Hummingbirds and Birds of Paradise

Kindergarten thru 3rd grade work

My class used sponges with warm or cool acrylic colors to create their backgrounds first. Chalk pastels or oil pastels were used to create their birds and flowers which were cut out and glued to their painted backgrounds. They had the option of using realistic or creative color choices.

3D Camel Portraits with "Magic Carpet" Backgrounds

Chas, Kindergarten

Jonathon, 2nd grade

Katie, 2nd grade

Supriya, Kindergarten

I did some camel portraits a few months ago and decided to try it again with my new group of students. This time the children made their camels 3 dimensional by gluing squares of foam core to the backs of their cut camel faces to elevate them. Their "magic carpet" backgrounds were created by taking 3 sheets of construction paper (red, yellow and black in this case) folding them in half and creating 6 unique patterns using oil pastels. These were cut into squares and arranged to make a unique background. Here's a sample of their colorful and quirky camels.

Creative Challenge - Complete

Ink, Acrylic and Pastel Collage

Watercolor, Pastel, Ink and Mixed Media Collage

Mixed Media on Acrylic Canvas

Here are the 3 finished pieces I created for the Creative Challenge I signed on for a few weeks ago. Part of the challenge for me was working small (nothing over 8"X10"), as my comfort zone lies in life size people and animals. To keep myself loose and not uptight, I created these pieces on a couple lazy Sunday afternoons while watching Midnight in Paris for the 3rd time and some deliciously bad Bravo reality shows on my DVR. I had a lot of fun "playing" around with a variety of media. The recipients happen to be located in three completely different spots in the US. I will be sending them off shortly. Hope you enjoy them ladies!

Jungle Jaguars

Artwork by K-3rd Graders

I recently started a class with mostly new students. This has allowed me to revisit some of the favorite past projects. I did these paper bag jaguars back in January and was encouraged by one of my students to give it another go. Thanks Jenna :)

The children used oil pastel and watercolor to create their jungle bases. On one rectangular of their brown bag they created textured leaves using sponges and acrylics. These would be later cut out and added to their composition. On the other side of their bag they created their jaguars using chalk and oil pastels. They were encouraged to arrange their leaves around their jaguar to make it look as if it was peaking out of it's rainforest habitat.

Sandra Silberzweig Inspired Trees

Jenna, 3rd

Abbie, K

Talia, 2nd

Amanda, 2nd

Alexa, 1st

Hannah, K

Matthew, 2nd

Sierra, 1st

Lilly, K

This is my 2nd project inspired by the art of Sandra Silberzweig. Her art is dynamic, colorful and bold. My kindergarten thru 3rd graders looked at her piece, "Neon Trees" ("Ooo's" and "Aaah's" all around) and couldn't wait to paint their inspired pieces. They broke down the landscape into 3 basic elements: ovals, background and trees. They used oil pastel and chalk pastels to add designs and outline their shapes. They created patterned owls similar to those found in some of her other pieces using markers on a separate paper. These were cut out and glued to their habitat. I was happy to see everyone adding their own unique personality and twist to this project. Ms. Silberzweig spotted our last lesson inspired by her cubist faces and was very kind in her response. I hope you enjoy these pieces as well! A big Thanks to you from all of us!

Creative Challenge

A past work in pastels

I recently signed up for a creative challenge from Phyl of There's a Dragon in My Art Room. This challenge originated at Created 2B Creative, and part of the idea is to continue it forward, in a creative way. Here's how it works.

• I will create something (I don't know what yet!) for the first three people who say (in the comments below) they would like to participate.
• If you say you would like to participate, you must issue the challenge somewhere (on your own blog, on facebook or twitter -- wherever you want) and personally make something in 2012 (don't wait too long and then forget - I actually would suggest you do it in the next month) for at least three people, who will pledge to make something for three more people . . .

This can be a photograph, something crafty, a small painting or drawing.....anything that uses your creativity.

• If you're one of the first three respondents, send me your address in a private message (my email address is listed on my profile) so that I can mail you my creation.

I may break out of my 2D comfort zone and do something completely unexpected. I might give myself a challenge a la Bravo's "Work of Art." It will be fun to see where this project leads me.

*On a side note: Mom and Dad, I promise to create the portrait of your beloved pooch, Doogal before I tackle this. ;)

OK, who's in?!

Birthday Birds

my experiment

March is Dr. Seuss' Birthday month. Last year I did a Lorax inspired project. This year I headed to my daughter's book shelf and came up with a lesser known book, "Happy Birthday To You!" In the land of Katroo on the day you were born, the great Birthday Bird wakes you from your bed and swoops you away for a fantastic day of adventures and celebration. I knew my 5-9 year olds would have fun with this!

They created their Birthday Birds with Sharpie and acrylics and layered birthday cakes with markers. On black board they painted Truffula inspired trees of Lorax fame for a fun background. I encouraged the children to cut loose creatively in making all the elements in their Seuss inspired pieces. Nice job kids!

*This post is dedicated to my husband who recently turned the big 50, without the obligatory big party or weekend in Vegas (almost a requirement for SoCal residents.) So Tyree, not only did you get your favorite Shrimp and Grits made by moi and an adult family dinner out, you now have a beautiful collection of Dr. Seuss Birthday Birds dedicated to YOU. You must be walking on sunshine about now. ;D