HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

P.S. Thanks to Randy O'Neil(Aiden

and Kennedy's Dad for getting his auction

project started!)

The youngest artists are very used to
me coming in and working with them,
The eagerly paint and draw each time I come.
They also drew a self portrait for their portfolio.

This was such a special moment. First
the children gathered around the old
mirror and looked at themselves. They
then went over to draw their picture. After
drawing his self portrait, he walked back
over to the mirror to see if his drawing
looked like him. The back one was not
chosen because he said that he looked sad.
The other one was the chosen representation
of himself.

These young artists were offered oil pastel
and watercolor while some of the children
drew their self portraits with fine line
markers. Their markings are growing
and changing. If you look closely, you will
see some circles swirling around.

Some children drew with permanent markers
and watercolor. They were warning me that
 their Mom said that they shouldn't use them.
I assured them that it was okay in art class.
Also, hand sanitizer actually gets it off the skin.
We won't use it often.
The patience that some showed was wonderful.

The Kindergartners drew from a still life of a dried sun-
flower. They observed many details and drew beautifully
gaining confidence as they drew more lines.
Mixing color from one jar to the next was extremely fun for them.

Painting self portraits and then off to paint on board.

We a lot accomplished even though we
were  interrupted with Thankful Thursday practice.
 Most of the children drew a self portrait
 for their portfolio.
They could paint freely afterward. Even the youngest
artists who come to the studio have been making
choices about what they want to use.

Choosing what to do in the classroom is so
empowering. Respect is of utmost importance.
I am always happy knowing that when they
leave the classroom they have been in touch
with themselves. That will be the gift that keeps
on giving.

Each child walks into the studio with in immense amount
of enthusiasm. Although the media is used
by different age groups, each brings their own
level to it. All of the clay workers have had previous experience with clay.
They know that the clay they are using comes from the earth, that
it is similar to other dough that they have used but it is more organic;
it is not mixed together in the kitchen. They like the texture and temperature.
It is usually very cool. It is also very strong. They can pound it to change its
shape as well as pinch and pull it apart to build it up high.
We talked about what can e done with clay. One could make something useful such
as a bowl, cup or plate. A vessel. Alternately, they could make a more sculptural
piece. Something to look at not use. They learned how to make a pinch pot.
How far they took it was up to them . They encouraged  to put
effort into their work no matter what they choose . Pinch harder and it makes the walls thinner
wider and higher. They are learning to use themselves as a guide, which can
 be transferred in many areas of life. They are also being very patient as their
clay piece will not be done until December. It has to dry for at least two weeks
and then be fired in the kiln. They also have learned that some pieces burst due
to air bubbles. But, there is always more clay. Then there is paint.

 

Focusing on a dried up sunflower brought many
beautiful and simple black line drawings.
They put much time into their work. Learning
to observe takes time and practice.