Students Explore the Art of Linoleum Block Printing

Over the past five weeks, this small but focused group of teens learned a little about the art of printmaking.  We observed and discussed several different types of prints from centuries past as well as contemporary work.  But, mostly, they spent time carving and printing linocuts of their own.

This type of printmaking is easy to do at home - no press needed.  Hopefully, students will be able continue to explore this medium on their own.  But, I will definitely offer this class again.







The reveal...

A Merry Old Time in the "Christmas Keepsakes" Class!

Three very special projects were the highlight of this class.  No prepackaged kits or stick-on foamies here.  Instead, each item was made from scratch by the students age 8-12.


 One project was an advent calendar made with decorative papers, mini gift bags, and MDF board.  Little hanging bags have plenty of room for verses and goodies for each day through Christmas Eve.

Light shines through these angels.

Unique contemporary translucent Angels were sculpted in wire and filled with colorful and flexible window cling material.





A queue of Marys and Josephs wait for color!

  

But, probably one of the students' favorite projects was sculpting a mini nativity from clay and painting it on the last day.

I hope that these "keepsakes" will be enjoyed for years and that they will always remind the students of the real meaning of Christmas.





Ready for Display

     

What is the SKILL-BUILDER ART SERIES?

This series provides quality art education for kids and teens to cultivate foundational skills in drawing and painting.  They are designed on the premise that basic "ABC" drawing skills can be taught, giving fledgling artists the tools needed to more successfully pursue their creative ideas.

In these classes, hands-on exploration is exercised through the creation of a "reference sketchbook" where terms are defined and skills are practiced.  In addition, there are many opportunities in each class to analyze various works of art throughout history and discuss them as a group.  But, there is also be the opportunity to complete "finished" drawings with a variety of media, as well as drawing games to balance the technical with the creative.

Currently, two classes are available in this series and more are being developed:

Skill-Builders 1 - Basic Drawing

Family of line and shape, composition, variation of line, contour and cross-contour, positive and negative space, proper proportion and measuring techniques, and "building" more complex images from simple lines.

Ages 9+
1-1/2 hour classes - 8 Week Session
Class Size Limit 12
$50 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$35 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)

Skill-Builders 2 - Let There Be Light!  Creating the Illusion of 3-Dimensions with Line, Shape, and Value

Creating standard 3-D forms and translating them into common objects, light and its effect on objects, cast shadows, shading variations, value and contrast.

Ages 10+
1-1/2 hour classes - 8 Week Session
Class Size Limit 12
$50 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$35 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)

While the above classes are designed for the older child and teen, the Skill-Builder Jr. class is for the younger artist. 

Skill-Builders Jr. - The Art Express: From Abstract to Realistic

Family of line of shape, abstraction, portraits, landscapes, still life, and the building of simple objects with line and shape.

Ages 5-9
1 hour classes - 8 Week Session
Class Size Limit 12
$50 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$35 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)

Skill-Builders Jr. - Color Carnival

Primary, secondary and neutral colors, color mixing, color wheel, warm vs. cool, what color is and where it can be found.

Ages 5-10
1 hour classes - 8 Week Session
Class Size Limit 12
$55 per 1^st student (supplies included)
$40 per additional sibling (immediate family/same class)