This year in the preschool classroom, building has been of great interest to the children. Whether working in the block area with unit blocks, at the tables with Legos, or other various manipulatives, the children have constructed some amazing structures. We wanted to reflect that interest this year while showcasing their masterpieces in our annual art show.

In preparation, we took a walk around the neighborhood to take a look at the different buildings surrounding Neighborhood Music School. We observed buildings made from brick and concrete, found different shapes and colors within windows, and took pictures to print out and begin sketching back in our classroom.

After our walk, we had our pictures printed and laminated then set to work looking closely at details and sketching what we saw. Once we had a feel for what shapes and details we noticed in the pictures, the children were given paper and pencils to begin working on their sketches.

Once the group pictures were sketched, we then set out in small groups around the neighborhood and each child had the opportunity to decide on a favorite building and take their own individual picture. That picture was then used as the jumping point for their final sketches and wooden structures.

Each child had the opportunity to sketch their building and use watercolor to add vibrant colors to their artwork, as well as, search through pieces of scrap wood donated by the Eli Whitney Museum and find the shapes, sizes, and details needed to complete their masterpieces. Every structure was constructed purposefully and was turned in a unique piece of art. Once the structures were completed, the children shared with their teachers why they chose their building to photograph, how they constructed it, and the special details they wanted to convey about their final work.

Each piece has been titled and the children are excited to share them with their families and the entire Neighborhood Music School community.

Our children worked collaboratively to create two group pieces. Two of the children’s favorite stories, Iggy Peck Architect and Dream House, inspired these pieces. The children observed that in both stories the main characters created blueprints before building their structures.

Our first step was transforming a blueprint by painting it with a vibrant display of watercolors.  Our next step was rolling black acrylic paint across two canvases.

This dark background allowed the colorful blueprint to pop.In step three, the blueprint was cut and ripped into various shapes, which were then glued onto the canvases. 

The final step was to decoupage both canvases. The children used large paint brushes to cover the canvases with Modge Podge, creating a glossy finish.  

When it came time to title our pieces, all of our artists gave wonderful suggestions, and they ultimately voted for “The Tall Tower of Pisa” and “Neighborhood School.”

Both of our Toddler groups have thoroughly enjoyed painting this year. We’ve printed in paint using different shapes, sponges and plungers and painted with brushes, rollers and even our hands! The children have also shown quite an interest in working with sticky tape and scissors and as their fine motor skills grew, they worked hard to master pulling the tape, cutting it and laying it down flat. We found the perfect way to showcase their passion and skill with their Art Show pieces.

Using brayers to roll paint onto big sheets of paper quickly became a favorite activity for us. We decided to use this rolling technique as the basis of our art pieces. We started by looking at an artist’s canvas, feeling it, and talking about how it was different from paper. Using acrylic paint, each child chose a color and rolled out their base coat. 

Next came the sticky tape! After the paint dried, the children applied different widths and lengths of tape to the canvas. A new color was used for the second coat and some chose to tape again and apply a third coat. 

For the final step, we peeled off all the tape. It was so much fun to find the colors and shapes we had made underneath! Although we all used the same materials and techniques, each painting is as wonderful and unique as the artist who created it.

We hope you enjoy them!

For our group pieces, we once again rolled paint onto canvas. We began with a foundation of black paint, using colors that reminded us of winter nights and swirling snow. The children had a blast adding white paint mixed with shades of blue and pink. Stamping purple glitter paint with plungers was extra fun. If you look closely, you can see tracks made by little fingers and an occasional handprint—it’s the little touches (literally) that make these pieces so special!