Creativity at Home

Work Surface

A designated work surface is helpful to allow the artist to come and go when their creative work is complete. Ideas for a work surface include: piece of furniture like a kitchen/dining table or desk, a lap desk, a safe vertical space (easel or plexiglass wall), or some floor space with a few pillows. Be sure your artist protects the work space from messes or spills with the use of a plastic table cloth, newspaper, baking tray or craft pad.

Lighting

If possible, having a work space near a window is great for the artistic process. Having a window to gaze out of is also a great resource for reflection & observation skill development. If a window is not available, having access to a lamp or overhead lighting is key to allow the artist to reduce eye strain and allow for them to use of their entire work surface.

Ambient Noise

Some artists enjoy listening to music while creating - if so, be sure to have a small speaker or headphones available for use. I tend to use instrumental music in the studio space. 🎵

Other artists enjoy a quiet space to work - if so, try to find a space with door or a room with some distance from high traffic areas of the house.

The materials truly depend on the needs of the artist. In the Open Art Studio, centers are organized by material/project type to practice teaching artistic behavior (TAB) - here are my top 4 art centers. If you need additional recommendations, please send me a separate email.

To learn more about TAB, please visit the teachingforartisticbehavior.org website.

Drawing

• #2 pencils, colored pencils, erasers, watercolor markers, black Flair pen/permanent marker, crayons, ruler, shape or letter templates, blank paper/sketchbook

• Still life objects: favorite toy, live plant, mirror, found objects

• How-To draw books (ie. anime, animals, people, cartoons, etc)

Painting

• Assorted paint brushes, small water cup, paper towels, newspaper, smock/paint shirt, masking tape, mixed media paper/sketchbook

• New Artists: watercolor or tempera trays, water soluble oil pastels

• Advanced Artists: liquid tempera and liquid watercolor, acrylic paint

Collage

• Magazines and newspaper, old photos, cloth squares, decorative paper (old wrapping paper), buttons, feathers, ribbon, stickers

• White glue or glue stick, scissors

• Construction paper, card stock, clean cardboard

Sculpture/Construction

• Paper sculpture: construction paper, white glue, scissors, hole punch, string, brass fasteners, clear tape

• Cardboard Construction:

• Learn about different attachment styles watching this youtube video:

A very important part of the creative process is the practice of cleaning up the space & how to display/store the final art piece. Each artist is responsible for cleaning up their own work space to ensure the space is available for the next artist or for the next visit.

For each material type, a separate clean up process may be required. Work with your artist to create a clean up/storage plan.

Storage:

• Where will the supplies be stored? I use resealable plastic bags & storage bins 😁

• Is there a safe space for artwork to dry?

• Where will artwork be stored? Bin? Folder?

Clean Up:

• Is there a trash can/recycle bin nearby for small paper scraps?

• Can larger pieces of paper/cardboard be saved and reused for future art?

• Is there a water source nearby? Where can paintbrushes be rinsed? How will hands be cleaned (soap & water, hand wipes)?

• How will the work surface be cleaned? Don't forget the floor space too!

Art Display:

• Does your artist wish to share and display their artwork? If so, where can the art be displayed for others to enjoy?

• How long will art be on display?

• Perhaps, other family members want to come together to share their talents at a family gallery night!