Children by nature are "indulgent": they paint with colors that make them happy, eat foods that make them feel good, and pick flowers that are beautiful. Simply because. They hug, they share, and they live curious and free by nature.
I work with my two children in the studio every chance I get. I attribute that to my ability to create so much art and work from such a free place. Children have such an endless amount of energy and when they make artwork, they work uninhibited. I love tapping into their energy.
The “magic” is ages 1-4.
Some tips:
1. Remove anything toxic- like oil paints etc. purchase some kid friendly supplies like tempora stick crayons and large roll of white paper. Paint brushes and acrylic paint is great too. Children like to play and practice just exploring materials and work large at this stage.
2. Practice NOT telling them no while you have them in the “studio”. This age they are (1-3) they like to just play in the paint. And understand how the materials work by experimenting. In the beginning it will seem wasteful but try to take the mind set that watching them is a gift and by watching how they choose their colors, work with supplies, and what they create- you will learn. Resist the urge to “teach them”. Get a cup of coffee and sit and be present. I only say no if they put paint in their mouth etc.
3. If you are working in a space that you need to protect a wall or carpet, get a tarp and tape it down all the way to the wall so your wall or carpet doesn’t get ruined. Lean in and have fun. This is an amazing age. And yes, I paint with them and let them paint on all my work. It’s magic- letting go takes practice. Good luck!