Process Art

Preschoolers and art.

Art and preschoolers. 

I think MaryAnn F. Kohl is smart about these two subjects. As I've learned more about encouraging my little guy to be an artist, I've come to agree wholeheartedly with Kohl's philosophy:  "Art is a process, not a product."

Preschool Process Art: Why?

I want my kids to be creative thinkers. Process art allows for that. There is no planned product. No model of a little craft that shouts, "Yours has to look like mine!" 

I want to let go of the product and just let my preschooler enjoy the process. Art becomes much more delightful when there isn't a wrong or right way. Simon is also benefitting from experimenting with colors, coloring mixing, and various art supplies. 

I want the bulk of Simon's masterpieces to truly be his and for him to be satisfied with them. I want art to be about the process and not the product. 

Process Art: How?

Simon creates 5-15 self-inspired artworks each week. Since he was about 2 1/2 years old, he's had various art supplies available. He does not have to ask permission to start artwork. He simply gets what he needs, goes for it, and (usually) puts things away when he's finished.

His bucket of art supplies that resides on his table currently contains these items: 

• stencils
• colored pencils
• crayons
• glue
• scissors
• Do-A-Dot markers
• regular markers
• paper
• stickers

He also has some supplies he has to ask for:

• watercolor crayons
• oil pastels
• tempera paint
• finger paint
• box of sequins/beads (for collage making)
• paint brushes and other things to paint with

He also has access to an entire drawer full of play-doh, cookie cutters, rollers, and scissors that he is allowed to play with as long as the dining room table is clean.

Are you ready to get started with your preschooler? The links below will give you some fresh ideas for process art.

Process Art: Ideas!

• Our Fancy Brushes
• Snap Paintings
• Runaway Art
• Inverted Finger Painting
• Watercolor Resist
• Valentine Art: Bleeding Hearts
• Sand Picture Process Art
• Let's Make a Mess Co-op Class