Digital art is extremely relevant in our lives, and while there is no replacement for working with real tools and mediums, digital drawing provides a wonderfully rich alternative when needed. Gaining an understanding of digital drawing at a young age is a wonderful opportunity for children to experience how the worlds of art and technology can work together.
Supplies needed:
• iPad or Android tablet, or a phone with a large screen
• Stylus (optional)
Applications: There are many to choose from but TayasuiSketches (available on both iOS and Android) is a personal favourite with Anna from Pod 4 at Bear Park Remuera
This app. has a wide range of drawing tools and paper types that do a great job of representing the real thing. It is extremely simple to use, and while you will likely certainly enjoy exploring this app alongside your children it is entirely possible for preschoolers to use with little support from an adult.
Whilst this app is fantastic just for playing around with different styles of mark-making it is also unique in that it provides a way for children to revisit their work. By using the “record screen” feature, you can effectively playback each mark as it was made, in real-time, so this is a great tool for reflection, as well as a dynamic way to share more than just the ‘finished product’ with others.
For younger children who aren’t yet comfortable holding a pencil, or simply prefer to use their hands, finger -tip drawing with this app is also available. For older children (and parents!) who would like to refine their drawing a bit more with the use of a tool, a stylus is perfect. If you don’t have a store-bought stylus, don’t worry! If you have some tin foil at home, you can turn an ordinary pen, pencil or stick into a homemade stylus by simply wrapping the foil around the tip.
We hope you have a lot of fun exploring your creative expression using this app!
Link to how to make a stylus at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8intLlYRZ8w
