The shape, color and texture of different fruits can be the inspiration for art projects.
Fruit is a creative material and subject for art projects. The bright colors and varied textures of fruit can be a source of inspiration and ideas. If you are working with children, fruit art can help the kids become more interested in eating a variety of fruit. As you are making your fruit art, ask children to taste the fruit and see if this helps them find inspiration.
Fruit Prints
This is a good activity for children, especially young children. Cover your work surface in newspaper. Chose a variety of fruits, and cut some of them in half. Have the children paint the surface of the fruit using a brush or a sponge and washable paint. They could also dip the fruit in paint. Have the children gently press the fruit onto a piece of paper to make a print. Once the paint is dry, they can then use pens to draw the details of the fruit onto the prints.
Fruit People
This is also a fun activity for young children. Print pictures of different types of fruits, or cut them out of magazines. Try to find a wide variety of colorful fruits. Have children construct a face, or an entire person, using only pictures of fruit. They can layer images on top of each other and use pens to add details such as eyes and mouths. Children should experiment with different pictures until they have designed a face or person they like. They can then glue the pictures onto black paper. They could also make clothes and accessories from the fruit pictures to add to their people.
Apple-Head Dolls
This is a traditional American folk art that is better for older children and adults. Green, unripe apples, such as windfall apples, work best. Peel the apple and then carve a face in it using a paring knife. Place the apples in a warm place, such as a sunny window sill or very low oven, to dry. On the window sill, this will take at least a week. Once the apple head is dry, bend a piece of wire into the shape of a body, with a long neck. Dress the doll in clothing cut from scraps by sewing the clothes around the wire shape. Push the apple head onto the body.
Berry Ink
Fruits can be used to make ink that you can then use to paint or draw. Wear an apron to protect your clothing during this project. Place one cup of berries, such as blackberries or raspberries, into a strainer. Place the strainer over a bowl and push down on the berries with the back of a large spoon. The juice will collect in the bowl. Add 1 teaspoon vinegar and 1 teaspoon salt to the juice, and stir until the salt dissolves. The vinegar and salt help stabilize the juice and keep it from oxidizing and changing color. Dip brushes in the juice paint and use it to paint pictures or to write words.
