Fun & Fast Family Portraits
by Deborah Shelton
Making self-portraits and pictures of family, friends, and
even pets, is a great way to connect with children (and it's a lot of fun!). There are so many imaginative ways to
create a person's image. Try these techniques, then invent some of your own.
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Traditional
Drawing the way most of us are used to: with
pencils, crayons, markers, paint and paper. Just because this uses traditional supplies doesn't mean that your
picture has to be traditional. Try out Picasso's abstract style or even a minimalist portrait (think stick people
with a little more detail).
Crafty
This is where all of those scrap pieces of fabric
and miscellaneous office supplies come in handy. Buttons, flat marbles, googly eyes, and coiled paperclips work well
for eyes. Shredded paper strips, yarn, and shoelaces can be used as hair. Small rubber bands are cute for curly hair.
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Food
Ah, the wonders of elbow macaroni...it's delicious
and artistic! Create a dry pasta portrait, or an edible picture with slices of cucumbers or olives for eyes, small
carrots for noses, a slice of bell pepper for a mouth, whipped cream hair--anything goes!
Hands-On
In other words, finger painting! The secret to
having fun with this hands-on technique is to use only your hands and fingers--no brushes. Double fingerprints, one
inside the other, work great for eyes. Apply dark lipstick on your lips and kiss the paper to add a mouth!
Artistic
Object painting can become very addictive once
you get started, so go through your garage sale box to find plenty of "canvases." Paint portraits on clear dinner
plates, keepsake boxes, T-shirts, tote bags, and any other object that lacks pizzazz.
About the Author:
Deborah Shelton is a mother, freelance writer, and author of the brand new book, "The Five Minute Parent: Fun & Fast
Activities for You and Your Little Ones." Visit Deborah's website, The
Five Minute Parent for more family-friendly ideas, and a free email
newsletter.
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