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You know paint-and-sip wine parties are all the
rage right now. You and your friends get together, drink some wine, and paint a
picture from start to finish. It’s a fun way to spend an evening out
socializing with your friends.
So why not bring that fun into your theory
classroom?
First rule: SKIP THE WINE! Go with coffee, tea,
or sparkling alcohol-free beverages. Then take the topic you are working on and
host your own paint-and-sip experience for your students.
This would work great on subjects like anatomy,
infection control, diseases and disorders, or even color theory. You could have
students paint a diagram of a cell, a color wheel or the structure, diseases
and disorders of the skin or nails, all while they drink lattes, coffee, etc.
They will need to identify the parts of what
they are painting as well in order to make it educational.
You could purchase five-by-seven or larger
canvases at any discount store or craft supply store. Instead of canvases, you
could go with textured card-stock paper also available at any craft supply
store.
Get some acrylic paints, brushes in multiple
sizes, paper plates for students to mix colors, cups to clean brushes in, and
paper towels.
Don’t forget the beverage that will help to create a fun atmosphere.
I’ve always wanted to go to a paint-and-sip
party, but I don’t go because I’m not an artist. I’m terrible! Really, I have a
hard time drawing a straight line. No talent whatsoever! I imagine you will get
the same feedback from some of your students: “I can’t draw!” And that is okay.
Let them know it isn’t about creating a work of art, it is about learning and having
some fun.
Now I don’t like to ask you to do anything that I’ve not at least tried, so I gave it a shot. I set up at my desk and tried to paint the color wheel and the bones of the hand.
Because I was so stressed about not being an artist, I outlined what I was drawing on the paper in pencil, and then I simply painted the picture that I had outlined. That made it so much simpler for me. That could work for some of your students too.
Turns out, it was fairly easy and fun to do. I used only the three primary colors and then had to mix the colors to get my color wheel. I did only primary and secondary colors, but give your students the added challenge of adding tertiary colors too.
Give it a shot. Next time students are learning about the
layers of the skin, grab a latte and some paints and have students paint the
diagram of the layers of skin. While they are doing it, they can enjoy each
other’s company and bring some fun to their learning.
Lisha Barnes is a Cosmetology/Barber Instructor with over 25 years of experience. She started out in a small private school working in Admissions, Financial Aid, Education, and School Director. She was a Director of Education for a chain of Private Cosmetology schools. Currently she serves as the Academic Development Manager for Milady where she supports schools and educators around the nation with continuing education, curriculum development and product knowledge. Lisha has served as an Educator for Milady’s Career Institute; NACCAS Commission; Career Educators of America Committee Member; and has authored numerous writing projects for Milady. This industry experience allows her to see the industry from a variety of viewpoints, which helps in sharing information and ideas with educators all around the world.