Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Pumpkin Still Lifes

 kindergarten - 3rd grade



2nd grade


 3rd grade


 3rd grade


 3rd grade


1st grade


 2nd grade


2nd grade


kindergarten


My Observational Art Lab students created these works on roofing felt ( because I'm obsessed with this material as a canvas and love the drama of color on black). I had some pumpkins in the center of our tables for the kids to observe. We broke down the pumpkins into a series of simple curved shapes using white chalk. I showed them how to add additional pumpkins in the background to create a sense of depth. My two guidelines for this project were to 1) double dip their brush into yellow and red paint, rather than premixing (no water) and 2) try not to paint over their white chalk lines. Once the paint was dry, we took damp paper towels and wiped the chalk away, leaving dramatic back lines. Backgrounds were done in chalk pastel, also blended with the help of a paper towel covered finger. They added last touches of charcoal shadows and white highlights. Love the painterly effects in these!
Update: Be sure to use Natural roofing felt, Not synthetic, which can contain fiber glass. 

15 comments:

  1. Beautiful!! I think pumpkin time is my favorite time of year for painting!!!

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    1. Thanks Christie! Mine too - now if we could just get some fall weather to go with it. ;)

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    2. Is the paint tempera or acrylic? They are beautiful!

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    3. Thank you Jo! We used acrylics.

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  2. These are gorgeous!! I love the addition of the chalk pastel- I didn't know you could use that on roofing felt.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, it has a similar effect as pastel on black construction paper. I've found using a paper towel covered finger helps with blending since it's a bit textured.

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  3. Do you tape the roofing felt to a solid surface while working/painting on it?

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    1. I don't find that necessary. Since it's a fairly thick surface, it doesn't move around much. I just lay some newspaper underneath, to catch paint and chalk dust.

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    2. Also wondering-have you noticed if the roofing felt has a skin irritating quality? Do you know if it contains fiberglass? I bought some to try and after cutting up the pieces my hands felt irritated. Maybe I purchased the wrong type! It was the warrior-15 brand.

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    3. So sorry to hear this Jo! I got the idea to use this material from at least 3 bloggers (none warned of any issue with skin irritation) I haven't experienced any problem and I've done a number of projects and handled and cut the big roll without any irritation. I think this is the same brand I purchased ( also used by Phyl from There's a Dragon in My Art Room). I believe it's fiberglass fleece but has been mixed with tar and other materials to make it waterproof and easily handled. I hope this helps!

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    4. We finished our pumpkins today and they really are beautiful. I used a combination of tempera and oil pastel with my first graders. Thanks for sharing your wonderful lessons. I am a huge fan!

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    5. So glad to hear! Thanks for the kind words Jo! :)

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  4. Where do you buy the roofing felt? Like Home Depot?

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    1. Yes, any home improvement or hardward store should carry them. A big roll will run you about $25.

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