Allied Arts hosted its first summer class June 12-16, at Allen’s Market. Children’s Watercolor Painting was led by Audrey Crumbley, who taught the summer class last year.
Crumbley began learning watercolor painting in 2015 through a class offered by Georgia College & State University’s Continuing Education program. Each year, she also attends an out-of-town watercolor workshop to refresh her skills.
“When I first started doing watercolor it was a relief to my soul. To be worried about mixing colors or how to paint instead of worrying over other work was a needed break,” said Crumbley. “It’s a hobby I am very thankful to experience, and I thoroughly enjoy the unique style of painting that watercolor is.”
Children’s Watercolor Painting taught children the basics of watercolor, including wet-to-wet painting, wet-to-dry painting, using everyday objects to add features to a painting and how to mix colors from three main colors. According to Crumbley, two “gimmicks” used during the class were using socks to paint roses onto the paintings and showing students how to use a toothbrush to splatter stars onto their paintings.
“Watercolor is suited to painting natural things, introducing color concepts, and working with a range of dynamic objects. It’s a very fun style of art to learn and my classes are often filled with laughter and smiles as my students learn the basics and watch their paintings transform,” said Crumbley. “I never quite know how each year will go but the students always find a new sense of enjoyment out of the arts.”
The goal for each day was for each student to have completed a painting.
At the end of the week, the best painting from each student was exhibited for their family and friends to see.
“Teaching the arts to our youth brings out the best in their creative minds. I enjoy watching the paintings transform and change over the week and exhibiting the best of their collections as the finale to our session together,” said Crumbley.
According to Crumbly, working with a group helps to amplify the energy of the class and strengthen the skills learned while painting. The class not only promotes and improves social skills but is a great outlet to introduce children to the arts, she said.
“Kids always have a fresh take on what they are painting and how they are doing an activity. Through the arts, they explore the freedom of thought and working as a group helps amplify the energy in the room and advance their skills through working with peers,” said Crumbley. “I really enjoy the group aspect of these summer classes and its affect on my students.”
While Crumbley teaches the class, she also regards herself as a student and expresses that teaching these young minds constantly helps reinforce what she knows and teaches her new things.
“Children don’t see the arts as adults do. I’m always excited to be able to be exposed to young minds and see their initial reactions to watercolor,” said Crumbley. “Adults often regard watercolor as an unforgiving medium, but for children, the concept is very easy to understand and enjoy. They get to experience the full effect of watercolor painting and its beauty.”
Crumbley said she’s looking forward to hosting a second class June 19-23. The class goes from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is geared toward 8- to 13-year-olds and costs $75. To register for the next class, visit The Allied Arts website at milledgevillealliedarts.com.