Tuesday, January 26, 2010

My Art Gets Around!

So over the past couple months I have been asked permission by art teachers...as well as finding lessons by other art teachers that have been based off my painting Dismal Sunset.
When I created this piece for grad school Fall '08, I had no idea that it would make its way across the US & jump the pond to England as inspiration for a lesson. I'm thrilled that my work has taken on a new life in the form of an art room lesson!
Since it has made its way into lessons, I thought some of you using it might want more background on the work & where it came from. This painting was part of a series I created based on the landscapes of my youth. I grew up in the foothills of Appalachia(southeastern Ohio) in the middle of forest & farmland. The style was influenced from the church stained glass windows I loved & the quilts created by my mother, grandmother, and aunts.
I used a variety of techniques to create texture in watercolor, and then added colored pencil over the textured paper to give it more of a textile feel.
If you have any questions please e-mail!

Monday, January 25, 2010

...another art related link...

An amazing child artist!!!

Poor Picasso Painting!!

I think the velvet rope will be moved a bit farther out from now on!!!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

PJ & Company : Art Tables

I wanted to go ahead and share more about the company I went with for my art tables. They were amazing to work with & extremely helpful when I called. Their website is also very user friendly! If you are in need of new art tables or other school furniture...CHECK THEM OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PJ & Company
1-877-825-7803

Monday, January 18, 2010

!NEW TABLES!

This year my wonderful PTO bought me new tables for my classroom! I had my round tables for the past 9 years, but figure they were well over 20 yrs old. They were not able to hold their adjustments...they rocked, wobbled, wiggled...and pretty much annoyed my students to no end!!! So, my PTO told me to look for the tables I wanted & order them. They came in over Christmas break, and one of my friends from church & myself put them together before the students returned. I've arranged & rearranged them many many times!!! It's hard when you have had the same tables for so many years. I love them though...and think I have 'em the way I want them.......for now. ha ha

STUDENT TEACHER

I'd like to introduce my student teacher. Her name is Ms. Luquire. She'll be with us until the end of Feb. fulfilling the elementary portion of her student teaching. Ms. Luquire is a student at Lipscomb University here in Nashville, and will be graduating this May.

Friday, December 18, 2009

CHRISTMAS BREAK!!!!!!

Hey all my bloggie friends out there!! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season & New Years!!!! I'm looking forward to the time with my wife & baby girl! Also going to start working on my sketches for my LAST semester of grad school!!!!!! Blessing to you all.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Winter Bulletin Board

I had my students create winter collage animals & snowmen
for the main hall's bulletin board. It is just a whole bunch of fun!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Snowy Watercolor Pictures

I had my 1st grade students use crayons as a resist. They then did a watercolor wash over top of the crayon & used salt to create texture in their paint. This allowed me to hit several standards & go over material usage.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Circle Weavings

I was excited by the pattern work my students put into the background of their weavings! I had them use the same colors that were in their yarn. I think they turned out BEAUTIFUL!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS ....just add imagination!

I'm always looking for products, websites, activities to recommend to parents & students. I came across this site, and thought I'd pass it along. Now, it is kind of art in a box/canned art....HOWEVER....this might take the fear out of some parents having a craft time with their children!!! Some of the products look like a lot of fun too!!!
The parent company I've heard of..and have used some of their products.
CHECK THEM OUT!

Friday, November 13, 2009

PATTERNS!!!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Kindergarten Tackles Texture

I had the students start by drawing a grid on their paper(This can be a
challenge with Kinderbabies!! ha ha). They then used texture plates under
their paper to create these crayon rubbings.
Students created texture medallions in clay.
They will be turned into necklaces once fired. Students created texture in the grassy area of their pictures by fringing the edges of their paper with scissors. This was one of the first times we used scissors and glue in class. They did an amazing job!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Weaving: 3rd & 4th Grade

It's that wonderful time of the year again...WEAVING!!!! My 3rd graders have always done their circle weavings in the fall. My 4th graders usually do their tapestry weavings toward the
end of the school year(it helps them focus when they are all crazy with spring). However, this
year I moved it to come after my 4th graders social studies unit on TN Native Americans.
I like the idea of having that connection for my students, but not sure I like doing
the project at this time of the year.

Ends & Outs of Circle Weaving

Here is the "formula" you use for circle weaving for warping your loom. If any of you have questions concerning the lesson, please feel free to ask.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Crayola Christmas Gifts

Now that I have a baby, I've been looking at all the things Crayola has to offers little learners. They have several toys that I think will make great Christmas gifts for the baby in your life! This one is my favorite.
"The Crayola Beginnings Rainbow Tower develops and delights! This wonderful, light-up play station teaches baby to recognize colors with lights and music. The stacking and nesting activities help to develop a child’s size perception and hand-eye coordination. Special TaDoodles characters light up when placed on the base. They also combine to make new colors when one is placed inside the other."
Check out this and other gift ideas at:
PS.....I bought this for my baby girl!!! I can't wait to play with it...um...I mean....I can't wait for her to play with it on Christmas day!!!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

A Newly Found Warhol Up for Auction!

Hopefully this link will be up for a little while! I have always found Warhol an interesting fellow!! SIDE NOTE: If you have not seen the "Dropping In On..." series DVD of Warhol, it is worth your time. My friends and I love it!!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Yarn Boxes

video

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Sales on Art Supplies

In Nashville,TN....we have a wonderful selection of art, arts & crafts, school supply stores. Michaels, Jo-Ann's, and Hobby Lobby are the national chains that I frequent most for my personal art supply needs. Once and awhile I'll pick up things for my classroom, but that is usually taken care of through district approved catalogs. These stores are also where I"ll point my students to pick up art supplies. However, I always tell them...WAIT FOR THE SALES!! Jo-Ann's and Hobby Lobby always half 30%, 40%, and 50% sales on different iteams every week!! They also have amazing coupons!!!!!! You can sign up for those in the store, or check out their online site and print off coupons! If you do not have one of these stores near you...I think you can online order!! Check it out!!

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Fall Break....a week up north (nature as art..ha ha)

FALL BREAK IS A GIFT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fall is my fav. time of the year, and this year MNPS has a week off for fall break. My wife, baby girl, and I are up in PA right now enjoying time with family & friends! It's a bit chilly, but the colors are beautiful up here!! I'm finding much inspiration for my work!!!!!