Core Learning’s Crayola® Art Studio has been one of the more popular products we’ve been asked to demo. There are times when I’ve actually had to set a timer and a rotating schedule to keep the kids from fighting over who gets to use it. With Crayola Art Studio, kids can choose between realistic drawing and painting tools, such as pencils, paints, markers, crayons, tempera paint, acrylic paint, watercolor, chalk, and oil pastel.

There is also wide selection of picture stamps, divided by category, which can be used in a “drag and drop” fashion to decorate your art activity. Projects include greeting cards, decorations, and invitations. My 12-year-old daughter enjoyed designing and printing a birthday card for a party she attended.

My 9-year-old daughter said, “I can use markers and paint without making messes!” This is great for my kids because I’m not one of those super-cool moms who schedules impromptu art time; I’m the sort who cringes and tries to change the subject when the kids ask to paint. Art projects without the mess? Works for me!

We have experimented with timed learning stations in our school schedule this year. Crayola Art Studio is a great addition since it incorporates two activities–art and computer time–into one station. Designed for ages 4 and up, it’s also great for entertaining your pre-schooler while you teaching your older students.

At $24.95, Crayola Art Studio is a bargain for a computer art program that your children will enjoy for years to come.

(Please note: This is Windows-based software)