
Expressive Monkey Blog
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A place to go for inspiration, ideas, and easy-to-implement lessons for your art classroom. If you want to build your students' confidence in drawing, then these posts are for you!
Expressive Monkey Blog
5M ago
If you’re looking for a new way to engage your students and help them focus, try introducing a 2-hand drawing exercise! This simple, yet powerful, drawing warm-up activity taps into the concept of bilateral drawing, where both hands are used simultaneously to create a single artwork. While it may sound a bit tricky at first, […]
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Expressive Monkey Blog
5M ago
Graffiti art and street art have become dynamic forms of artistic expression, capturing the imagination of artists and audiences around the world. If you’re an art teacher looking to dive into the world of graffiti and street art with your students, you’re in the right place! Below, I’ve rounded up some fantastic resources—videos, books, and […]
The post Teaching About Graffiti and Street Art appeared first on Expressive Monkey ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
11M ago
As an art teacher, I have always believed in the power of creativity to bring people together. Collaborative art projects offer a unique opportunity for students to work together, share ideas, and create something truly special as a community. In this article, I will explore the benefits of collaborative art projects, how they can enhance social-emotional learning activities, how they can be used to develop problem-solving skills and give you some practical ideas for getting started from a collection of art teachers. So, let’s dive in and discover the transformative power of collaborative art ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
Introduction to the therapeutic effects of creativity in reducing stress
As we navigate through the ups and downs of life, stress becomes an unwelcome companion. Whether it’s the demands of work, personal relationships, or simply the pressures of daily life, stress can take a toll on our emotional well-being. Fortunately, there are various techniques that can help us reduce stress and find peace within ourselves. One such technique is drawing. Yes, you read that right! Drawing can be a powerful tool for stress management and can have therapeutic effects on our emotional health.
Understandin ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
Winter Drawing Ideas
I’m excited to share with you a list of 8 winter drawing ideas for keeping kids drawing all winter long! These ideas range from capturing winter scenes to exploring nature’s wonders and everything in between. Whether it’s sketching frosty patterns or drawing the adventures of outdoor activities, these prompts are designed to boost the imagination and keep the artistic spirit alive.
There’s more! I also have a printable list and an inspiration page with the same 13 ideas. This page can be used as a starting point for their own artistic explorations or simply as a source of ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
Let’s delve into the captivating world of Hans (Jean) Arp and explore his unique creative process, which was influenced by chance, spontaneity, and the rejection of traditional artistic norms.
Introduction to Hans Arp and the Dada Movement
Meet Hans Arp, also known as Jean Arp, a significant 20th-century artist and a key player in the Dada movement. Born in 1886 in Strasbourg, Arp was a true artistic polymath, proficient in sculpture, painting, and poetry. The Dada movement emerged during World War I as a reaction to the bewildering chaos of the era. It boldly defied conventional artistic no ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
Zine Folding 101 Introduction to zine-making
Zine-making has become a popular form of self-expression, allowing individuals to share their creativity and ideas in a unique and personal way. But what exactly is a zine? A zine, short for magazine, is a small, handmade publication that is often created independently and distributed within niche communities. It can be about anything you want – from art and poetry to politics and personal stories. The beauty of zines lies in their DIY nature and the freedom they offer to creators.
What is a zine, and why make one?
Zines have a rich history rooted ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
I’m excited to share with you a list of 7 inspiring fall drawing ideas for keeping kids drawing all autumn long! From vibrant fall foliage to adorable woodland creatures, harvest produce to cozy indoor scenes, this collection of ideas will inspire hours of creative exploration. Whether it’s sketching fall leaves or drawing the adventures of outdoor activities, these prompts are designed to ignite the imagination and keep the artistic spirit alive.
There’s more! I also have a printable list and an inspiration page with the same 7 ideas plus 5 more. This page can be used as a starting point for ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
I’m excited to share with you a list of 7 fun summer drawing ideas for keeping kids drawing all summer long! These ideas range from capturing beach scenes to exploring nature’s wonders and everything in between. Whether it’s sketching vibrant flowers or drawing the adventures of outdoor activities, these prompts are designed to ignite the imagination and keep the artistic spirit alive.
There’s more! I also have a printable list and an inspiration page with the same 7 ideas plus 9 more. This page can be used as a starting point for their own artistic explorations or simply as a source of inspi ..read more
Expressive Monkey Blog
1y ago
Drawing can be a fun and creative activity for kids but can also be challenging. Kids who have grown up with digital devices may see drawing as something only adults do. If you want your kids to develop their confidence and creativity, consider using some non-traditional drawing activities for kids. They are also a great way to boost your child’s confidence and get them to draw again. Here are some fun ideas to get you started:
1) Drawing with sticks and chalk.
When you draw with sticks, your kids have to really focus on the act of drawing. They won’t be worried about getting the lines straig ..read more