Grand Art

​Gam and the Grands
use lots of materials 
to create and entertain their minds. 
For grab-and-go tools
there are crayons and markers
even canvas for painting designs. 


Gam sets art supplies
in a green wicker basket 
for whenever genius strikes. 
Imagination’s playground
is the kitchen table
for masterpieces and the like.

Sis and Bubba
will flip through their sketchbooks
in search of unmarked pages.
Which isn’t always easy
because making art
may come in stages. 


When a story unravels
an artist may use
just one of the sketchbook sheets.  
Other times it may take
multiple attempts and pages 
for the story to be complete.



Sis found a page
untouched and scribble-free
for whenever she’s good and ready.
She dips the brush
in her favorite color 
then sprinkles it like confetti.



The Grands explore
all the colors at hand 
with no regard to quantity.
If they run out of brown
while tinting the earth 
they’ll mix colors
by stirring constantly.



Primary colors
like red, yellow, and blue  
make brown for an old tree trunk. 
Bubba plunges his brush
in the artists’ painting palette
to paint the trunk from the top
to the stump.



The children sit
for an hour or so
to draw, color, and paint. 
They only pause
for a snack and a drink
which is eaten without complaint.

Magical rainbows
are an amazing sight 
Sis brings to life on her pages.
Bubba paints a picture
of the deep blue sea
with lobsters escaping their cages.


Each Grand has a set
of watercolors 
so no one has to reach. 
Over one another
to dab a color 
to share a vibrant peach.



After painting the sun
in a warm orange hue 
Sis rinses her brush out with water.
She swirls and twirls
and rolls it about 
using a paper towel as a blotter.  



Once the artwork is complete 
and ready for review.
What’s the next thing that the Grands do?
They tear out their sheets
from the sketchbook pads
to find Gamma, ‘Skippity-Doo’,



The children find their way
to Gamma in the kitchen
an appraisal of their work is required.
The glasses come on.
The throat is cleared.
Time to share some Gamma wisdom.



Art is an extension
of our thoughts and feelings
from the depths of our insides.
As demonstrated by our
drawings, paintings, and sculptures
it’s a sketchbook of our minds. 



After putting away
the paint supplies 
it’s time to explore another… 
form of art
that’s mindful and clever
the Grands gently nudge each other. ​

Molding clay
into shapes and sculptures 
is more fun than the Grands’ ever thought.
It’s thick and sturdy
yet bendy and stretchy
the Grands like it a lot. 



Bubba proceeds to making
an active volcano  
with lava spewing about.
He starts with brown and 
builds from the ground 
with red flames coming out.

​Sis loves the colors
of a rainbow as discussed 
she begins with a basic plan.
She rolls each piece
in the shape of a snake 
that coils into a perfect band.


More structures
come to life like a flower
Sis made with such care.
The yellow petals
and dark green stem 
make the daisy a piece to share.

After working with clay,
please wash your hands, 
before moving to the next project.
Gamma keeps sidewalk chalk
in the antique buffet 
in the dining room by the closet. 


The sun is shining
and there’s no better time 
to get in a quick drawing.
Using sidewalk chalk
in so many colors 
get on your knees and start crawling.



A rocket ship
flying into outer space
Is a powerful sight to see.
Sis sketches a rocket
as seen on TV
She’s an artist from A to Z. 


Grab more chalk
and start the task
of staying within the lines.
Don’t forget
to draw the flames
Blast off to the moon in the sky!
​

As the day begins
to draw to an end
The Grands are happy and calm.
Art is the way
to experience the day
It’s the ultimate marathon.