Little Masterpieces

Just returned from visiting my sister and her family in Alexandria, VA.  While there I hosted a young artist workshop for my nieces and their friends.  We spent practically the whole weekend painting.  We had such fun and made such a mess, but look at the fabulous creations we made.    

Don't you just love the clipboard art display?  My sister recently moved into a fabulous new house.  Of course I had to help decorate! I suggested my sister buy at least 6 clipboards, but after all the art projects we cranked out, she had to go out and buy more. Groups of clipboards are perfect for displaying "Little Masterpieces."  By the way, you have to know, their last name is Little.  :)

P.S.  We used painter's tape, a level, and a measuring tape to place and hang the clipboards in nice neat rows

Fall Workshop

Here's a sneak peek of the young artists workshops I have planned for this fall. Thanks to the Laing family for doing a test run with me!  Also, thanks to "That Artist Lady" for the inspiration. I think owls are the coolest creatures.  Check back later to see the autumn landscapes we are creating too.

Inspired by Picasso

I managed to squeeze in one last art camp the week before school started.  This time we studied Picasso and did projects inspired by some of his greatest works.  This particular bunch of kids is very talented.  They are also older than most of the other kids that I taught this summer at Back Porch Studio.  Very enjoyable.  

I am quite intrigued by Picasso.  I have been studying more about him since I visited the traveling Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum last December.   I listened to an audio tour that explained a little history and background information about each of his pieces.  I could really relate to Picasso when it was explained that he wanted to create art that could be seen and felt from many different angles all at the same time.   I suspect Picasso's mind was in constant motion.  I can really relate!   Anyway, Picasso abandoned perspective from a single vantage point in a style of art called Cubism.  He used lots of  abstract shapes and unnatural perspective.       

Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather

 Kids' Art Camp (ages 8-teen)

July 19 and 21 1-4 p.m.

Cost:  $32 paid by July 15

I LOVE birds and this just so happens to be one of my all-time favorite art projects.  The kids will make painted paper collages on 12x12 scrapbook paper (perfect for framing).  The birds pictured below were created by some of Mrs. Johnson's 2nd graders at Silverdale Elementary.  Aren't they fabulous? 

We will also make artificial birds nests using materials collected in the woods behind my house.  Naturally the kids will learn about birds and their habitats in collecting materials and building nests.   I will have a few bird books and posters on hand too. 

And finally, we will paint wooden bird houses!

 

This trio of projects look great together on a shelf.

 I had so much fun making these bird creations...
I know your kids will love it too!

Under the Sea Art Camp

Summer break is almost here. Time for summer art lessons!  I am offering an under the sea combo class on June 21 and 23, 1-4 pm.  All ages are invited to attend (5+)

The first project is inspired by Eric Carle's book, Mr. Seahorse.  We will read the book and look at other picture books to learn about seahorses.  Then we will create a multi-media collage using painted paper, watercolor paints, and glitter glue.

The second project involves working with clay, which is always a hit with kids!  We will sculpt guppy fish out of clay using basic clay techniques.  

Both art lessons have been tried and tested in the classroom at Silverdale Elementary  Since both projects need dry time to complete, I am offering this two-day combination class for $30.   Class size is limited to 12 so be sure to sign up soon! Email jchristensen@wavecable.com.

Summer Art Lessons

Introducing...BACK PORCH STUDIO...summer art classes for kids!   This summer I am offering art lessons on my back porch on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (1-4 p.m.) for $15 a lesson.  All supplies and materials and are included in the cost. Check out my digital scrapbook below for a sneak peak of the art projects!  Please email jchristensen@wavecable.com if you are interested.

* Press the arrow key at the bottom of each page to scroll through the pictures.

Scrapbook made with Smilebox

Last summer, the day after school let out, I pulled out a folding table and my art supplies and headed out to the back deck to create with my kids.  I was simply trying to ward off boredom, but found that I was really onto something.  I thoroughly enjoyed crafting with the kids!  Plus, it was a great way to spend a summer afternoon.  Later in the fall I began volunteering in the classroom as an art docent and soon had a newfound obession: teaching art to children.   I now have several tried and tested art projects in my back pocket and I am constantly searching for new ideas.  So clear the refrigerator door and make way for some fabulous art!

Picasso Heads

Over Christmas break I went to see the temporary Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum.  It was a amazing!  Naturally my most recent art lesson was inspired by Picasso.   I am so proud of Ms. Highfield's 5th graders at Silverdale Elementary. Here is a sample of their work.   

I taught the kids about Picasso's Cubsim and seeing two sides of something at the same time.  They drew the front and side profiles of a face.   View the source of my lesson material at http://www.artprojectsforkids.org/2009/02/how-to-draw-cubist-portrait.html