creative process

Madeline's preschool is really interesting; they take their art very seriously. I'm not sure if it's part of the Reggio-Emilia philosophy, or just a reflection of hiring a specialist art teacher to benefit the toddlers and preschoolers who go there. Usually, their art teacher has them working on larger group pieces. At least, I think so, as up to this point Madeline has only brought home two small clay sculptures and she has art class three times a week. Surely, they must be doing something! And then, on Monday, she brought home this:

It's the loveliest thing I've ever seen (yes, my mommy-coloured glasses are on)!

There is a little information sheet posted at Madeline's school about how her class made their paintings. Sketch, then review. Highlight lines, then review. Paint background. Add colours, then review. Silly me thought that her teacher gave them a piece of paper and some paints and said, "Go to work". But no, there was a process. I think it's so wonderful that a teacher would give a group of three and four year-olds the opportunity to approach art this way.

I wonder why she merely produces single-colour squiggles with her crayons here at home?

Comments

[Sarah]

It's awesome!

And I love that they are actually learning an artistic process rather than just sitting with a pile of paints and spitting something out.

[Julie]

That is BEAUTIFUL!!! I love it, Tell Madeline that Auntie Julie needs one too. IT is so 3 year old graffiti..... ;)

[Amber]

Wow. Can I buy that? That is seriously beautiful! Totally deserves to be framed.

[Terri]

I think it is beautiful Laura.