Wonders of the Natural World
This week my little artists creations developed in relation to their knowledge of sea life, wild animals, plants and our shared discussions about these natural wonders.
HANDMADE CLAY FISHBOWL
As a prompt for our first project we discussed various forms of sea
life. Afterward the artists sketched a fishbowl shape on card stock which
was cut and placed on top of a slab of clay. With a pencil students
traced the pattern cutting through the clay as they went. An
assortment of ocean dwelling creatures were built from clay scraps, then
scored, slipped and squished to the fishbowl. The fishbowls were set
aside to dry then fired in my kiln.
During our next class the artists painted their fishbowls with pottery glaze and their artwork was fired once again.
A saw tooth hanger was glued to the back with a strong bonding glue so these fanciful fishbowls can be hung on a wall.
CERAMIC GARDEN MARKERS
With thoughts of plant life, vegetables and flowers, the artists sketched and painted a bisque garden stake. Afterwards, the stakes were fired in my kiln to a lovely glossy ceramic state - perfect for planting in an outdoor garden or container.
ANIMAL ART
WILD LIFE PAINTING
Inspired by the whimsical work of Eli Halpin
We began the wild life painting project with a discussion of the whimsical artwork of Eli Halpin.
This was followed by the artists sketching an animal of their choice
onto a 16x20 inch canvas.
In order to create visual interest and texture, the artists painted slashes of color
to the negative space of the background, beginning with the darkest hue.
The artists selected the main color of their animal. The chosen color was painted first, then layers of other colors were added on top. To duplicate the playful look of Eli Halpin's animals, the girls added a pattern of color to the ears, beak or stomach and gave their animals rosy pink cheeks.
The Proud artists with their wild animal paintings:
Thank you Eli Halpin for inspiring these beautiful works of art!!
SCARY ANIMAL MASKS
For our last project the girls sketched and painted a wild animal onto a wooden mask form. Once again texture was added by layering various paint colors over their design, until a very scary animal came to life through the artists skillful hands.
CUPCAKES
On the last day of art camp everyone takes part in our Friday feast -
cracking, pouring, mixing, scooping and finally eating scrumptious cupcakes.
OH NO!!!!!
BEWARE OF HUNGRY ANIMALS ON THE PROWL FOR FRESHLY BAKED CUPCAKES!!
;)
Tea Party Art
Another week of creative girl time ~
NO BOYS ALLOWED
making art, baking cupcakes and forsaking the boys.
POTTERY
CLAY CAKE
This is the first summer I've moved my art class out onto the front
porch and I don't know why it took me so long ~ especially when clay is
involved. We create, make a mess, enjoy the fresh air, then the porch
is hosed off with a little water. Simple, yet effective. Hello brain, where have you been?!
Hand drawn shape patterns applied over a slab of rolled out clay and cut out with pencils formed the foundation of the artists cake design. Left over clay was cut, rolled, scored, slipped and squished on top much like fondant icing.
Cake shapes were set aside to dry and fired in my kiln to a bisque ware state. Afterwards the girls used a pencil and pottery glaze colors to create shapes, lines and patterns. The cakes were "cooked" once again in my kiln. With a saw tooth hanger attached to the back the cakes are ready to add a splash of color to a kitchen, bedroom or playroom wall.
TEACUP AND SAUCER
The artists next pottery project was to
produce a teacup design on bisque ware, once again thinking about the
elements and principles of art ~ line, shape, color, pattern and
harmony.
Glazed and fired teacups ready for our end of the week tea party.
ACRYLIC PAINTING
Teacup on 16x20 inch Canvas
As in shown on the chalkboard and on the artists canvas, three consecutive circles, drawn in pencil, formed the basic shape of a teacup. To create color, value and soft texture the girls layered multiple coats of paint to the background - then applied the same process to their teacups and saucers.
The compositions were finished with complimentary colored shadows and a one stemmed rose curving around the teacup.
WOODEN TEA POT
Our final art project was to develop a whimsical design on a pre-cut wooden teapot which were painted with acrylics and set aside to decorate our tea party table.
CUPCAKES
Always the weekly highlight and a much deserved treat for hardworking artists!!
Thumbs up and cherrio girls until next time.
