Connect the Dots – or Not!

One dot at a time, kids can create innovative fall artwork using pointillism – just like artists Roy Lichtenstein and Tom Wesselmann created renowned masterpieces in modern art, and Van Gogh used the technique for his famous self portrait.

What you need:

• Paper

• Pencil

• Cotton swabs

• Ink pads with different colors

• Paints in different colors

• Paper plate (if using paint)

What you do:

1.Create a simple outline of your picture on the paper using a pencil, but don’t add details.

2.If you’re using paint, squeeze small amounts of different color paints onto the paper plate to create your palette.

3.Take a cotton swab and gently dab the surface of the ink pad until the end is colored with the ink. If you are using paint, lightly dip one end of the swab onto the surface of the paint. Use a light hand or you’ll end up with too much paint.

4.Lightly dab the cotton swab, color side down, onto the paper to add colorful dots to the paper to fill in and color your picture.

5.Continue to add dots with the same color to fill in the areas you want that color.

6.When you’re ready for the next color, turn your cotton swab over, or grab a new one to avoid mixing colors before they get onto the paper.

7.Fill in the whole picture using various colors. Layer multiple colored dots to create new colors or to suggest movement.

8.If desired, go over the pencil markings from your original drawing in marker or pen to define the image or leave as is.

Hint: For younger kids, tape the paper to the table using blue painter’s tape to keep the paper in place.