Teaching colour with Kandinsky

It seems ironic to introduce preschool-aged children to the work of an artist who didn't start a career in art until he was 30. 

Wassily Kandinsky, the father of abstract art, was promoted at East Griffith Preschool by local artist Melanie Baulch as a way of introducing techniques including colour-blending.

Around 165 kids undertook workshops that focused on shapes and colours within Kandinsky's paintings. Preschool directory Suzy Tucker observed the influence of the workshops in the artwork of the children, particularly the use of geometric shapes.

"It's a natural part of childhood programs so the workshops tied in well. It's good for the kids to listen to different people," said Ms Tucker, who suggested they would consider another arts project, such as a musician, in future.

While the children were each given the same directions and materials, it was obvious looking at the results how much their interpretations varied. "The kids put their own spin on their work," observed early childhood educator Hannah Violi.

"With some kids you'll come along and suggest another element but they'll say 'no' and explain that it's finished," said early childhood educator Julie Vitucci.

East Griffith Preschool staff identified a number of skills in the activities, including developing fine-motor control in different mediums, hand to eye coordination and transferring ideas within context.

The project was supported by Regional Arts NSW's Country Art Support Program (CASP) funding, which is currently open for projects to be delivered in 2015. These funds are directed toward skill or audience development, particularly through artist-led workshops. Talk with Western Riverina Arts today to begin your application.