HUM 6375 – Arts and Human Development

Creative Arts Project Appropriate for a Child

Le Petit Fleurs

This is a wonderful project for children of all ages, which I have used with children as young as five as well as senior adults as old as 85. It is enjoyed equally well by all ages. It is a re-creation of Picasso's Le Petit Fleurs. The participant simply traces each of their hands then adds any kind of flowers that they choose. I like to bring in flowers for a visual and have used both fresh and silk ones. I created this one last night after a week of no time in the studio. When my husband walked by the room to go to bed, he laughed and said, "You look like you are having fun!" I was, even though using a simple Prang watercolor set on inexpensive paper, this activity was very relaxing.

Younger and older patients may need some help tracing around their dominant hand, which can be done by the artist in residence. Or if this project is done in a group setting, the participant's neighbor can help them. Once the drawing is completed the hands and flowers can be colored with crayons in the case of a very small child, colored pencils or markers when no water is available for watercolors, or if you have access to water, watercolor paints can be use. Pastels are also a good choice as are watercolor pencils.

I believe this project could even be done with very small children if the artist in residence traces the hands. Even though the flowers may end up a mass of scribbles it would still make a satisfying art experience for the child.