Some artists like to paint and draw pictures of the things they like to do and of the places they like to visit. In doing so, they reveal something unique about themselves to others.

In this project, you will get to think about your favorite activity or place and then show it to others in a drawing or painting.

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Materials You Need: 12x18 inch white paper; an assortment of markers, crayons or cray-pas. You may also use watercolor paints if they are available. A photograph of your favorite place may be helpful.

The Project: On a large sheet of white paper, draw a picture of yourself doing something you like to do or in a special place you like to visit. You can use markers, crayons or cray-pas to do your drawing. Outline all the shapes in your drawing with a black color. Fill in the shapes of your drawing using bright colors. If you have watercolors available, use dark colors in the background to make the figures and shapes stand out. When your picture is finished, sign, date and title it in the bottom right-hand corner.
Want to Do More? Write a short story to go along with your picture. Share your picture and story with others.

See how many paintings you can find on the web or in art history textbooks that show special places and people engaged in favorite activities.

Following are some examples to help you get started.

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These two artists enjoyed spending time in their gardens. Do you have a special place around your home that you like to go to?

Here's a self portrait by the Dutch artist, Judith Leyster. What does she like to do?

This artist liked to paint pictures of children playing. What kind of games do you like to play with your friends?

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