Painting with objects and textures from the Bible story
Online paint craft blogs are a rich source of "things to paint with other than brushes."
Toy cars, feathers, bubble wrap, ...if it's fun --you can paint with it.
But what about painting with "things from the Bible story" ? Doing so is not only fun, it helps connect the activity to the story in a memorable and kinesthetic way.
The idea is to think of objects and textures in the story and then use those to paint with. Some can be used to apply paint like a brush, others to act as "stamps." Kids should practice application techniques and results on paper before applying to canvas. The key is to "not just use any object in a creative way" but to create using objects, textures, and ideas directly from the story that can cement meaning.
A few suggestions to help get you thinking...
- Lord's Supper: Paint with pita bread and grapes, perhaps a grape juice wash.
- Foot Washing: Paint with your toes (and of course, your feet will need washed afterwards).
- David and Goliath: Paint with smooth stones, or paint smooth stones.
- Creation: Paint each day using an object created on that day.
- Jesus stills the storm: Applying water colors with things that blow or flow, such as, straws.
- Man let down through the roof: Paint with straw, mud, brick pieces, a fiber mat.
- Adam and Eve: paint with mud and ashes, and stamp-paint with fruits and tree leaves.
- Jesus on the cross: various pieces of natural wood, flat nails, vine of thorns, colored vinegar (gall)
- Empty Tomb: rolling stones and (small) rolled up piece of cloth that have been dipped in paint.
Feel free to add your suggestions below.
