Today's Starry Starry Night

What a satisfying way to end for Summer break, talking about our hopes and dreams for Summer and reflecting on Van Gogh's Starry Night.

The mood was quiet, reflective and light as the kids built up layers of color and texture, interpreting this iconic painting in their own way.

We used a heavy watercolor paper, blue, black, and white tempra to start.

We talked about Van Gogh, his isolation, his prolific output, the role religion played on his life, and how he spent a lot of time outdoors at night during the summer painting, relaxing and pondering life and the stars.

We also talked about "copying" great works and how doing so can allow you to walk in the shoes of an artist you enjoy.

As we all worked together today I realized that I never imagined I would have an art studio like Alameda StudioTime, and now that I do have a place to share and create with others, it really is a dream-come-true for me! Thank you to all of my artists, and all you parents who value creating, dreaming and making. It's been a great, great year!

Jen+Johnny+Ajna+Zahrinah+Iesha+
+Annie+Juni+Nini+Treyvon+Lucas+
Aoife+Caleb+Liam+Ilana+Cat+
+Hady+Amelia+Cecilia+Nelson+
Clara+Asher+Alabama+Caliope

See How Far They've Come?

The amazing Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti (pronounced Jacko-metti) was the inspiration for the wonderful "bronzes" that came out of the studio today.

My StudioTime artists expressed emotion, movement and an new understanding of materials with these successful sculptures! I am so proud of everyone for going along on this three week journey, with confidence and curiosity.

We began the project with quick charcoal sketches, then moved onto "drawing" with wire, and creating a "skeleton." Engineering each piece was different because of weight distribution and the amount of points fixed to the base.

We did two layers of paper mache using paper towels... texturally much better than the standard newsprint. Then we finished up with a layer of tempra paint (a mix of black and brown), then a light coat of bronze, feathered on top of the black and brown, for a aged metal affect.

Click each one to see them bigger, and to see the name of each artist.

I loved every step of this project and was brimming with pride and excitement over how confident each artist has become as this "school" year comes to a close.

I can't end this post without mentioning Serena. Projects went more smoothly because of her, and the kids all enjoy having her here. (See picture above.) She supported the kids as they worked and got plenty dirty in the process. Thank you Serena!!!

My Most Serious Art Students

I've got to get them to loosen up some...

Sweet Strawberries

I threw a short strawberry study into this weeks line-up of classes to break up our three week journey into Giacometti inspired sculptures. I love them! I encouraged my kids to really look at the shadows and the small details. These pieces are from my wonderful Wednesday morning class.

(Strawberries from top to bottom, Cat, Annie, Hady, Cecilia at work, Cecilia, Amelia, Ilana, then Nelson.)

I can't wait to post the sculptures the kids have been pouring their hearts into! Next week I'll photograph them all!

By the time Nelson arrived on Friday, all of the strawberries had been used for our project (then eaten by the artists) so we went next door and picked a lemon to use for our study. Lovely lemon!

Viva Mexico!

We celebrated Cinco de Mayo in the studio this week by creating Amate Bark Paintings.

Amate bark paper goes back as far as the Aztec Empire and has remained in the Puebla and northern Veracruz states until current times.

I prepped our "bark" paper (grocery bags) by spraying them with coffee and drying them in the sun.

The kids tore the edges of their "bark" and planned their pieces by looking at traditional paintings.

We used tempra paints then dried them back in the hot sun.

We discussed repetition, symbolism and using what is around you to make art.

The last thing we did was take a Sharpie, adding details and accentuating the positive.