By the age of 10, children go through significant developmental milestones — creatively, cognitively, and physically. Introducing them to foundational art techniques during these formative years not only nurtures creativity but also builds crucial life skills like focus, confidence, and problem-solving.
At Oasis Art + Play Studio, we believe that every child deserves a strong start in visual literacy. Here are five art techniques every child should try before they hit double digits:
🎨 1. Mark-Making & Scribble Drawing
Why it matters:
These early strokes are not just random lines — they're a child’s first form of self-expression. Mark-making builds hand control, visual attention, and emotional awareness.
Try this at home:
Provide thick crayons or oil pastels on large paper and let kids explore pressure, direction, and rhythm. This is the foundation for confident drawing later on.
💧 2. Watercolor Washes
Why it matters:
Teaches patience, layering, and colour blending. Watching colours merge creates wonder and builds an intuitive sense of colour theory.
Research says:
According to a 2017 study by the University of Arkansas, engaging with layered, fluid media like watercolors improved executive functioning in early learners.
🧱 3. Clay Modeling
Why it matters:
Clay builds fine motor strength and 3D spatial understanding. It's also highly therapeutic for children.
Real-world example:
In our studio, we’ve seen even shy children open up while rolling, pinching, and shaping clay — because it taps into a tactile, safe way of exploring form.
🌿 4. Printmaking (Using Leaves, Sponges, or Blocks)
Why it matters:
Teaches repetition, sequencing, and planning. Kids love the surprise of the "reveal" after pressing and lifting a print.
Pro tip:
Use seasonal leaves or simple blocks to teach nature awareness and pattern design in one go!
✂️ 5. Collage & Mixed Media
Why it matters:
Fosters decision-making, storytelling, and visual composition. It's the perfect medium for self-directed exploration.
Studio tip:
Offer magazines, fabric scraps, and textured papers. Invite children to create a “storyboard” collage about a dream, a memory, or their day.
💡 Final Thought:
Art techniques are more than creative fun — they’re tools for growth, expression, and confidence. Introducing your child to these five forms before the age of 10 gives them a rich visual vocabulary to carry forward.
Come visit Oasis Art + Play Studio to see how we nurture each child's creative journey — one stroke at a time.