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Art Classes have begun!
3 boys, lots of paint brushes, colors, and energy!
The only way to teach children is with an open mind and an open heart!
DO NOT expect perfection - well at least in the way you saw the project being completed.
Children are like little sponges. They want to learn. They want to create. They want to have fun. Most of all, they want to PLEASE!
Make sure you have everything ready, set and then GO with the flow.
What you had in mind, may never happen. What they see, what they are capable of, where the student's ability is, where their maturity is, where they are socially and physically will all play a part in how the project pans out. It is not up to you to finish it for them. It is up to them to take part, create, enjoy and then take ownership of their artwork. There is no right or wrong in art.
My three grandsons had a vision on this wonderfully sunny afternoon that I did not. They painted their feet, their hands, one another, the dog (poor Bella), rocks, flowers, grass, the drop cloth and finally the paper on their easels. They ran; they jumped; they hid in the flower beds all while I took photos.
Once I realized that children learn from us and how we perceive the world to be, I learned to giggle with them while I worked with them! I have always wanted any child or adult I have taught to ENJOY being creative regardless of the outcome. If the student enjoys the process, they will keep working on the product or the projects until they master the concept.
Remember - their artwork is not a reflection of you - it is a reflection of them and what they are learning from you.
Have fun! Teach your children well and your children will thrive!
Laura Anne and a very colorful Bella Boo
Colors, colors everywhere...
Ever wonder how to make sure that you are coloring world perfectly?
Well, here's a simple primer that will ensure you keep those colors bright and vibrant!
First, get yourself a color wheel at the nearest craft and hobby store or go online and pull one up form some obscure sight!
Now - take a close look at those colors....the ones that are right next door to each other - those are "FRIENDLY" colors. Put em together and you have another bright color! Put them next to each other, and you have a pleasing piece of artwork.
WHY???? Because they work together. They share the load. They mix and match beautifully. You can even hop a color over and still have great results!
Choose the darker of the colors to shade and WA LA! A very pleasing effect indeed!
NOW....if you are seeing "mud" it means that you are jumping across the street and bringing with you your dirty feet.
Colors that are across from one another on the color wheel, are considered complimentary colors.
They look wonderful NEXT to one another. Used sparingly, they make the elements of the picture really POP! Too much and you have caused major mental confusion.
Blend them together and most of the time, they make a dirty brownish grayish mess. Sparingly, they can make beautiful deep shadowing on your images.
These are the rules of color that I live by when working on a project. Nine out of ten times, knowing "Friendly" vs "Across the Street" makes all the difference.
Try thinking about these two simple rules when you go out there to create! I think you will be amazed at how much better your end results will be!
Happy splashing through another colorful day!
Laura Anne and Bella Boo
