Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Volume 1) (Lab for Kids, 1) Paperback – Illustrated, February 1, 2012

Looking to homeschool the kids next year I was trying to find something to fill the art gap. I love all aspects of art, but when it comes to getting my kids involved it can be somewhat challenging to say the least. Already owning the Mixed Media lab book and using a few lessons with our summer camp last year, I was excited to find this book at the library so I could check it out first. The Lab Series is great on so many levels. It gives lists of supplies that are recommended, and then reminds you that if you're lacking specific materials, just start with what you have and build your stash slowly. Teaching well rounded art to my kids is important, and alone I was afraid that I would make things too difficult, or (gasp) boring for them. This is a great starting point. So much so that I didn't return it to the library until they told me I couldn't keep renewing it.... so I bought it.As with all Lab books I have encountered, all the exercises are seperate from each other. Yes, they have themed units, (such as Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media) but you can skip things you don't have supplies for, or aren't in the mood to do, and still be able to pull off a successful experience. As my children are in the 7-12 age range, this book will work well for us. Each lab is based on a different artist's style, so some art appreciation will be had as you talk about the original master, and may even be interested to do more research on your favorites. Different mediums are used as stated before, so you are able to dabble in different forms and get your feet wet without the need for perfection. One of my favorite labs has to be #13- painting like a fauvist. There is no way to make a perfect picture when you have to do the whole thing in shades of green or blue... helps us not be too intimidated and take art so seriously when our picture looks like the Wicked Witch when it's over.I highly recommend this book, and all books from the Lab Series.

I used this book for project ideas and as a guide when teaching an art elective to elementary school students ages 9-11. It's filled with unique projects that are based in real art techniques and styles, making it an incredible teaching tool. As a former music teacher in the public schools, I can greatly appreciate the organization and layout of this book -- very easy to navigate and follow. Each project is presented in lesson plan format, including materials needed, how to present the project, stepped-out instructions with demonstrative photos, and a list of ways to go further with the project. Beautiful art examples are given from a variety of artists, both professional and inspiring young student artists. You'll find tons of ideas for drawing, painting, printmaking, paper, and mixed media! The kids I worked with LOVED the string painting project! There are lots of crafty books out there for kids which are great, but what sets this book apart is that it truly teaches ART to kids! I recommend this book to anyone who teaches art to kids, caregivers looking for ways to include art in their child's life, adults who are budding artists, classroom teachers, daycare providers, and activity coordinators for people of all ages. Fantastic book!

A great resource whether you are a mum or an art teacher. The book is divided into sections dealing with different art techniques ie. Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper and Mixed Media. This means it is easy to get your resource materials together which is always a plus if you are busy. The book is well laid out, instructions are clear and there are many good illustrations and photos. There are also photos of both adult's and children's work of the same technique, which I found useful. There is a section after each technique called meet the artist, which showcases the adult version of the technique.I would definitely recommend this book if you are short on ideas and want to get to some quickly.

I purchased two kids' arts and crafts books: Kids Create and Art Lab for Kids. I looked at the Art Lab book first, and then was very disappointed with Kids Create when I looked at that book. Kid's Create is entirely in black and white and totally uninspiring. I was looking for an art book with drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media activities suitable for children that would not only invite creativity but also start to lay a foundation for a basic understanding of art materials and artistic techniques. What's more, I was looking for activities that left room for true creativity in the final product despite using specific techniques. The Art Lab for Kids book was attractive and inspiring. It's activities will be fun for my 6 year old son, but they'll be just as fun for him at 10 and 17 (and for me)and feel fresh even when we repeat each "adventure."The book includes complete materials lists, colorful examples, and "further exploration" activities for each "adventure", so really there are over a hundred possible "creative adventures" in this book.

The book is beautifully laid out in an easy to follow format. Each project has a materials list, then step by step directions, and nice photos. The book is great for parents to use as a guide to do and teach art projects to kids, especially parents with little or no art experience. Older kids that can read would do fine independently on the projects or with minimal help, and younger kids are able to do the projects with some help from someone who can read. I like that the book can be used as a jumping off point since it teaches many different art techniques with various materials, so if the child completes a project he/she will be able to essentially repeat the project by just coming up with a different theme/subject. Overall, great book that is easy to use, covers some interesting art techniques, and great for a parent to have on hand when their kids are looking for something to do.

This book is a simple overview of a lot of different skills for kids, but not as detailed as I had hoped.