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For those with limited experience, it is important to provide materials that are easier to use such as poster paints rather than watercolour, and soft chalk pastel crayons or artist’s quality crayons rather than children’s crayons. Short handled brushes are often easier to control than long handled brushes. Sheets of good quality drawing paper should be used for drawing. Thick paper, card or canvas boards should be used as a painting surface and should ideally be primed with a coat of paint or primer before painting.
Colouring books can be a way of involving people who have little confidence in their ability to draw or paint from scratch, or where carers do not feel confident in helping. We provide a selection of affordable colouring books that many older people can enjoy.
Another source for colouring books is an American company, Dover Publications. It is worth spending a little time exploring their large website where they have a huge selection http://store.doverpublications.com/0486405702.html. As this is a US based company, postal charges are high but most of the books are not too expensive.
Where to buy art resources
A good, reasonably priced source for a wide variety of art materials is 'Great Art'. Buy on line at www.greatart.co.uk or get advice and order by telephone on 01420 593332. They also supply a comprehensive catalogue for £3.00.
If you live in the West Midlands
Sandwell Third Age Arts is an organisation that provides opportunities for people with dementia to experience painting and drawing. See http://home.btconnect.com/sandwellcct/staa/case-studies-watercolour.htm
Some resources that you may find helpful include:
Art for the Person’s Sake An introduction to the use of arts with people with dementia by John Killick and Sitar Rose (2002)
This video is offered as an introduction to the use of the arts with people with dementia. It has no commentary. Instead it provides cameos of different artists working with groups or individuals.
Video. £ 9.00 available from www.dementia.stir.ac.uk/publications/artspubs.htm
Celebrating the Person: A Practical Approach to Art Activities
Claire Craig, 2001
This book is by an occupational therapist with wide experience of providing expressive opportunities for people with dementia. It is written in a user-friendly style with anecdotes and many suggestions for imaginative but inexpensive activities. It is attractively illustrated in full colour.
Price £10.00 available from www.dementia.stir.ac.uk/publications/artspubs.htm
Activities for Older People
A Practical Workbook of Art and Craft Projects
Brian W Banks. Butterworth Heinemann 2000, ISBN 0-7506-4741-8
This book is written by an arts teacher who started working in care environments with people with dementia in 1997. It covers a variety of techniques that can be tried including painting and drawing, weaving, printing, clay modelling and working with paper. Most helpful for those who are able and willing to spend a bit of time learning new skills or for those who are fairly confident but are looking for new inspiration.
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