As a parent, hearing the term “art project” might instantly make you think, Oh no, this is going to be a messy affair. And we totally get that! But then you might recall the look of pure concentration and joy on your kids’ faces when they’re engrossed in their artistic endeavors— at least 10 minutes of peaceful quiet time! (Although, if it gets too quiet, you might want to check your walls for any unintentional murals!) You may discover that your children derive more joy from the journey of creating art than from the final piece itself. This concept is known as process art.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, don’t worry; we’re all learning as we navigate parenthood. Here’s your crash course on process art, including its definition and benefits.
What is Process Art?
Process art emphasizes the journey of creating rather than the end product. The experience of making art is prioritized over what is ultimately produced. It is driven by the child’s choices and fosters a sense of exploration and discovery. The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) outlines several key features of process art:
- No step-by-step instructions are provided.
- There’s no example for kids to replicate.
- There are no right or wrong ways to create.
- The focus is on exploring techniques, tools, and materials.
- Each piece is unique and original.
- The activity is calming and enjoyable.
- The entire experience belongs to the children.
- Children have the freedom to choose how they create.
Benefits of Process Art
Wondering how allowing your child to explore art supplies can be beneficial? It turns out that it helps in numerous ways:
- Social and Emotional Benefits: Children can relax, concentrate, and express their feelings through art.
- Language and Literacy Benefits: Kids may discuss their artwork and incorporate text into it, enhancing their communication skills.
- Cognitive Benefits: Engaging in process art encourages kids to compare, predict, plan, and solve problems.
- Physical Benefits: Activities like painting and sculpting improve fine motor skills.
Tips for Encouraging Process Art
Now that you know the advantages of process art, you’ll likely want to provide your children with the opportunity to experience it. Here are some tips for parents:
- Treat art like open-ended play. Offer a variety of materials and let your child lead the way.
- Make the art experience joyful. Allow for lots of colors, paint, and creative expression.
- Give ample time for exploration and creativity.
- Let children move freely between their art and other activities.
- Acknowledge what you see, like “Wow, look at the colorful shapes you’re making!”
- Embrace your child’s ideas and suggestions.
- Introduce new materials to spark interest.
- Play music to create a lively atmosphere.
- Take art outside to enjoy natural lighting.
- Share children’s books with beautiful illustrations to inspire creativity.
- Decide together whether to take the artwork home or leave it in the classroom.
- Remember, the art belongs to your child, not you!
Activities to Inspire Process Art
While coloring pages and paint-by-number kits might be popular, they often limit creative thinking. Here are some activities that truly encourage process art:
- Free painting at an easel with various paints and brushes
- Tie-dyeing fabric
- Watercolor painting
- Clay exploration
- Finger painting
- Using unconventional tools like toothbrushes for painting
- Printing and stamping with sponges
- Creating spin art with a record player
- Independently stringing beads
- Weaving with cloth or paper
- Drawing with different art supplies
- Making homemade dough
- Crafting collages from recycled materials
For a fun twist, take a toy car, dip it in paint, and let your child roll it across paper. This allows their imagination to flow freely. Or, roll out a long sheet of paper, let your child step in paint, and watch as they create foot art outdoors.
While the aim isn’t to produce a masterpiece, you’re sure to cherish your child’s creations. Make room on the fridge!
What is Product Art?
In contrast to process art, product art is more structured and includes specific instructions. An example might be directing your child to create a clay boat based on a picture. The focus here is on achieving a particular outcome rather than enjoying the creative process. Product art has its place and teaches kids to follow directions, but it can also stifle creativity by pressuring them to conform to a specific vision.
Exploring Different Forms of Art
Process art allows children to explore various mediums without restrictions. There are seven major forms of art that can expand children’s creative horizons:
- Painting
- Architecture
- Sculpture
- Literature
- Music
- Theater/Performing Arts
- Cinema
This article was published on January 23, 2021.
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Summary
Process art emphasizes the journey of creativity, focusing on the experience rather than the final product. It encourages children to explore, express themselves, and develop various skills. By facilitating process art at home, parents can foster their children’s creativity and emotional well-being through open-ended activities that allow for personal expression.
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