Summer Surf Session

Time to wax up the boards and hit the surf...

But, before heading down to the beach we have to design our own surfboards, after all this is art camp and any old board just won't make the wave cut.  And since artists like to work with different mediums our boards will be made from materials not normally used for creating wave riding vehicles.

SURFBOARD DESIGNS

 Foam core surfboards

Surfboards can be shaped with foam core board and painted with acrylic paints. Although not waterproof,  this type of board is perfect for the wall of a room.  In fact, with these light-weight and colorful boards, I foresee a new trend in surf and beach decor.

 Pottery Surf Boards - Glazed and Fired

 Surfboards can also be hand cut from slabs of pottery clay then, after air drying for a few days, kiln fired to a bisque consistency.

These pottery surfboards, although ~ once again ~ not water worthy, are very versatile within a home environment.

Painted with lead-free pottery glazes and fired in my kiln, these delightful surfboards can be hung on a wall, used in the kitchen, placed on a desk, or in a bathroom as a soap or toothbrush/toothpaste holder.  I'm sure I've only dipped my toe in the water with practical ideas - the artists will surely think of other ways to showcase their awesome surfboard designs!

   Surfer Boy and Girl Portraits on Canvas

 

Using bright acrylic paint, the surf artists moved onto creating surfing self portraits.  The room seemed to glow with talent as the artists sketched and painted images of themselves on the beach and in the surf.

 A colorful under painting makes a great base coat perfect for warm water surf portraits.

 The artists captured a fabulous replication of themselves with their unique styles and personalities.

End of Surf Session Hungries...

 

 

 

And surf art camp comes to a close with tasty "fish on a sandy beach" cupcakes - DELICIOUS!

See you in the water!   

Summer Art Camp Week Three

Surf's Up Baby!

Surfing safari

Take an imaginary trip with us as we create our own little world full of tropical art for surfer girls and boys.  Don't forget your sunscreen, these kids are so talented and bright you're bound to get burned!

DAY ONE

 Designing and Painting a surf board

Before camp began, surfboard shapes were cut out of foam core board.  The mini surfboards were ready for my artists when they arrived on the first day.  We discussed different surfboard design ideas then the artist drew and outlined their own creations.

Bright color was everywhere as the artists added paint to their boards.  Once the surfboards were a top coating of  Modge-Podge was painted on to seal and protect the work.  A small piece of ribbon was hot glued onto the back so the boards can be hung when not in "use".  

DAY TWO

Surfboard Name Plaque

 

 

Our pottery project this week was a surf themed name plaque.  The artists drew and painted a beach scene on a rectangular bisque shape, then painted on wrote their names on a small bisque surfboard.  The two pieces were given a top coating of clear glaze, fired in my kiln, and topped off with a bit of ribbon for hanging.  These turned out so cute, but unfortunately I don't have any pictures.

Surfer Self Portraits

The artists were excited to paint themselves as surfer girls and a surfer boy.  We started by dividing the canvas into thirds.  The bottom third was painted with a combination of yellow and white acrylic for sand, the middle turquoise and light blue for ocean water and the top third light blue and white for sky. 

 Once the paint was dry the artists worked on their portraits.  The figures were broken down into simple shapes - a circle for the head, a rectangle body, rectangles for legs and arms with small circles added for knees, ankles, and elbows.  The artists added hair, facial features, and bathing suits.  All pencil lines were outlined with a black sharpie to make the shapes easier to see when painting.

DAY THREE

 Painting self portraits

 

 

The artists painted their canvas with gorgeous, bright colors - giving a tropical flare to their surfing self portraits.

SNACK TIME

Making cupcakes

 While the paintings dried, we headed into the kitchen for one of our favorite activities - snack time!!

 Each artist took part in pouring, cracking, and mixing - then worked on another project while the cupcakes baked.  We finished eating just in time for the arrival of parents, who were so excited to see what their little artists had created during this weeks surfing safari.  All I can say is "Dude, it was awesome - You should have been here!"