…the kids loved this quote by Ray Bradbury
For the last two weeks we have been discussing the concept of creativity in our art classes. Once we established that having artistic ability and creativity didn’t necessarily go hand in hand I shared some quotes from a few famous people.
“Creativity is contagious. Pass it on!” – Albert Einstein
“Bad artists copy. Good artists steal.” – Pablo Picasso
“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse
“Great art picks up where nature ends.” Marc Chagall
“Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” Salvador Dali
“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Scott Adams
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Pablo Picasso
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try” – Dr. Seuss
The students were then directed to print their favourite quote or part of it onto a white sheet of drawing paper with pencil. Then they were to turn it upside down and start drawing by extending the lines in the quote. Once the page was full they could outline the whole piece in black Sharpie and add some colour.
At this point the quote is almost unrecognizable so to remind us how the art started the child was directed to rewrite the quote somewhere on the paper where there was open space. The grade 3s really got into this assignment. A few forgot to turn the quote upside down. The first photo is the sample that I created so that the students would have a visual when I explained the process. I would encourage any of you to choose a quote from the ones I’ve posted or come up with your own and get CREATIVE. I would love to see what you come up with.
Thanks to Carla Sonheim for the idea of gathering quotes about creativity and Stefanie von Hoesslin for the drawing activity using the quotes.
Mama Cormier 
These are fantastically fun and creative!
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Thanks Judith. You should try it. It can be pretty relaxing.
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Fantastic post and I agree with kids. Over thinking ruins the fun of creativity.
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I even have to remind some children to stop over thinking the assignment. Just do it.
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Simply amazing! Thanks for this lesson…!
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I hope you give it a try.
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These are amazing. The kids must love you and your classes!!!
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Thanks Jodi. When kids want to stay in during recess to finish work or start another picture I know they love the assignment.
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❤
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Wonderful.
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Thanks. I’ll pass your praise onto my students.
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I love these creative exercises you do with your students. I wish I had an art teacher like you when I was in school. Perhaps today I wouldn’t feel like I was so *creatively challenged*.
I loved the quote by Scott Adams … “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.”
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I think Picasso was right. Adults forget how to be artists. Go for it. Make mistakes. Have fun with it.
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I’m still taking baby steps … working on my second colouring book 😉
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These are so great! I think I got snuffed as a child regarding my drawings in the kindergarten and school. Just reading your task made me feel edgy and reluctant to even try. For me, a blank paper with a pending task was always a nightmare. I love the quotes and the created art!
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Take one word. Write it on a piece of paper, turn it upside down and just start doodling. I think you might find it relaxing. No pressure. Do it for fun.
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LOVE! Children really are the best part of this world.
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They are our most precious commodity. We need to nurture them, encourage their creativity and instil good moral values.
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Amen!
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