We all have five senses – touch, taste, sight, sound and smell. But artists need two
more – memory and imagination! These two projects taken from Mick and Brita's books are an introduction to seeing things differently... Click on the images to enlarge them.


1. A Self Portrait
(taken from Art School published by Kingfisher)

A self portrait means a picture of yourself... but it doesn't have to be realistic!

You need: A roll of paper (wall 'lining' paper is easy to find) some paints, crayons and felt pens.

Project: Pin up the paper next to a mirror and draw yourself life sized. But... draw yourself as a monster! Use your imagination and lots of colour and make yourself as scary as possible! Have fun!



2. Drawing Textures
(taken from Art School published by Kingfisher)

How something feels is important when you draw it. You wouldn't make the same marks for say, a feather as you would for rough wood or smooth soap. Textures make drawings more interesting!

You need: Paper, pencils and crayons.

Project: Collect some objects with different textures, for example a piece of wood, a fruit, a hairbrush and a feather. Try to draw how each one feels as you explore it with your fingers. Shut your eyes and try and make marks that match the messages your fingers give you!



3. Dino Disco
(taken from Dinomania published by Franklin Watts)

Dinosaurs moved in many different ways.

You need: A cassette or CD player and some friends. Bring along some music that has fast and slow parts and quiet and noisy passages.

Project: Now move to the music – become as many different dinosaurs as you can think of – it's your very own dinosaur disco!



4. Your Family Tree
(from What's My Family Tree? published by Franklin Watts)

Do you ever wonder who your ancestors were?

You need: A pen and paper, or notebook – and maybe a family photograph album too.

Project: Ask the oldest members of your family and write down as many ancestors on both sides of the family as possible. Maybe you can see some photos of them too?