6/19/2020

The history of tie-dyed shirts dates back to ancient China, though many people still associate them with the hippie lifestyle from the 1960s. Nearly every culture in the world has a different version of tie-dye, but it seems most popular in Asian countries like Japan and Indonesia. This is a fun summer project to try out if you never have, or try out a new design or color scheme! Check out this video with 4 different ideas! Have fun and Happy Friday!!!

6/18/2020

Love scratch art but don't have any of the fancy paper? No worries! Check out this video and make your very own scratch art paper. Have a blast and get creative! Remember your colors can be in any design and color scheme. Also, make an original design! Work on your observational skills by drawing something you have in front of you, or give it a go right from your imagination... A combo of the two is always great also! Get scratching!

6/17/2020

Keep your summer drawings organized in your very own custom made sketchbook! Check out this video for a couple of different sketchbook making methods. Why go out and buy a sketchbook when you can create a unique one for yourself? Be creative with your cover and make a unique design and as always, have fun!

6/16/2020

For those of you really ready to display your artwork in a more upscale way, check out this video on how to make some really cool paper based frames. Many artists use the frame as an extension of their artwork by incorporating designs, patterns, colors and textures onto the frame as an added effect. Give it a try!

6/15/2020

Displaying your art is a great way to decorate any living space. There are countless creative (and simple) ways to display any type of art. Included here is a video showing 4 new ways to display your art in a gallery type of setting. Enjoy!

6/12/2020

The art of fashion translates many ways. Some designers turn their attention to making fancy dresses. Other fashionistas prefer to put their talents into creating the coolest looking sneaker. Other designers in this world really enjoy theatrical arts...the art of THEATER. The LION KING reflects everything wonderful and magical in costume design and manipulation. Watch artists bring to the stage this incredible production through costume, makeup, design and ingenuity.

(Imagine how boring all of this would be without the help of the artist.)

6/11/2020

Can ART help you heal?

That is an interesting question asked by many of us before we embark on an artistic journey. Why am I making this work of art? Is it to impress my family and friends? Sometimes it is. Other times the process of creating is NOT about the end result. It is about the JOURNEY. Allowing someone to escape into the magical world of creativity is the power that art holds that allows us to heal...from the inside. Check out this video to further explore how art can help 'heal the soul.'

6/10/2020

Egypt "Ify" Ufele is one of New York Fashion Week's youngest designers. At 10 years old, she founded the plus-size label, Chubiiline clothing. Ify takes inspiration from street style and designs from African cultures. She uses her line to advocate for her anti-bullying foundation, BullyChasers. The United Nations has even selected her as a Junior Ambassador for her work! Watch this short video and learn about Ify's inspirational story. You are never too young to become a fashion designer and/or to make the world a better place!

6/9/2020

So fashion is your thing, eh? Awesome. Some of the best artists in the world turn their attention toward fashion design and manufacturing. You can too!!! All you need is a whole lot of hard work, patience, grit and determination. All of which you have plenty of. Now go out and do it. Become that fashion designer! Here is a fun video on an artists take on custom cap design. Enjoy!

6/8/2020

Have some old shoes that you are about to toss? Before you do, check out this video for 10 cool ideas to upgrade an old pair of kicks. Of course it might be a good idea to get parent permission before doing this. Have fun and get creative!

6/5/2020

You:"Yo, amazing art teacher, I don't have any paper to draw on. I'm so sad!"

Me: "Cheer up, buckeroo! Even things like bottle caps make for excellent art ideas!"

You:"Say what!?!?"

Me:"That's right! Take a look at this video to see!"

You:"Wow! Amazing! My life would be so bland without art!"

6/4/2020

It is said that one person's trash is another person's treasure. That idea helped inspire Peter Kokis to transform trash into transformers! Check out this video to see how this Brooklyn artist creates cyborgs weighing hundreds of pounds right on his kitchen table! This just goes to show a little inspiration and creativity can result in truly amazing art! Can you create your own transformer with trash?

6/3/2020

No paper, no problem. Just grab yourself plain old styrofoam cup and a sharpie and you have one of the most interesting canvases you can create on. Check out this video and be inspired to start your very own styromasterpiece! Have fun!

6/2/2020

Piet Mondrian is a Dutch artist best known for his abstract paintings (Art that is abstract does not show things that are recognizable such as people, objects or landscapes.) Instead Mondrian used colours, shapes and textures to achieve his effect.

6/1/2020

Sometimes the best art is the type of art created out of recycled materials. As we learned from this weeks featured artist, Aurora Robson, beautiful sculptures can be made from discarded materials. If you are looking to put to good use that pile of plastic bottle containers lying around the recycle bin check out this video on how to turn that Trash into Treasure!

5/29/2020

Let's end the week with even more awesome ideas for you to create abstract art! Check out this video for some more cool ideas to inspire you. Get lost in the freedom abstract art can offer and experiment! Have fun and be creative! Happy Friday!

5/28/2020

Check out this video that combines abstract drawing with the one point perspective technique. You can make this a mixed media artwork by using more than just one medium. So go grab your markers, crayons, sharpies, oil pastels, whatever you have and get started!

Remember you are the artist and can put your own creativity and personal spin in your artwork! Can you add some other touches to make yours different from the example shown in the video? Have fun!

5/27/2020

What exactly is Abstract Art anyway? Quite simply, it is an approach to art where you don't use recognizable objects as your subject matter. Properties such as color, shape, texture, and movement take on different meaning and importance. This short video helps explain Abstract Art for beginners.

• Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) is one of Russia's most famous artists and the founder of abstract art. His compositions have become iconic abstract art pieces around the world.

5/26/2020

Toronto-based artist Callen Schaub invites us into his studio to see how he uses swinging troughs, paint can pendulums, and bicycle parts to create his signature abstract paintings. His innovative machines and ideas are pretty impressive and create even more impressive results! Check out the video to see them in action!

Can you think of some new and unique techniques to create abstract art? Please remember to get parent consent before making too much of a mess!!

5/25/2020

ab·stract art

noun

1. art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures.

Abstract Art, to many, is an extremely freeing style of art. It allows the artist to break rules, invent imagery, create a language. How awesome is that! Watch this video and learn how to create a really cool painting that all of us can be successful in creating. Have fun!

5/22/2020

Out of paper? Hmmmm. What to do? No canvas to paint on? That's too bad. Oh wait! There's a great alternative. You're driveway pavement! That's right. Grab some good old fashioned chalk and start decorating your driveway or sidewalk with beautiful artwork or words of encouragement.

• Check out artist Julian Beever on Youtube to see some truly amazing chalk art illusions on pavement. Good stuff!

5/21/2020

Watch this video giving a few simple tips on how to create your very own comic book cover! You can make it as simple or as detailed as you want. Remember the cover of a book can really help to draw readers in. In addition to drawing, You can work on lettering styles with titles, captions, phrases, etc. Have fun and be creative!

5/20/2020

A great way to introduce any artist to the craft of animation is the Flip Book. Watch this short video and learn a very manageable approach to animation. See what kind of animated book you can come up with.

• Humorous Phases of Funny Faces is a silent cartoon by J. Stuart Blackton released in 1906. It features a cartoonist drawing faces on a chalkboard, and the faces coming to life. It is generally regarded by film historians as the first animated film.

5/19/2020

Wish you had superpowers? Yeah, me too! Check out this video for a variety of cool craft ideas, some that even give the illusion of having superhero like powers! Mixed in with these craft ideas are just some plain old tricks you can try out that will have people wondering if you have special capabilities! Have fun with it!

5/18/2020

Art is everywhere! Even where you don't always expect it. Interested in creating different looks using makeup? Yup...you guessed it...an artist. Check out this awesome video instructing you on how to create cool superhero effects using makeup. Take a look!

5/15/2020

One of the most exciting things to do with art is Interior Design. What is Interior Design you may ask? Interior Design is creating the look of a living space. Choosing paint color for the walls, flooring style, light fixtures, wall art, etc. Part of being a good interior designer is creating affordable artwork for the walls. Repurposing items found around the house is a great way to do this! Here's an idea to make old shoe/sneaker boxes into cool works of art. Check it out!

5/14/2020

Check out these quotes from artists who share their views about many aspects of art. See if you can write your own quote about art. Some things to think about...

• What are some reasons artists (or you) create art?

• How does viewing or creating art make you feel?

• What medium are you drawn to and why?

5/13/2020

Looking to get out of the house but can't? How about taking an exciting tour through one of the country's best art museums? The Smithsonian American Art Museum takes students on a virtual tour of this exciting museum. Best thing yet...it's free!

• The Smithsonian Art Museum is located in Washington, D.C.

5/12/2020

Looking for a fun way to make unique looking home-made paper? Paper Marbling is for you! Offered today is a kid friendly way to make marbled paper using ingredients you may already have at home. Each design is different and cannot be duplicated. Have a blast!

(Once dry, draw/paint something on top of marbled paper for a double-whammy art experience!)

5/11/2020

Take a look at this controversial oil painting by Norman Rockwell called New Kids In The Neighborhood. It was painted in 1967. It caused people to have very strong emotions in a lot of different ways. In your own words, what does this painting represent to you? Why was it controversial in 1967? Would it still be considered controversial if it was painted today?

5/8/2020

Artists and scientists have been creating optical illusions for quite some time. Using light, color, and patterns, they can trick our brains into thinking we see something that may or may not be real. Watch this short video of 10 amazing optical illusions where art meets science. Enjoy and Happy Friday!

5/7/2020

Try out this string pull technique to create some amazing and colorful abstract floral art! Simply cover a canvas with white acrylic paint and use string or a pull chain covered in colored paint to create amazing results in a short period of time! (You can also try this technique by dipping the string in cups of paint and try out one color at a time). Be creative and have fun with this technique!

5/6/2020

Here is a short video exploring ways in which you can use your cell phone as an animated movie making machine. This type of art (stop-action photography) has been used in movie making for years including films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline.

*Stop motion animation (also called stop frame animation) is animation that is captured one frame at time, with physical objects that are moved between frames. When you play back the sequence of images rapidly, it creates the illusion of movement.

5/5/2020

Photoshop is a powerful digital art program that allows the user endless amounts of artistic flexibility. Company's across the country employ artists in the exciting field of Graphic Design which is essentially creating art on the computer as your job! Very exciting for those of us with an interest and passion for computer arts. This short Youtube video shows how to transform a classic photograph into a work of art.

5/4/2020

Watch this video about the 'Rule of Thirds" in photography. This 'rule' is really just a guideline, but it can help you create a more interesting composition (how all parts in a piece of artwork are arranged). The rule of thirds can help guide the viewer's focus to the subject and make your photograph stronger.

5/1/2020

Happy May! They say April showers bring May flowers! Let's put that theory to the test. Here is a fun DIY project that the whole family can participate in. Creating paper flowers! Let's see how many different (and colorful) flowers you can create, the only limit is your imagination. Enjoy!

4/30/2020

With the weather finally starting to get a little bit better, how about going outside to create some art! An artist isn't only someone who is good at drawing or painting. An artist is also someone who sculpts nature into beautiful arrangements. Creating a Rock Garden is a great way to start, Have fun!

4/29/2020

Not everyone makes art to be displayed in an art gallery or to be installed in a public place. Many people come up with creative ideas to decorate their own backyards. Watch this video for a wide variety of unique and fun decorative ideas.

What would your dream backyard look like? What kind of unique ideas can you come up with?

4/28/2020

Everyone will have their own opinions about artists, their work, and the level of artistic talent. If you are like 12-year-old Aelita Andre from Melbourne, Australia, the critic's views do not matter. This young artist creates abstract paintings inspired by her love of nature and music and has had worldwide success as a young artist. Let your passions inspire you and be the driving force behind your creative side! Also, be like Aelita and don't sweat the critics! Keep on creating!

4/27/2020

The beauty of nature has never been so apparent as when imaginative artists use nature to it's fullest potential. Check out this video to see the 50 Most Awesome Land Art installations around the world. Enjoy!

4/24/2020

Watch this video with these 5 fun art ideas to help you relax and not stress about perfection. Sometimes artists can be too concerned with making things perfect and a making an end product. The act of creating and the calmness it can bring are sometimes what an artist needs. Instead of feeling the pressure to make a "flawless" piece of art, go with the flow and give one of these ideas a try!

4/23/2020

Sometimes, as an artist, you need to let the medium do the talking and allow art to just happen. So is the case with Acrylic Drip Art (Fluid Painting) a beautiful and exciting art form where anyone and everyone can be successful! Watch this video to explore this wonderful approach to art.

4/22/2020

Feeling cooped up? Yes, we all are. How about taking a tour of one of the best Art Museums in the country! The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, MA and houses the artwork of one of the country's most beloved artists, Norman Rockwell.

Take a look!

4/21/2020

Watch this video about Suda, the artist who happens to be an elephant! Elephants really are amazing and intelligent animals, but who knew they could also be artists?!

4/20/2020

This weeks Artist of the Week, Wendy Klemperer, is known for using metal (and other natural objects) to create incredible works of art. Watch this video to learn basic technique to wire sculpturing.

4/17/2020

Check out this cool video if you have ever been interested in animating something using clay. Movies like A Nightmare Before Christmas and Bob the Builder are excellent examples of the art of claymation (animation using clay stop motion filming).

4/16/2020

What is ART? Great question. It is many, many things. Some talented people use their artistry and apply it towards their passion for food. These amazing foodies take the 'culinary arts' to the next level!

*Mukimono is the Japanese word for this decorative art of garnishing.

4/15/2020

Being creative is a skill one must hone their entire life. Turning abstract images into a more recognizable object is a key component in becoming a better artist. Watch this creative video in which the artist turns simple words (Marvel hero names) into awesome works of art! Can you turn your own assortment of words into art? Give it a try.

4/14/2020

Medieval castles are amazing architectural structures. Watch this video showcasing 25 castles throughout the world. Now draw your own castle! Will your castle be on the water or surrounded by a moat? Will it be carved into a mountainside? What basic shapes are repeated throughout the castles in the video that you could use as the "building blocks" for your own castle?

4/13/2020

Paul Smith used the keys of a typewriter to 'stamp' the same letter over and over again to create his beautiful typewriter works of art. Try this tutorial at home if you'd like to try to 'stamp' similar to the way our featured artist stamped.

4/10/2020

It is really amazing what people can create with paper. Take a look at the variety of craft ideas ranging from using origami paper (you can make your own) to toilet paper rolls! If you can't keep up with the speed, don't get bent out of shape, pause and go at your own pace! Also, be creative and allow yours to be different!

Can you come up with an original design using some type of paper material?

4/9/2020

Check out this video where starting off with a simple number can then be transformed into a drawing! You can turn your numbers into different or more advanced drawings than demonstrated in the video! Maybe you can also try turning letters, or simple shapes into creative images as well. Be creative!

4/8/2020

Art comes in many shapes and sizes. Take a look at the quick Pixar short film called Presto. While watching this video, notice that everything you are looking at was created by an artist. A company like Pixar is an excellent example of what happens when you combine art with technology. Magic!

4/7/2020

Like visual arts, music can have numerous mental health benefits and evoke a wide range of emotions. Listen to a song of your choice and draw lines and shapes as you listen that go along with the sounds, rhythms, and mood of the music. Consider the colors you use as well. How do different genres effect your drawing? Do you notice any patterns with colors, lines etc. with certain emotions?

4/6/2020

Sometimes while being on lockdown you need something new to do. How about utilizing some things many of us have at our fingertips (literally) every day. Cell phones and toys. How about using the camera on your phone to take dramatic pictures of your Lego figures! (other toys/dolls/stuffed animals can also play along)

4/3/2020

Being at home can really start to drag on after a while. Sometimes you want to try a different type of art (called a medium) but don't have the supplies for it. Some of you at home may already have what it takes to make your very own set of custom water color paints. With a few simple supplies often found at home in a kitchen pantry, you can begin painting in no time (well, a little bit of time.)

To learn more, watch the video provided. (Make sure you have parental consent before starting this!)

4/2/2020

Want to impress your friends with a mind-bending illusion? Follow the step by step tutorial provided and learn the steps needed to create an Impossible Cube. All you need is a piece of paper, pencil, permanent marker and a colored pencil! Give it a go.

Did you know that artist MC Escher incorporated this type of optical illusion into his many masterpieces?

4/1/2020

Use found objects around the house to create a color wheel! There are no limits to what you can use to construct your design and it can be as big or as small as you wish! This can be done either independently or with the whole family! Be creative and have fun adding some color to your world with this fun activity!

Fun Fact: Did you know certain colors are associated with certain feelings/emotions?

Think about how each color makes you feel. Do some colors bring a sense of calm, excitement, etc. to you?

3/31/2020

Get lost in a digital jigsaw puzzle! Choose from a variety of categories including digital art, fine art, abstract art, and more! Change the amount and shape of your puzzle pieces to adjust the challenge level. www.jigzone.com/gallery/Art

Benefits of Jigsaw Puzzles:

*Exercise left and right side of the brain at once

*Improve short term memory

*Improve visual-spatial reasoning

*Great meditation tool and stress reliever

3/30/2020

Take a look at this 1871 painting by artist James Whistler. What do you think she is waiting for? Why is she resting her feet on a book? What's behind the curtain. Take a couple moments to jot down on a piece of paper what you think the answers to these, and possibly other, questions are. There are NO wrong answers!