DIY/Kids & Creativity: Window Clings

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

Lately we've had a lot of birds flying into our windows and although none have perished, we have had a number of stunned little ones who end up laying on our porch (or flying around in the studio!).

And so, we decided to do something about it by creating some window clings.

This is a great activity for kids (and adults) of all ages. All you need is some plastic (we used paper protectors that you would put into a binder) and some fabric paint. (It's important that you use fabric paint and not regular paint.)

It's a good idea to add a drop or two of dishwashing liquid to the fabric paint before you start using it, although I have to admit, we skipped that step :)

Here's how our window clings came together...

You can find full instructions as well - as the flower printables that we used to make our window clings - by visiting here: http://kinderart.com/crafts/windowclings.shtml

Kids & Creativity: Halloween Ghost Pops (art you can eat)

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

Cooking with kids is as creative as painting with kids. And, you can eat your masterpieces!

The other day, while flipping through Alive Magazine, we came across a terrific recipe by Amie Watson. We decided to modify it slightly and give it a try, using items we had around the house. The littlest one was thrilled. Of course.

The ingredients are few and the directions are simple.

What you need:

• Bananas
• Shredded coconut
• Yogurt
• Chocolate chips (or raisins)

What you do:

Cut the bananas in half and insert a homemade ice pop stick in each one. (Or, you could use a toothpick, shishkabob stick or Popsicle stick).

Dip the banana pieces (one by one) first into the yogurt, and then into the coconut.

Embellish with chocolate chips or raisins.

Place in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.

Enjoy the fruits of your labour!

Here's the original recipe: http://www.alive.com/recipes/view/1141/freckled_vanilla_ghost_pops

Here's how to find Amie Watson: http://www.multiculturiosity.com/about/

DIY/Kids & Creativity: Line, shape and color

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

 

It's been said that creativity is the key to happiness and that by doing something creative every day, we can boost our moods (and productivity) tremendously. When you are fully immersed in a creative activity, your focus shifts away from day to day worries and stresses as you instead put all your attention on the immediate task at hand.

Some people like to write in a journal while others enjoy baking cookies. Still others express their artistry by arranging fresh cut flowers in a vase...

If you are looking for a simple, non-intimidating way to be creative today, have a peek at the following tutorial. It's perfect for all ages and uses items you will already have in your home :)

All you need is a piece of paper, a straight edge, some circular objects (a cup, a bowl, a yo-yo, etc.) a permanent pen or marker and watercolor paints (or crayons, or pencil crayons, or markers).

Start by drawing between 12 and 16 straight lines across the paper. They can go in any direction, just as long as they travel from one edge of the paper to the other.

Next, place your circular objects on the page and start tracing them. Add as many or as few circles as you like and let them overlap in some areas.

Now comes the fun part. Grab your watercolor paints - or crayons, pencil crayons, markers, etc. -- whatever you have on hand. I used watercolors.

Begin filling in every other space with color. Take your time and don't panic if you "mess up" just continue on and "go with the flow".

Before you know it, time will have flown by and in the end, you'll feel relaxed, recharged and... you might even have a funky work of art you'll be proud to hang on your wall.

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Got kids? Looking for more creative art ideas? Visit our art education website - KinderArt.com - where you will find 1000s of art lessons and activity ideas for kids of all ages. And, it's FREE! 

www.KinderArt.com

Kids & Creativity: Painting what you see (by the sea)

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

I was painting in my sketchbook the other morning while the littlest one was sitting with Jan, discussing how the birds were flying overhead. She was particularly struck by the fact that sometimes, birds don't need to flap their wings in order to move through the air.

"What are you painting?" she asked.

"I'm painting what I see." I responded.

My girl looked at my sketchbook and then at the view in front of us. And with that, she hopped up on a chair and began painting on a sheet of watercolour paper I had placed there for her. Just in case.

When she was through, I asked her to tell me about her work -- a black outline with dabs of orange and blue.

"It's a bird, flying without flapping his wings."

Had I not asked her to explain, I never would have known that she too, was painting what she saw that morning:  A bird, soaring through the sky.

When creating with children, you don't always need an elaborate plan or fancy materials. All you need is some inexpensive paint, some paper and the patience to let things happen as they happen -- without direction...

The shoreline mural begins

by Andrea Mulder-Slater

Now that we are settled in our new studio space, out thoughts have returned to art making, in a big way. Geoff has two mural projects coming up. One - in a public tourism space and the other in a downtown St. Andrews business.

Meanwhile, he has just begin working on a mural in a private home. This one is on a wall in a large stairwell/entrance way.

Here's a sneak peek...

Stay tuned for more updates...

Do you need a mural in your home? We can do that :)

http://www.jareaart.com/murals.htm

Studying Geoff Slater

Here's some exciting news...

Students from around the globe are learning about Geoff and his line painting technique. Some are even creating works of art in his style.

Artwork created by grade 5 students from Richardson Elementary School (in the style of Geoff Slater)

Some examples:

In Otter Lake, Minnesota

This project will challenge students to create a scene using one continuous line.  Students will learn how line can create shape and depth, and infer movement and texture in a composition.  The work of Geoff Slater, a contemporary artist, will be discussed.

http://otterlakeartintheclassroom.wordpress.com/third-grade/

In Bountiful, Utah at the Quick Cricket Preschool

After a yummy snack and some play time, we introduced Geoff Slater, a modern artist who lives in New Brunswick.  Check out his website at geoffslater.com.  He paints beautiful pictures of things he sees outside using a techniques called 'Amaze Art' that uses one continuous line to paint a picture.  Our study of line and preparation to study shape was really enhanced by looking at his art and trying to make one ourselves.  It is hard to leave space between lines like he does!  It really is Amaze-ing!

http://thequickcricket.blogspot.com/2011/09/island-life.html

In Attica, New York at the Attica Middle School

During sixth grade, our students begin to really focus on the concept of design. Projects concepts include symmetry and radial symmetry, using a grid system and composition. Our students really hone down on their craftsmanship skills at this level. Some artists discussed in class include Geoff Slater, Leonardo Da Vinci and Grant Wood, and we divulge more into color theory in order to prepare the students for upper level middle school art. 

http://www.atticacsd.org/webpages/hmazzuto/sixth_grade.cfm

In Wilmington, North Carolina

We will also be examining how the lines create geometric, free form and organic shapes. Some of the artists we will be talking about are: the use of lines by Geoff Slater, the repetition of geometric shapes by Joseph Kyle, and the implied texture of Albrecht Durer.

http://minimonets.wordpress.com/2011/09/06/starts-monday-912/

In Fort Madison, Iowa at Richardson Elementary School

Grade 5 students created artwork based on Geoff Slater's paintings.  

http://sites.google.com/site/explorerichardsonart/art-gallery/4th-grade-art/quarter1artprojects

In Gorham, New Hampshire at the Family Resrouce Centre

Students learned about Geoff Slater and his artwork after studying line.

http://www.family-resource-center.org/images/uploads/image/GASPNovemberCalendar%2710.pdf

In Rensselaer, Indiana at the Carnegie Center

Students learned about Geoff Slater’s “Amaze Art” and used a single line to create a beautiful flower.

http://prairieartscouncil.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/rensselaer-workshops-friday.pdf


Have you studied Geoff? Let us know!