Juicy Fruits (Art)
This encourages the child to be observant and give attention to detail when drawing and/or painting. This activity tests the power of observation.
One singular piece of citrus fruit is set upon a flat surface. The fruit is cut to reveal the segments inside. Using a sketch pencil the participant will produce a line drawing of the fruit, adding shade and tone, identifying marks and pitting and taking note as to where the light is touching and where the shadows fall.
Adding colour: Before the participant adds colour to their still life drawing, first explain how texture already identified in the pencil sketches, can be represented by adding different tones of one colour. For example: lead a discussion about how children generally set about drawing or painting grass. Young children often represent grass by drawing a strip/band of green along the bottom of the paper. Explain that grass is not just one shade of green and that it is actually a mix of greens along with different shades of yellow and brown (perhaps have a few blades at hand to demonstrate). In this session it can be shown that using a green felt tip pen to make a band/strip of colour gives flat, two dimensional effects– demonstrate that there is no depth to the colour even if one or two different shades of green felt tips are used. Show then that wax crayons or pencil crayons are more effective, as different shades of one colour can be blended and then by using varying pressure on the crayon, texture and colour depth can be achieved. Grass can be better presented using these techniques.
Use one of these two mediums when adding the colour to the still life of the fruit. Encourage the participant to identify all the colours they see before them. Show the participant how to blend one or two different shades of a one colour and allow the pencilled sketched to lead the process of applying. Colour in the pale creams of the fruit’s pith, segment division and centre first. When adding the fruit’s main colour blend the areas where lighter and darker shades converge and also where the small areas of white light hits and the dark shadow sits underside.
Extended activity: A further idea is to draw fruits large scale and use the tips given for adding colour but this time mix up different shades of acrylic paint. This will result in a high gloss, visually stunning wall display, and a wonderful exhibit when displayed alongside similar contributions.