For those of you who call the California Central Coast your home, we have a special Teach Kids Art teacher workshop coming up this Saturday, October 9th, from 9am-noon at Palace Art in Capitola..... "Teach Kids 'Day of the Dead' Projects"! I will be co-teaching this workshop with K-12 Spanish teacher, Catherine Murray, from Rio del Mar Elementary and Cypress Charter High … [Read more...]
Mosaics
Mosaic projects can be adapted for all ages. Just follow these directions and use larger tiles and a smaller backing board if working with young children.... or anyone with a shorter attention span! Historical examples of mosaic art have been found in Roman ruins throughout Europe and around the Mediterranean. Traditional mosaics were made from tiny squares of natural-colored … [Read more...]
Middle Eastern Inspiration
School's out and summer has begun! I've just returned from two amazing weeks in the Middle East, visiting family in Jordan and exploring the marvels of this rich culture! The carved city of Petra, ancient Roman ruins and spectacular desert landscapes were just a few of the many wonders I discovered there. In this land of sand and rock, charming mosaics (like the one pictured … [Read more...]
“Faux” Mexican Bark “Paintings”
These Mexican Bark "Paintings" by my 5th graders got more "wows" than any other project at our recent school art show. By using markers instead of paint, we saved time in both prep and clean-up, as well as the extra step of touching up with black Sharpie after painting. And the marker on the brown paper produced some beautiful colors! Using markers in place of paint was an … [Read more...]
Gung Hey Fat Choy!
Chinese New Year falls on Valentine's Day this year! Chinese New Year is often celebrated with a parade led by a long, colorful dragon. My 1st graders drew a fun Chinese Dragon to ring in the "Year of the Tiger"!1. Cut a piece of 12"x18" white construction paper in half to measure 6"x18".2. Using pencil, draw a long curvy "snake-shape" across the middle of your paper. Leave … [Read more...]
Origami Crane Ornaments
"An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury.... In Asia, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family." (from Wikipedia)Origami cranes make … [Read more...]
Teacher Workshop: “Teach Kids Multicultural Art”
Teach your students about other cultures through their Art! This Saturday (November 7th, 9am to noon), I'll be teaching another workshop just for teachers, "Teach Kids Multicultural Art". If you're a teacher on the California Central Coast, don't miss this chance to spend a lively morning with other teachers, learning tips and techniques for teaching Aboriginal Dot Painting, … [Read more...]
How to Make Your Own Mexican Bark Painting
"Mexican Bark Painting" by Arin Colorful Bark Paintings made by the people of Xalitla, Mexico, are the primary source of income for their entire community. These paintings are made on amate paper (from the bark of the wild fig tree) and typically depict flowers, birds, plants, and animals. You'll need: Brown paper grocery bag Scissors Pencil Black (F) Sharpie Heavy books or … [Read more...]