Summer Art Camp

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!!

;)