My visit to the Musee d'Orsay was a completely different experience from my time at the Louvre. At the d'Orsay, I saw lots more quiet contemplation of the art (Renoir, Manet, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh and more).... and far fewer selfies! I was filled with awe as I explored the Van Gogh room, and completely taken aback when I came to the painting of Van Gogh's bedroom.... … [Read more...]
My Mona Lisa Surprise
Our son’s wedding in Europe last week gave us the perfect excuse to visit some of the world’s most spectacular museums and view masterpieces up close that I'd only ever seen in books. As an Art teacher who had never experienced Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa in person, the Musee du Louvre in Paris had to be our first stop! Many people warned me that I’d be surprised when I … [Read more...]
4 Keys to Getting Started with Clay
I fell in love with clay when I took my first college Ceramics class as a freshman. I enjoyed all of my art classes, but when it was time to choose an area of emphasis for my Art degree I didn’t hesitate…. Ceramics for the win!! I’m not alone in my fondness for clay. Kids of all ages LOVE working with clay!! And teachers can love it, too.... although it can be intimidating to … [Read more...]
Most Inspiring Book of 2017
My favorite books this year have not been books about teaching art to kids, or even books about ART at all. But they are relevant to teachers and parents…. and everyone, really. The three books I’ll be sharing with you are inspiring, life-changing, and important. The most inspiring book I read this year was A Little Radical - The ABC’s of Activism, by Danica and Jason … [Read more...]
Ceramic Sugar Skull Plate for Dia de los Muertos
November 1st and 2nd is a Mexican holiday known as "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead"..... an no, it isn't "Mexican Halloween"! It's not meant to be scary, spooky, or morbid, but rather a colorful tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed. I'm blessed to live in an area of the U.S. with a large hispanic population, so this holiday is big here. And the more I learn … [Read more...]
Easy Sugar Skull Ceramic Planter
When I saw this awesome sugar skull ceramic planter at Trader Joes I knew I had to come up with a way for my students to make them! So here it is, just in time for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1 & 2! All you'll need is clay, a popsicle stick, a fettling knife, and a dull pencil.... Make a sugar skull ceramic planter: If you want to plant … [Read more...]
Book Review: Drawing Cartoons Letter By Letter by Christopher Hart
Drawing Cartoons Letter by Letter is the latest in a series of learn-to-draw books by Christopher Hart. I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review, so here it is! The concept of using a letter or number as the framework for beginning a drawing is not new. In fact, I already had a similarly themed book in my collection. But several things set this book … [Read more...]
2 NEW Tips for Using Prang Watercolor Sets in Your Classroom
For decades, the Prang OVL-8 Watercolor Set has been a staple in elementary classrooms far and wide. Their convenience, consistent quality and affordable price is hard to beat. A while back I posted 6 tips for success using these popular watercolor sets, and then even more watercolor tips here. Adding to all this, one of my readers, a missionary teaching art to kids in … [Read more...]
Sunset Cityscapes
The examples in this post were done by 1st graders, but older kids will enjoy this, too. "No Rulers Allowed!".... if you want results that are charming and almost "Seuss-like"! For a typical class that meets for one hour or less, you'll want to do this project over 2 class periods. Materials: 9x12 watercolor paper (or heavyweight construction paper) watercolor set … [Read more...]
A Heart for Moms…. or Anyone!
Hearts, flowers, and a handmade touch are things that come to mind when I think of a gift for Mother’s Day. So why not combine all three to show some love to a mom.... your own or another special mom in your life? My friend Hazel McNab is famous for her hearts. She inspired herself with a challenge and a creative goal and painted a heart a day for several years. Now Hazel … [Read more...]
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