Projection Art for Kids: Murals and Painting Projects for Kids of All Ages

Irene Punt is an elementary-school teacher in Calgary, Alberta. She is
the author of the children’s book, The Bop.

“Projection art allows anyone to succeed as an artist. In the hands of
the young, it is an exciting and empowering tool,” writes Linda
Buckingham. Her friendly text and brilliant photographs immediately
encourage the reader to attempt large or life-size paintings that cover
walls, doors, floors, T-shirts, and canvasses.

Buckingham defines projection art as “a technique that allows you to
turn almost any printed image into a painting of any size.” She
focuses on two types. Paint pen projection art involves projecting the
artwork onto a smooth surface, tracing it with a pen, then colouring it.
Projection stencilling involves selecting a picture to copy into a giant
stencil, cutting it, placing it on a smooth surface, then stencilling
the picture one colour at a time.

Once the techniques are established, Buckingham zeros in on specific
projects, giving step-by-step instructions, tools and material lists,
and personal anecdotes about the design. Readers may create their own
patterns or select one from the 21 fun-titled designs in the book; some
of these include “Dig This” (a walking dinosaur skeleton),
“Pandamonium” (pandas playing), “Lasting Impression” (a
basketball player in action), “Puppy Love” (eight puppies in a row),
“All Nite Café” (a window sign), and “Easy Rider” (a
motor-cycle).

Adults and older children will enjoy this book. It contains the right
mix to make anyone succeed as an artist. Recommended.