Paint and Print Fall 2010

This Fall all classes have been using lots of fluid media- tempera, acrylic, watercolour paint and block printing ink. There is something universally appealing about liquid, probably because our bodies are made up mostly of water and we couldn't survive without it. Its physical properties-the ability of the molecules to stick to each other, paper, cardboard, skin and to take on the shape of the container in which it is put is infinitely fascinating. (just watch children playing with water).
Most children love paint and are ready to experiment with it in their own way. Through this experience they get to know how paint behaves in different situations. Gradually they will move from only experimenting to using what they know to make the mark they want. But it is a long, lovely, bumpy road and there will always be some element of surprise (thank goodness!)
I can't praise enough the tactile/visual component of this journey! At Habitat we talk about 'being there'- our mission is to help children connect to natural settings. This means being in the present with all senses engaged. Similarly in the art studio, painters are seeing and feeling, present with the task at hand. (this is what we try to achieve!)