About the Visual Arts subject area
Visual arts classes explore drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, and other forms of visual creative expression. Great visual arts classes build technique while encouraging personal style and creative risk-taking. If learners are making something visual, it belongs here.
Example Listing
Title: Watercolor Squishmallow Studio
Summary: Learners paint adorable Squishmallow characters using real watercolor techniques, building painting skills and artistic confidence through a subject they already love.
Class Description
Each week, learners paint a different Squishmallow character while learning a new watercolor technique, from wet-on-wet blending to creating soft gradients to adding fine details. By connecting real art skills to characters learners are already obsessed with, even kids who say “I can’t draw” discover they absolutely can. Every session produces a finished painting to be proud of.
Session Structure & Pacing
Each session starts with the week’s Squishmallow reveal and a mini-lesson on the featured watercolor technique, moves into guided painting time with step-by-step instruction, and closes with a gallery walk where learners show off their creations. I demonstrate each step on camera so learners can follow along at their own pace.
Materials & Setup
Learners need watercolor paints (a basic kid’s set is perfect), watercolor paper or thick white paper, a round paintbrush, a cup of water, and a paper towel. I recommend an inexpensive watercolor set; there is no need for professional supplies. A pencil for light sketching is also helpful.
Tips for Families
Who would this class be great for? This class is ideal for Squishmallow fans and any learner who wants to try painting in a low-pressure, guided environment. No prior art experience is needed; I walk through every step. Learners who enjoy crafts, coloring, or doodling will especially love this.
Parent guidance: Watercolor can be a little messy, so setting up a covered workspace with a cup of water nearby is helpful. All paintings are done during class, no homework or outside practice required. Your child will have a growing collection of Squishmallow paintings to hang up or give as gifts!
Sample Topics
- Cam the Cat: Learning wet-on-wet technique for soft, blended fur
- Wendy the Frog: Practicing flat washes and creating smooth green tones
- Benny the Bigfoot: Exploring texture techniques for fluffy, furry effects
- Archie the Axolotl: Using gradient washes for the perfect pink-to-purple fade
- Fifi the Fox: Adding fine details with a dry brush technique
- Holiday Special: Painting a seasonal Squishmallow with metallic or glitter accents