Teaching young children how to draw is a rewarding experience. For preschoolers, the first steps into the world of art should be engaging and fun. Flower drawing is an excellent way to introduce young kids to this creative process. Flowers are vibrant, easy to understand, and can be drawn in a variety of simple shapes. In this blog post, we will guide you through the best art supplies and preschool art easels
that will help you teach flower drawing to preschoolers and make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your little artists.
Why Flower Drawing is Perfect for Preschoolers
Before diving into the supplies and equipment, let’s talk about why flower drawing is an ideal art project for preschoolers. Flower shapes are simple and repetitive, making them easy for young children to replicate. Furthermore, drawing flowers offers a fantastic opportunity to:
- Enhance Fine Motor Skills: Drawing and coloring helps preschoolers develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Introduce Color Theory: Flowers are a colorful subject, and children can experiment with different hues to color the petals, leaves, and stems.
- Promote Observation: Flowers encourage children to observe nature and replicate shapes, helping them pay attention to detail in a fun and interactive way.
The Best Art Supplies for Teaching Flower Drawing
When it comes to teaching flower drawing to preschoolers, the right art supplies can make a huge difference. Here are the best materials to help your little artists get started:
1. Sketch Pads or Drawing Paper
A good quality sketch pad or drawing paper is a must-have for any art project. Look for paper that is thick enough to withstand the use of crayons, colored pencils, and even watercolor paints. For younger children, choose paper that is slightly textured to make it easier to use crayons or pencils, and avoid paper that is too slick, as it may cause markers or crayons to smudge.
2. Crayons
Crayons are perfect for young children, as they are easy to grip and use. Crayons are also an excellent choice for flower drawing because they are vibrant and offer a wide range of colors. Preschoolers can experiment with different colors for the petals, stems, and leaves. It’s also a good idea to have crayons in different textures, such as chunky crayons for beginners, which are easier to handle.
3. Colored Pencils
For children who are a little more advanced, colored pencils can add a level of detail and precision to their flower drawings. Colored pencils are great for shading and blending, helping kids explore new techniques. When choosing colored pencils, look for ones that are easy to sharpen and have soft, smooth color application.
4. Markers
Washable markers are another fantastic option for flower drawing. Markers provide vibrant colors and clean, bold lines that are easy to use for drawing flower petals and outlines. Look for non-toxic, washable markers to ensure they are safe for young children. Markers can also be used to experiment with thicker lines, or kids can use different shades to create intricate details like flower veins or petal patterns.
5. Watercolor Paints
Watercolors are ideal for adding a soft, fluid touch to flower drawings. If you want to teach preschoolers how to create more detailed and realistic flowers, watercolors are a great way to explore color blending and soft gradients. A small watercolor set, along with a couple of good-quality brushes, will provide a versatile medium for children to experiment with.
6. Glue and Scissors
Sometimes, flower drawings can be taken to the next level by creating flower collages. Preschoolers can cut out flower shapes from colored paper or use real flowers to enhance their artwork. A child-safe pair of scissors and glue will help them assemble different pieces of their drawings into a layered or three-dimensional flower collage.
The Best Preschool Art Easels for Flower Drawing
Having the right workspace can greatly enhance the drawing experience for preschoolers. A preschool art easel is a great investment, as it allows children to work comfortably and at their own pace. Here are some of the top easels you can use for teaching flower drawing:
1. Wooden Easels
A sturdy, wooden easel is a classic option. Wooden easels are durable, adjustable, and often come with a variety of features such as a dry erase board on one side and a chalkboard on the other. These types of easels provide a large surface for children to draw on and are stable enough to hold paper in place while they work. If your preschooler prefers to stand while drawing, this option is perfect.
2. Tabletop Easels
Tabletop easels are a great option for smaller spaces or children who prefer to sit while drawing. They’re compact, portable, and can be easily stored when not in use. Most tabletop easels are lightweight and adjustable, allowing for easy setup and takedown. This type of easel can also be a great choice for children who want to use a range of materials such as paper, chalk, or markers while sitting at a table.
3. Adjustable Easels
Some preschool art easels are height-adjustable, allowing them to grow with your child. This is especially useful for preschoolers who may start out sitting down but eventually want to stand while drawing. Look for easels that can be adjusted easily and have a sturdy base to prevent tipping.
4. Magnetic Easels
Magnetic easels are a fun and interactive option for teaching flower drawing. Many of these easels come with magnetic accessories, such as letters, numbers, or shapes, which can help kids learn about different patterns or shapes while drawing. Some magnetic easels even come with dry-erase surfaces for extra flexibility. This can encourage creativity and provide a diverse drawing experience for preschoolers.
How to Teach Flower Drawing to Preschoolers
Now that you have the right supplies and easel, it’s time to teach your preschooler how to draw flowers! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Step 1: Introduce Basic Shapes
Start by teaching your preschooler how to draw basic shapes. Flowers are made up of simple shapes like circles for the center and ovals or teardrops for the petals. Encourage your child to practice drawing these shapes first, and then combine them to form a flower.
Step 2: Draw the Flower Center and Petals
Guide your child to draw a small circle in the middle of the paper for the flower’s center. Then, draw the petals around the circle. Show them how to add different numbers of petals, such as five for a simple daisy or three for a tulip. Let your child experiment with different flower shapes.
Step 3: Add the Stem and Leaves
Once the petals are drawn, show your preschooler how to add a stem and leaves. Encourage them to make the stem long and curved or straight, depending on the type of flower they’re drawing. For the leaves, guide them to draw oval or pointed shapes along the stem.
Step 4: Color the Flower
Now comes the fun part—coloring! Let your child use crayons, markers, or colored pencils to color in the petals, stem, and leaves. You can show them how to experiment with color blending, or they can choose their favorite bright colors for a bold look.
Step 5: Add Details
Encourage your preschooler to add details such as veins on the leaves, shading in the flower petals, or small designs in the flower center. Adding these little touches will help them learn to focus on details and improve their fine motor skills.
Conclusion
Teaching preschoolers how to draw flowers can be an enjoyable and enriching experience for both you and the child. With the right preschool art supplies—such as crayons, colored pencils, markers, and watercolors—and a sturdy preschool art easel to provide a supportive workspace, your child will be ready to begin their flower drawing journey. Not only will they develop important motor skills and creativity, but they will also enjoy the process of experimenting with colors and creating their own vibrant flowers.
With patience and encouragement, your preschooler will be blossoming into a young artist in no time!