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"And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts."
~Exodus 31:3-5 (NIV)
As students study God's creation, they learn to keep a nature journal. Part of creating a nature journal entry often includes a visual representation of what the student saw, observed, and noticed - a narration in picture form! To aid our students in gaining skill and proficiency at transferring what they saw to their journals, we teach the basic skills necessary for drawing and brush drawing (a form of watercolor used for nature journaling), as well as basic color theory. These skills can be applied beyond the realm of nature journaling to our students' other creative pursuits, supplying them an increased capacity to sketch ideas for handicrafts, create portraits & landscapes, capture accurate architectural draughts, embellish a Book of Centuries, and/or include figures in notes for science, history, literature, etc.
Why Drawing?
Why Drawing?
Drawing is a valuable skill to acquire due to its developmental, educational, and cultural benefits, including the following reasons:
Observational Skills: Drawing encourages children to observe details in the natural world, promoting a habit of attentive observation.
Attention to Beauty: Charlotte Mason believed in exposing children to beauty in various forms, and drawing allows them to appreciate and capture the beauty they see.
Expression of Ideas: Drawing serves as a means for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and imagination visually, fostering creativity.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Practicing drawing improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are important for overall dexterity and control.
Appreciation of Art: Through drawing, children learn about different art styles, techniques, and artists, cultivating an appreciation for art history and cultural diversity.
Narration and Reflection: Drawing can be used as a form of narration, where children illustrate scenes from literature or history, helping them process and remember what they've learned.
Discipline and Patience: Learning to draw requires patience and perseverance, teaching children the value of practice and effort in achieving goals.
Spatial Awareness: Drawing exercises help develop spatial awareness and the ability to visualize proportions, perspectives, and spatial relationships.
Integration with Other Subjects: Drawing can be integrated with subjects such as science (e.g., botanical illustration), geography (e.g., maps), and history (e.g., historical illustrations), enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
Personal Development: Engaging in drawing fosters confidence and self-expression, nurturing a sense of achievement and personal growth.
Why Watercolor (Brush Drawing)?
Why Watercolor (Brush Drawing)?
Studying watercolor is particularly valued for several reasons:
Connection with Nature: Watercolor painting encourages children to observe and appreciate the natural world closely, as they often paint landscapes, plants, and animals.
Appreciation of Beauty: Like drawing, watercolor painting exposes children to beauty in nature and art, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for God's creation.
Development of Observation Skills: Watercolor requires keen observation of light, color, and form, enhancing children's ability to notice details and nuances in their surroundings.
Expression and Creativity: Painting with watercolors allows children to express themselves artistically and imaginatively, exploring different techniques and styles.
Discipline and Patience: Learning watercolor techniques such as washes, wet-on-wet, and dry brush requires patience and practice, teaching children the value of perseverance and effort.
Integration with Other Subjects: Watercolor can be integrated with subjects such as geography (painting landscapes), science (illustrating botanical specimens), and history (depicting historical scenes), enriching interdisciplinary learning.
Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating brushes and controlling water and pigment helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, which are crucial for overall dexterity.
Cultural Appreciation: Children can learn about different artistic traditions and styles through studying watercolor paintings from various cultures and historical periods.
Personal Growth: Engaging in watercolor painting builds confidence, self-expression, and a sense of achievement as children see their skills and artworks progress over time.
Enjoyment and Leisure: Painting with watercolors can be a source of joy and relaxation for children, providing a peaceful and meditative activity that nurtures their creativity.
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