Painted Rocks

Has anybody else noticed people posting on Instagram or Facebook pictures of painted rocks they have come across on their walks/hikes. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about.

Photo Credit: Kindness Rocks of SW Florida via Facebook

Aren’t they lovely? I am sure they are even lovelier to discover if you are out walking in the trails around here. I have yet to discover any. Mainly because I have yet to go out walking in the trails around here.  

This past week, Riley’s group decided to paint rocks (via Zoom). Riley is not a huge fan of painting or anything artsy for that matter (although he has gotten a lot better at tolerating art projects over the past couple of years).

They were instructed to go out and collect 2-3 rocks. They also had the choice to use paper. Luckily, we have lots of rocks in our yard so didn’t have to venture too far to get some. They could use either paints or sharpies. Sharpies it is.

They were sent a template of face features to help with the rock monsters they were going to create. How fun!

I set Riley up with his 6 rocks, new set of sharpies and face template. He was ready.

They started with the eyes…

They continued on for about 15 more minutes.

They shared their creations with each other. 

Some love to do art and are very creative. 
Some did more than one rock. 

This is Riley's rock…

Sure glad I collected all those rocks and bought that new set of Sharpies for him.

An Aspiring Michelangelo???

Both boys have a history of being less than enthusiastic about doing art projects. When they were little (pre-Pinterest days) we never did anything crafty or artsy in our house. I suppose if I had any interest in doing arts and crafts…that would’ve been a different story.

Part of the resistance to arts and crafts for Riley is that does not like to get his hands dirty. At. All. Yes, it’s a part of his autism…a sensory thing. The other part…well if you know G…it is definitely the G gene…no doubt about it.

The other day when I picked R up, he handed me a bag with 3 wrapped pieces of pottery.

Me:  What have you got there?

R:  Hedgehogs! 

Later at home, I unwrapped the pieces and found these…

I...I...I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure hedgehogs have those spiky things all over their body.  ;)

OR...just maybe...they were newborn hedgehogs. Could be. Right?? Well ummmm...no. I was not right. Apparently even newborn hedgehogs have those spiky things all over their body. I looked it up. 

The third piece?  Lucky for you…I asked.

Me:  Riley, nice art!  What did you make??

R:  Hedgehogs.

Me:  What’s the third one?

R:  I don’t know.

Me:  Is it a…… *pausing to let him answer*

R:  *gives me the side-eye* 

Me:  …………

R:  I don’t know! *getting annoyed*

Me:  Is it a mouse?

R:  NO! It’s an animal!

Me:  What kind of animal?

R:  YOU’RE TALKING!!

Me:  Is it a pig??  *if you look closely you’ll notice a ‘P’ on the side*

R:  NO!

Me:  Then what kind of animal is it?

R:  *pauses*  It’s a mouse. YOU’RE TALKING!!!

When we decided to do an art class as part of the IWNS (InclusionWorks! North Shore) program, I knew this would not be a huge hit in Riley World. Especially the pottery section. But for Riley, it is all about exposing him to different activities whether he likes them or not. One never knows when he will actually take to something.

Make no mistake, whether Riley sees me opening the bag he hands me or not…when he brings home an art project or anything else he makes, you’d better believe I am all over it!

As for Riley…does he enjoy/like art any better these days??  I’ll let you be the judge.  :D