Earlier this month, I listed some of my favorite mobile apps that encourage kids to do digital drawing. Today I want to share some websites where kids can create art works. As always, I believe the best way for kids to explore the Internet is under adult supervision. Besides, playing with our kids and digital art is fun!
If your kids love to color, they'll enjoy playing with the digital patterns at Scrap Coloring. There are many templates to choose from; the areas within these can be filled with either solid color or a range of patterns. The patterns can also be reconfigured by adjusting the colors.
At Bomomo, children can experiment to their heart's content. There's a range of interesting tools, and the best way to discover what they can do is to simply try them. Click one of the icons at the bottom of the screen, then move and click your mouse to make a cool abstract composition. If you can't save the creation, try taking a screen grab of it.
One great thing about websites that allow us to explore and play with art is that we may be encouraged to go on from there to try a similar activity in real life. Aminah's World is a website presented by the Columbus Museum of Art. Here kids can choose a digital background then build a collage by layering kente cloth and other fabric scraps, found objects, shells, and yarn. Objects can be moved and re-sized, and the result printed out.
Another website that facilitates lots of art exploration is Toy Theater. The art activities there include building with colored blocks, doodling, designing, animation, and a glimpse into processes like Matisse's painting and Japanese wood block prints. You need to take a screen grab to save work kids do here.
Some people disapprove of digital play for kids. They believe screen-based fun distracts kids from more important things — like reading, painting, and learning. Many parents, however, try to help their children find a balance. If you're one of the latter, I hope you and your kids will enjoy exploring and playing with digital art. I truly believe exploring with our kids online opens up all sorts of possibilities for discussion and learning.
Have you encouraged your kids to create digital art? Would you like to try one of the websites above? Let us know on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page.