This handbook demonstrates how studio art concepts may be broken down into their simplest level, thus, allowing preschool and elementary students to work with one particular concept and technique at a time. Teachers are encouraged to coordinate open-ended painting activities with major study units taking place in the classroom. The fourteen chapters are organized in four parts. The chapters in Part 1 are designed to encourage interaction with and exploration of the art elements--brushstroke, texture, shape, color, value, and composition. Part 2 suggests basic strategies for helping children use paint to explore familiar objects and places in their world (flowers and still life, the environment, animals, and people). Part 3 introduces alternative painting materials, approaches, and aesthetics. Part 4 focuses on organizing painting materials, setting up to paint, and looking at, thinking about, and discussing artworks and the painting process. Warm-up exercises are given in Part 1 and at the beginning of each subsequent chapter. Suggested strategies for giving positive feedback and additional input are part of each chapter. The book contains a glossary, bibliography, and an index. (MM)