Learning to paint is one of the most rewarding ways for kids to develop their creativity. With the advent of the Internet, there are many opportunities for children to learn paint online. With some sites offering lessons for free, there's never been a better time for kids to get their creative juices flowing.
Instructions
Learning to Paint Online
1. Decide what you want to learn. It's okay if you want to learn to paint online just for fun. However, there are also many websites that teach you paint. Some of them are traditional sites, which teach you use paints and canvas. Some are online painting sites; the computer screen becomes your canvas and brush in this case.
2. Read through the following websites. Be aware that there are offerings for kids of every age. Some lessons won't be right for you, and some will be just what you need. Ask your parents for help if you need to.
For younger kids:
thekidzpage.com/colouring_menus/index.htm
ababasoft.com/kids/
For older kids:
www.cowdisley.com/
(This one is appropriate for kids older than 6 as well.)
http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/brushster.htm
(*Mac users, see "Warnings" for additional plug ins.)
3. Once you've looked at the possible sites, skim through a few of the assignments. You need to decide if you think you could complete the lessons. If you think they might be too difficult right now, go on to the next site and do the same thing. Do this until you find the right site that matches your abilities right now. Bookmark that site.
4. After you've decided what want to learn and have read through the lessons, make a supply list. Go to store and buy the necessary supplies. You'll want them on hand when you start your lessons. If you decide on a digital painting format, find out if you need any materials. You may want to purchase some CDs to save your work on, for example.
5. Set up an area to work by your computer including the supplies you need to complete your first lesson. Have a notebook and a pencil close at hand to take notes on what you are learning. Although you can print the lessons out---and you will want to when you actually start painting---you'll tend to retain more if you write down what you're reading. You may also want to keep a sketch pad close by as well to start some preliminary sketches and to work out areas that you think might give you trouble.
6. After you've completed the reading portion of your lessons, you'll want to start painting. Print off the lesson plan so you can take it with you to the area where you are going to work.
