it. Encourage your child to share their ideas, observations and opinions. There’s never a wrong answer about art. And it's ok not to know all the answers. Nobody does. Where would the fun be in that?
Repeat
If something worked, do it again!
Let your child lead
You don’t need to have all the ideas. In fact, if you really want your child to be creative, encouraging them to come up with their own ideas is a brilliant way to help your child be creative and explore their imagination.
Try to enjoy, together
Take a deep breath, you’re doing a brilliant job. Let us know if we can support you - we can't wait to see you in the gallery, as soon as we can.
David Shrigley
Imagine the Green is Red
Let's take inspiration from the funny ‘intervention’ photograph by the artist David Shrigley! He created the work by making and placing a sign on the ground at Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow - what do you think?!
Activity one: make it yours!
We challenge you to make a sign using any materials that you can find around your home.
Words are important to this artist. He is interested in how we think about text and images together, especially when they are put together in funny and unusual ways. Try writing some weird words together that might surprise someone in your house! Next time you go for a family walk take a pic of it in your local park… or take a photo of it in the best place in your house or garden!
Share your creation, and see what others have made, on Facebook or Twitter or via the hashtag, #HomeArt.
Activity two: See Think Wonder
See
- Describe everything you see in the picture, in detail
- Start with things you are sure about
- Is there anything you are not sure about?
- What could it be?
Think
- What does it make you think about?
- Does it remind you of anything?
Wonder
What do you wonder about the picture?
- I wonder why...?
- I wonder how...?
- I wonder...?
Do
How could you find out more about the things you wonder?
- Read about it online
- Use your imagination
- Send us a question via #CreativeCurriculum and we’ll do our best to answer it!
Activity three: #ArtTogether - a mid-week challenge for the entire family!
We want you, as a family, to make a new artwork together!
This week we challenge you to create your own message and put it in your window for others to enjoy. Inspired by David Shrigley's Imagine the Green is Red, we want your message to start with the word, 'IMAGINE....'
Please share your photographed messages- and see what others have made- on Wednesday on our Facebook page and on Twitter or Instagram by using #ArtTogether.
Activity four: Watch
Watch this short video about the artist David Shrigley. If you're feeling inspired, why not make your own video? You could interview someone from your family or make it all about you!
Activity five: COLOUR
We have two activities today. One for 5+ and another for pre-school children. Enjoy!
Ages 5+
One reason why this photo is so striking to look at is because of the colours David Shrigley has chosen. Red and green are complimentary colours, they sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel.
1. Make a colour wheel with things from around the house
Maybe a red sock, a green leaf, a blue tea-towel? Which colours seem warm, and which seem cool?
Experiment by placing and playing with different colour combinations. Which ones do you think work well together? Which combinations do you like best? What do different colours and colour combinations remind you of? How do they make you feel?
2. Make your own colours
Can you make your own paint using things around the kitchen? There are lots of videos on youtube, showing you how you can make paint with just flour, water and food colouring- or make up your own recipe! Let us know how you get on!
Pre-school: COLOUR
Clean
1. Can you collect 5 things from around the house that are GREEN and 5 things around the house that are RED?
Messy!
2. Mix your own colours! Start with a dot of yellow, blue and red paint and see what colours your wee one can make!
Don’t forget to send us a pic- and see what others have been up to- via #HomeArt