Exploring Creativity: The Joy of Playing with Kids' Art Supplies

Unleashing Imagination with Paint Sticks

Playing with kids' art supplies opens a world of creativity, maybe because it’s not that expensive like artist level’s art supplies but are still delightful mediums to play with. These art supplies are Tempera Paint Sticks from Shuttle Art. These paint sticks provide a creamy texture that glides smoothly on paper, easy to use and without the mess of traditional paint.

Process

In my process, I began by using soft pink paint sticks to capture the rough outline of the little girl's form, allowing her essence to emerge on the paper. This initial layer of color provided a tender foundation, and to enhance her features and bring greater depth to her portrayal, I then applied a skin tone that complemented the soft pink, adding value to her face.

The paint sticks offer a creamy texture, but blending them smoothly poses a challenge. Instead of merging seamlessly, the colors tend to overlap, resulting in a less harmonious appearance. To address this issue, I turned to Derwent Drawing pencils to enhance my artwork. By strategically layering the colors and adding fine details with the pencils, I was able to achieve the desired depth and richness in my work. This combination allowed me to maintain the vibrant qualities of the paint sticks while introducing a more cohesive look, ultimately enriching the overall composition.

The Allure of Pastel Colors

Among the many choices, pastel colors are particularly my first to go. The soft tones are visually appealing and can foster a calming environment conducive to creativity. When I play with soft pastel shades, I can experiment with blending and layering colors, enhancing understanding of color theory. Moreover, pastel colors often inspire imaginative scenes, and add more whimsical feelings to artwork.

Completing

After establishing the character and a basic background, I began painting the girl using paint sticks, embracing a minimalist approach. I concentrated on shapes and colors, deliberately avoiding excessive details to maintain a sense of simplicity. The background was intentionally kept understated, allowing the character to stand out without distraction. This technique enabled me to emphasize the essence of the girl, capturing her spirit through vibrant hues and bold forms while the uncomplicated backdrop complemented the main subject.

The vibrant popsicle in her hand, a delightful fusion of kiwi and watermelon flavors, catches the eye with its bright green and pink hues, providing a cool contrast to the summer sun. The popsicle not only enhances her playful demeanor but also evokes nostalgic memories of childhood summers spent savoring similar frozen delights. Each bite brings a playful fun to the moment, making it all the more special.

Those colors and flavors remind me of the joy found in simple pleasures, especially when shared.

And I also captured the essence of my lovely puppy, employing a vibrant lemon yellow paint stick to outline her tiny shape, and then detailed her features with Derwent Drawing pencils, adding depth and character to her form. The gentle pink on her cheeks has become my favorite symbol within this piece, radiating warmth and affection. This drawing serves as a cherished reminder of the joy and love my puppy brings into my life, encapsulating the little moments that make our time together so special.