Art in August

When I was a kid, summers in Northern California were for playing outside with friends and making art. I’d sketch outside and admire beautiful works by local artists at an annual festival called Art in the Redwoods. Now that I’m a parent, I carry on the tradition with my two daughters, encouraging them to create art each day with anything from molding clay and paint, to building little houses from shoeboxes. They also began professional instruction at Art Steps, a local studio in Mesa Verde (which we highly recommend if you’re looking for a class!). 

If you’d like to be inspired at home, there are several fun books at our local library and independent bookstores that show kids how to draw and become inspired by art. 

Everyone Can Draw by Fifi Kuo is a great book for the littlest artists. With inspiring illustrations and a positive message about creativity, this one will make everyone smile. (Ages: 1-4 years)

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson is a classic for a reason. Kids love watching Harold’s world take shape as he draws his way across his world. (Ages: 4-7 years)

Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy is an award-winning book about how even the smallest artists can make a difference in their neighborhoods; based on the Urban Art Trail in San Diego, California. (Ages: 4-7 years)

Let’s Draw Monsters With Crayola by Kathy Allen has a collection of fun step-by-step instructions for drawing cute monsters. Ideal for anyone who wants to make creative creatures. (Ages: 4-8 years old)

Tangle Art and Drawing Games for Kids by artist Jeanette Nyberg is an art activity book with 46 activities that will allow kids to explore their creativity through games and the option to “make it silly.” (Ages: 6-8 years)

Into the Blue: How to Draw by Nicola Davies is a fun choice for your young artist who also loves science and animals with more complex illustrations. (Ages: 6-10 years)

Drawing for Older Children & Teens, Comics Easy as ABC!, and the Quick Guide to Anime and Manga, are all good options for older kids and teens. With more complex illustrations and instructions these books are for kids over 12 years old.

If you’re looking for art in person, I recommend checking out local art galleries, the Costa Mesa Art Walk, Noguchi Sculpture Gardens, or a performance at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, this is after all, Costa Mesa – the City of Arts. Wishing you all an artistic end to summer!