Student in the Spotlight: Phoebe
Phoebe, our Student in the Spotlight, began her artistic journey at age 10 with dreams of becoming a biologist. Now studying Evolutionary Biology at the University of Texas, Phoebe is focused on researching lemurs in Madagascar. Her dedication to wildlife conservation includes her Girl Scout Gold Award project at the Austin Zoo, where she designed a scavenger hunt and helped label native plants. Phoebe’s growth as both an artist and environmental advocate continues to inspire!
What Art Supplies to Gift for the Holidays 2020
Best Holiday Art Supply Gift Ideas for 2020
Looking for the perfect art supplies to gift this holiday season? From digital tools like the iPad Air and Apple Pen to traditional essentials like watercolor sets, linocut kits, and professional-grade pencils, this curated guide has it all. Perfect for budding artists, quarantine crafters, or seasoned creators, these thoughtful gifts offer the joy of creativity that lasts well beyond the holidays. Discover top picks like Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Stonehenge Paper, and ergonomic table easels—all with links to affordable, reliable suppliers. Shop smart, support a small business, and spark artistic inspiration today!
Austin Summer Camps for Your Creative Kiddo
Looking for the best Austin summer camps for your creative kid? Check out my top picks that help kids grow and explore outside the classroom. From art camps like The Contemporary Austin Art School and Smudge Studios, to filmmaking with Austin Film Society and coding at Minecraft Camps, there's something for every interest. Don't miss LZM Studio's upcoming cartooning camp, where kids can create their own characters and stories! Whether your child loves art, entrepreneurship, or adventure, these camps offer fun and learning all summer long.
Recommended Gift Art Supplies for the Budding Artist
Here are some great gift ideas for the art lover in your life - just as the holiday season approaches. I posted something similar a couple of seasons ago, but this updated list includes new finds and changes due to suppliers and technology. These are my recommended gift art supplies for the budding artist!
Art supplies make a perfect gift--because it is the gift of an experience--something that will reward the receiver for much longer than just the holiday season. They are the tools that give the art lover in your life a learned skill that lasts. On that note, here are some of my most coveted supplies with links to easy online suppliers at a good price. Happy shopping!
Art Supplies for the Budding Artist
Still looking for holiday presents for your favorite budding artist? These are the essential drawing art supplies I can't live without! Many of these are on my newly updated Recommended Supplies list, however, some of these are not because they go beyond my basic supplies for drawing lessons. Nothing beats the gift of art supplies, because it is the gift of an experience- something that will reward the receiver for much longer than just the holiday season, and will give your favorite person a learned skill that lasts. Here are my most coveted tools, with links to easy online suppliers.
Drawing Games for Kids: Rewards for Hard Work
Discover how structured drawing classes can embrace kids' natural creativity while teaching rigorous skills! Incorporating fun, imaginative activities like the Creative Mark Game helps children stay engaged, build motor skills, and explore their inner worlds. Learn how to structure 55-minute drawing sessions with breaks that balance focus and play, offering a reward system that motivates kids to learn while having fun.
Perfect for children ages 5–10, these techniques make learning to draw exciting and adaptable—even during moments of silliness. Whether in a class, waiting in line, or at home, simple games like transforming marks into imaginative creations are great for keeping kids entertained and creative. Check out this post for inspiration and examples from young artists aged 7, 9, and 10!
Building Patience: Quality Drawings Take Time
Drawing, much like constructing a house, is a layered process that requires time, patience, and dedication. Quality artwork isn't about instant gratification—it’s about embracing the journey. Masterpieces, such as Karmel Timmons' and Larassa Kabel's intricate horse drawings, can take weeks or even months to complete.
Drawing is an ancient craft—a hands-on practice that rewards perseverance. Like Tim Jenison's painstaking recreation in Tim's Vermeer, which took 180 days, true artistry demands commitment.
Through deliberate practice, students like Bern and Ananda have transformed their skills, one layer at a time. Celebrate the small steps, because every effort builds toward a masterpiece. Discover how patience in drawing can yield lasting rewards.
Digital Kids: Computer-Aided Drawing is Good Drawing Practice
Encouraging kids to unplug is important, but guiding them toward meaningful tech use is just as valuable! Digital drawing, like Ananda's work with Corel programs, combines creativity with real-world skill-building. While traditional tools like colored pencils teach tactile skills and planning, digital mediums offer layers, "undo" options, and career-ready experiences.
Ananda's "Phoenix Fox" speed-drawing project, learned at The Contemporary Austin Art School, highlights how digital tools can expand artistic expression. If your kids are using computers, why not connect with them through creative activities like digital art?