Secondary color abstract lesson

This is a great lesson to practice mixing colors and also introduce the concept 0f Abstract painting. I give the students a 16 x 20 canvas and five colors-red, blue, yellow, white and black (I use acrylic). I challenge them to make at least two of each orange, green and purple. I let them divide their canvas with a ruler or straight edge any way they wish as long as they have at least 6 to 9 sections. The students are always amazed at the colors they can create on their own and the piece itself turns out beautiful.

Credit where credit is due

Since I'm just figuring out how blogging works, and it's not a top priority to me right now, I did want to make sure I give credit to some great blogs and websites where I get a lot of my art lesson ideas. Many of them are there for the taking, but most I adapt to fit the art concept that I want to teach. I am so thankful for all the ideas and inspirations from these wonderful sites. One day I'm going to have enough time to sit down and figure out how to link to them and feature them on my page.

http://www.deepspacesparkle.blogspot.com/

http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/

http://www.princetonol.com/

http://www.incredibleart.org/

http://www.jsartstudio.com/

http://www.dickblick.com

Fall art classes

Fall art classes started in September and I can't believe it's already the middle of October. I have two classes, one after school and one homeschool class. The fall is flying by for me, as I'm sure it is for all of you! I havn't blogged in awhile and I've needed for awhile to get some of this spectacular art work up that my students have done. In my homeschool class we started off talking about lines, patterns and shapes in drawing. In our first project we used watercolor and oil pastels and the girls created some great roosters. Also in the homeschool class we have worked with pastels and learned about abstract landscapes and warm and cool colors. Last week we started our third project and are painting with acrylics and learning to mix our own colors. I love to try to post at least one pic of every student's work, but sometimes my pics just don't turn out....photography isn't my expertise, so sorry if your work is not featured this blog. We get it on here before the semester is over.

Fun and Easy End of Summer Craft Project

Here's a fun and easy craft project that will put to use all those shells you brought home from the beach this summer. It's so simple that my 4 year old made her own with just a little assistance. Here's what you'll need:

Inexpensive wooden craft frame with at least 2 inch border (I got one at Michael's for $1)

Acrylic latex paintable caulk with silicone (I used DAP brand in the Almond color-Walart $2.50)

Caulking Gun

Plastic knife for spreading

Shells

Newspaper to do the project on-it's pretty messy

Using the caulking gun, squirt out a thick line of caulk onto the wooden frame. Using the plastic knife, spread the caulk thick and smooth like icing. You will want it pretty thick so the shells will stick down into it. Spread a think layer over edges for a uniform look. Now comes the fun part, using all types of shells, even broken pieces, press them firmly into the caulk. Try to fill up all the spaces using all sizes of shells. Make sure shells are flush on the edges so the frame will sit correctly. Let dry overnight. Insert your favorite beach pic!

Private lessons

I was so proud of one of my students, Hallie, (she is in first grade!) for her painting in acrylic. She wanted to paint a picture for her grandmother's birthday, and her grandmother loves the Eiffel Tower, so she scheduled a private lesson and she finished this in two hours. I do private lessons on an hourly basis if your child ever wants to paint something special for someone.

Last week of spring art

What a great semester! I enjoyed getting to know all your little artists and have had such a wonderful time with them this spring. We wrapped up the year with collages. Throughout the year, anytime students had extra time at the end of class, I always had paper available to do a small rendering of what we had done that day. I encouraged students to stick to a theme-some di ABCs, fruit, things they liked, etc. We spent our last class finishing up any unfinished projects and assembling the collages. Reminder that make up classes are Monday and the Thursday class still has one more week for my "make-up". Thank you so much for letting me teach your children!