Jessica’s Introduction to Painting
Jessica was introduced to painting as a hobby, something to occasionally help keep her occupied. Painting then turned into her own form of therapy when I offered to let her paint one day while she was upset.
Jess picks the colors she wants to use, then she chooses a brush from a wide assortment of types and sizes.
She decides on her subject then names each picture. Her first few included ‘Ocean with Flowers’, ‘Big Pink Flower’, and ‘Slumber Party with Chocolate Cake’.
We started with watercolors because I had the paint and watercolor paper on hand.
Watercolors turned out to be a challenge because the colors aren’t bright enough on the paper. She needs high contrast because of her cortical vision impairment.
After a few sessions, an adjustment was in order. She switched to acrylics, got some brushes to call her own, and a container to organize her supplies. I also added a table top easel because she can see best when things are at eye level.
The easel is adjustable so we tried tilting it at different levels.
She prefers for it to be almost vertical. The acrylics are working better because of the vivid colors and contrasts.
Her latest art was for Aunt Danna, so she painted with Big Orange.
Now, when Jess is stuck on something that is upsetting her, I can ask if she wants to paint and she answers yes. She can connect her subject matter to whatever she has on her mind and talk about it while she paints.
I now have a long-term goal to set up her own art station. Then, we can leave her supplies out and she can paint more independently and more often.
Jessica’s Paintings
Slumber Party with Chocolate Cake
Rocket
Ocean with Flowers
Big Pink Flower
untitled
Big Flower
SHORTLINK: http://wp.me/p5DUsf-1cO
I love the ” ocean with flowers” ?
Thanks Judy. It’s interesting that she has these abstract ideas. My favorite is Slumber Party with Chocolate Cake. She started off saying she wanted to paint a pink slumber party. Then, when she was finishing up with pink, she asked if I had black paint. When I said yes, she said she wanted the party to have chocolate cake.
Funny though, when she finished she looked at it and said, “That doesn’t look like chocolate cake.” ?
Val, so so happy for Jess … and for Momma! Makes this heart smile! ♥
Thanks Toni! It’s interesting to watch her. Soon, I’ll try recording it. She takes her time with it and uses her vision to look and decide where she will put her brush next.
Just so, so cool that you happened upon this as a way for her to express her emotions. XO
Thanks Jayne! I had been meaning to let her try painting for a while just to see what she would do with it. Her interest level was somewhat unexpected but very welcome. The way she connects it with what’s on her mind is such a bonus!
I LOVE this! Another Picasso! It’s thrilling that she names her art, just as he did. What a wonderful outlet.
I love that she enjoys it so much and that she puts thought into. There is planning involved because each time she has an idea of what she want to do. I just need to find the time do it with her more.