Materials
Still-life subjects
Still-life art prints or posters
Watercolor paints and brushes
Paper
Instructions
1. Ahead of time, set up a display of still-life subjects. Some familiar objects might include a teapotand cups, a baseball mitt and glove, some children's blocks and a beach ball, and a grouping ofteddy bears.
2. Show the children examples of still-life drawings or paintings.
3. Invite the children to choose the subject they would like to paint.
4. Provide the children with paint, brushes, and paper and encourage them to paint their still-lifesubject.More to doDramatic play: Hang the children's workand art posters, then pretend you are visitinga gallery. Take turns as docent, artist,and visitor, then enjoy a snack in the cafe.More art: Repeat the activity using differentmedia such as crayons, tempera paints,chalk, colored pencils, and markers. Framethe children's artwork and create an artgallery or exhibit. On another day, createportraits, landscapes, or abstract art.Music: Play quiet music while the childrenpaint.
