This time we painted. I wish I could have taken and posted photos of some of their work. At their age, that would have been inappropriate. I gave them full artistic license to do whatever they wanted with the image that I projected of a back-road scene that I took a photo of last summer. Every one of their paintings was different! My guess is that, at their age, they may still be working in "coloring book" methods that provide a similar outcome to each of their works. This is a great way of learning, but I wanted them to know that they are individuals, with individual senses of color, design, etc.
I showed them how to find shapes in an image -- to simplify the beginning painting process. (See photo) We worked with only red, yellow, blue, and white. They did a great job of color mixing!
At the end of the class, I handed out a supply list that they can take home to their parents for future reference. There are basic supplies that every beginning artist should have. I also gave them names of places that they might find some of these materials, both physically and online. Being beginners, we worked in acrylic on canvas panels. I didn't provide them with brushes, and we had to use the small, basic brushes that were available at school. Brushes are extremely important!
I also provided them with some notes:
Notes:
Use the best materials you can afford. Inexpensive materials
are great for practice and learning, but nothing compares to high quality
materials.
Some artist supplies are toxic. Be sure to read labels and
study the materials before using. Many paints have cadmium, cobalt, lead, and
other heavy metals that can be dangerous. Wear vinyl or plastic gloves when
using paints and mediums made with toxic materials.
Always paint in a well-ventilated area.
CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES WELL after using them. They will last
longer and work better.
Allow time for paint to dry. Put your finished painting in a
safe place. There is nothing more heartbreaking than working hard on a painting
and ruining it because you accidentally scratched or bumped it.
Where to find inspiration:
Read Art books (the Library has a good variety) – I like to
look at books that show photos of great art, but I also read many How-To books
– books that teach you various skills.
Study art and artists that inspire you. These internet
searches might be good starting points:
Impressionist
Art
Modern
Art
Figurative
Art
The
Hudson River School
Plein
Air
Perspective
Drawing
Great
Masters in Art
The Tonalists
Nature can be one of the best inspirations!
Take a walk, look at clouds, rivers, trees, boats, cars, and
roads.
Be a people-watcher. Look for the differences in every human
being.
Go to museums, art fairs, and exhibits.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York now has its work
archived on the internet: http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online
Practice How to See:
Find the “shapes” in different objects by looking for
different colors and shadows (values).
Practice seeing where the light is coming from and how it
affects what you are looking at.
Do “mental” comparisons of how objects relate to each other
in size.
Constantly sketch! By regularly doing small drawings, your
skill will improve.
REMEMBER TO PRAY! Thank God for the gifts He has given
you.
