WHY I USE CRAYOLA CRAYONS AS MY ART MEDIUM

1. IMAGINATION “Something Magical Is Possible” the same feeling I had as a child when opening a new box of Crayola Crayons remains today. It goes against conventional wisdom to think that fine art could be created with ordinary crayons (at least it was about 40 years ago when I began my journey). It was outside the box thinking then and relates to what Albert Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

2. FUN From my earliest years until sometime in elementary school, coloring with crayons remained to be a creative and fun activity. Later, I discovered the importance of fun and how it plays a significant role in “The Art Of The Crayon” as a learning style that develops sensory perception at all levels. Eyes learn to see, hands develop control, the imagination begins to process as they all work in harmony to release creativity to accomplish the vision.

3. PRACTICALITY Is an obvious reason for any artist to use crayons. The ease of use, they're non-toxic and their accessibility and economical value are also undisputed advantages. I have paid as little as fifty cents for a box of 24 and did not have a mess to clean up after creating a masterpiece. Even at the full retail price they’re still considered a bargain. For durability, they won’t crack, chip, peel or fade if properly displayed as you would any fine art piece. Budget cuts and lack of funding for the arts have no impact on a medium so practical, economical and obtainable.

4. CONCLUSION I think “The Old Masters” would consider ordinary Crayola Crayons to be a high-tech palette in a box. I have presented “The Art Of The Crayon” in school classrooms where I have seen students immediately grasp the concept and I have heard positive remarks from teachers and educators of the ongoing benefits of this creative process. “The Art Of The Crayon” offers hope in a turbulent world where “the children’s art medium” can be a welcomed and valued friend to all cultures, societies and people of all ages...making the business of drawing a natural part of the learning process.