Art For Homeschool

I am very excited to announce the results of the August art show! The theme of the show is “Summer”. We were fortunate to have the show judged by Russell Cushman, artist, historian, muralist, blogger, and community leader. He also happens to be a good friend of mine.

I hope that you will take some time to go see some of Russell’s art work at his website. Click here. You can also read articles by Russell at the Navasota Current.  Russell was impressed with the art work. He said that it was very difficult to choose the winners. He also said that good art evokes a feeling. The winning work in the show did just that. As I announce the winners, I will also be including some comments made by the judge about the art work.

Congratulations to the award winners! Dick Blick Art Materials has generously donated $10 gift certificates for the first place winners in the children age groups. If you won 1st place, you can expect an email from me in the next few days asking for your mailing address.

5 – 8 years old:

First Place:

Catching Fireflies - Melody - 8 yrs.

Judge’s Comment: The expression of the whole piece is compelling and beautiful and unified in a pure state of euphoria.

Second Place:

A Day at the Beach - Melody - 8 yrs.

Judge’s Comment: The art work shows a vulnerability and excitement of being a girl on the beach, in a bathing suit, and in the sun about to be toast. Love the exploration of color.

9 – 13 Years Old:

1st Place:

My Sister Swims - The Robot - 10 yrs.

Judge’s Comment: Sometimes a photo captures something so precious and fleeting that you know a hundred paintings would never match it. Here a brother or sister has caught that desperate ”I’m swimming and loving it while I struggle to breath and avoid water from shooting up my nose” look.  Digital cameras have made everyone a decent photographer, and all that is left is timing and the use of that seeing eye, which this artist, at least for a moment, had.

Second Place:

Deer - Jake - 9 yrs.

Judge’s Comment: Jake has handled his watercolors nicely, and done a very nice rendering of this deer’s head. Sometimes, awkward angles are the most interesting, if we trust our eyes. It is hard but necessary to paint what we see, NOT WHAT WE THINK. He is truly learning to study his subject, and this will lead to great things.

Homeschool Parents:

1st Place:

Bariloche - Andrea

Judge’s Comments: Awesome use of photography to create abstract images made of common everyday scenes, that one moment are confusing, and the next moment are multi-layered high definition planes of reality. The juxtaposition of the real next to the reflected is wonderful, as you look into the reflection and follow underwater shapes through the reflection. Makes me want to break into a haiku poem. 

2nd Place:

Boys at the Lake - Eva

Judges’ Comments: Wonderfully manipulated into this classic toned image that speaks of those timeless summer days in the woods, when boys make believe they are men, and learn bad words and how to start fires and begin to sharpen their character, for better or for worse. Either way, they are fun days, and this work reflects that spirit. Importantly, it does not look so posed, but has a natural chaos to it.

The judge wanted to recognize some more of the work in the show. He asked that I give Honorable Mentions to the following work:

Fruits of Summer - Mackenzie - 9 yrs.

Stuffed for Summer - Mackenzie - 9 yrs.

Lady Liberty - Lara

Plumeria - Lara

Octopus at the Beach - Ignacio

I also want to announce the winner of the People’s Choice Award. This award goes to the artwork with the most votes through comments of viewers. I appreciate everyone that took the time to voice their opinion. The award goes to a watercolor done by 9 year old Jake DeHaven. His painting “The Deer” got the most votes. Congratulations, Jake!

Deer - Jake - 9 yrs.

I want to thank everyone involved with the show. Thank you, artists, for giving us the opportunity to see your wonderful artwork. Also, a big “Thank You!” to Russell Cushman for taking time out of your busy schedule to judge the show and share your comments.

If you did not win an award, I hope that you will not be discouraged. The show could have been judged by 5 different judges with 5 different results. Please continue making art and participating.  You can upload artwork to the Art For Homeschool Flickr Group anytime you would like to. The next art show deadline is November 1. The theme is “America the Beautiful”.

Homeschool parents deserve special recognition. They have an incredible job as teachers of their children. Most homeschooling parents I know take this responsibility very seriously. They are always looking for new methods to improve the educational experience.

One method homeschool parents often use to encourage their children to learn is by setting an example. I believe that the following parents’ entries inspired the artist in their child as well as the artist within themselves. 

When I first got the idea for an online show, I had no intentions of parents entering the show. I sure am glad I changed my mind. These homeschool parents are great artists, role models, and teachers. Good job!

So, what do you think? The parents don’t win any prizes, but I know they would love to get some comments on their work.

Lady Liberty - Lara

Plumeria - Lara

Boys at the Lake - Eva

Ignacio at Sunset - Eva

Regulus Omnicolor - Andrea

Bariloche - Andrea

 I also want to let you see the artwork done by a child that was too young to be included in the judged portion of the show.  He is only three years old! Impressive indeed! Makes me smile.

Octopus at the Beach - Ignacio

You can see the student entries here. Don’t forget to vote for People’s Choice.

When I scheduled August 1st as the deadline for the second Art For Homeschool Art Show I had no idea that on that day I would be getting into a truck and making the drive to Texas. I did not even get to look at the entries until several days later. My husband and I were on the road for three days driving 12 hours a day.

Why were we driving to Texas? No, it was not a vacation. My husband and I have moved. Life brings all sorts of exciting changes. I was offered a teaching position at Navasota High School. We decided it must be in the plan so I took the job. Now I get to enjoy my old home that has been here waiting for me and being near my children and granchildren. I am excited about starting this new venture.

I will be teaching Art. Don’t worry though. I will still be writing for Art For Homeschool and continuing the online art show. I also plan to produce more art lesson videos.

Well, enough about me.

The art show entries are in! The theme is “Summer”. We increased our numbers slightly from the last show.

There are seventeen entries with six students and 3 parents participating. That is encouraging. I am proud to show everyone the quality entries. I love the creativity of the children and parents as they gave their interpretation of the show theme.

Now you get to participate. We are going to have a People’s Choice award. That means that everyone gets to vote one time for their favorite artwork. Participants in the show are allowed to vote too. The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate donated by Dick Blick Art Supplies.

I am limiting the People’s Choice Award to the student entries. Each entry below has a number next to it. Place the number of your favorite entry in the comments section and say something about your reason for choosing the particular piece of work. You must include a valid email address for the vote to count.

I will keep the voting for the People’s Choice open until August 15. On August 15 all awards for the show will be announced.

Please enjoy the show. Take some time to view and vote.

5 – 8 Years Old:

1. Catching Fireflies - Melody - 8 yrs.

2. A Day at the Beach - Melody - 8 yrs.

3. Summer in the Jungle - Inaki - 5 yrs.

4. Chapelco - Inaki - 5yrs.

8 – 13 Years Old:

5. My Sister Swims - The Robot - 10 yrs.

6. Horse Eating Apple - Jake - 9 yrs.

7. Fruits of Summer - Mackenzie - 9 yrs.

8. Stuffed for Summer - Mackenzie - 9 yrs.

9. Deer - Jake - 9 yrs.

10. Perspective Practice - Kyla - 11 yrs.

******Update on August 15:

Voting for People’s Choice is now closed. Thanks to everyone that voted.

What do you have planned for Saturday, July 24, 2010? Anything special or are you just going to be hanging around the house? You may be wondering why I am asking.

Well, director Kevin MacDonald and producer Ridley Scott have an activity they would like you to participate in on that date. They are putting together a project called Life in a Day, which is being labeled an historic cinematic event.  The team wants you to videotape what you are doing on July 24th and then send it to them.  The most compelling video will be put together in a documentary film.

Watch the video below to find out more plus go to the Life in a Day page at You Tube. There is a lot of information their, with guidelines and exactly what to do on filming day. You have until July 31 to upload your video to the project. If your film is chosen the people in it will have to sign a release. Be sure you know everyone in your video tape and have their permission to include them in this project.

I thought this activity might be something that homeschool parents might want to do with their children. You might be able to give the world some insight into the life of homeschooling.

I just found out about the project so I am trying to get you the information quickly.  You don’t have much time to get prepared if you are going to participate.

I just want to remind everyone that the Art For Homeschool Online Art Show deadline is approaching in a few weeks. The deadline for entering the show is midnight CST, August 1, 2010. Entries can be uploaded to the AFH Flicker Group anytime before the deadline. So, if you have something ready to enter, you can go ahead and get it uploaded early.

If you are new to this site and have never heard about the online art show, click here for general information. To get specific information about the August Art Show, click here. The theme of the art show is “Summer”.

By the way, I hope everyone is having a great summer!!!! I look forward to seeing your art work.

Dust Bath

I went to Thailand last year on vacation. It was a very interesting trip filled with numerous learning experiences. One of the most fun adventures we had on the trip was going to an elephant camp. At the camp we watched the elephants perform in a show and then we got to ride on the back of an elephant. It was so fun!!!! 

One of the elephants was an artist. Can you believe that? The elephant did a drawing of another elephant. I was pretty amazed watching this happen. You can see the elephant do his drawing below.

I think it would be fun to have everyone try to do a drawing or painting of an elephant. If an elephant can do it, don’t you think you can too? In case you don’t have any pictures of elephants I am putting some in this article also. If you are a member of the flickr group please upload your elephant drawings to the group for fun. If you are not a member, you might want to join or you can email me a picture or scan of your drawing.

Here are some more elephant photos:

Cute Baby Elephant

Elephant Trainer

Riding Elephants

The Doorway to ?

So you want to do an art activity with your child, but have no art experience. You feel inadequate. How can you possible teach your child about something you don’t feel comfortable with?

Not a problem. You can do this simple art activity. All you have to do is find some art work for your child to view. Simple enough. There is art on the internet, at the library, at the book store, etc. 

The age of your child does not matter either. You can modify and make the activity as complicated as you wish.

So, what is the activity? I am almost embarassed to say, because it is so simple.  The activity is to ask your child to tell you a story about the art work they are viewing. You could say your child is creating an “art story”.

A small child could verbally tell you a few lines about a particular art piece they are looking at. An older child could do this activity as a written assignment actually writing a short story or essay about the art.

The purpose of the assignment is to get the child to learn how to perceive art. The child will learn to notice details, to look into the work with a purpose. The child can try to relate to the artist.

 Creating an art story can also give the child a chance to use their imagination. Your child can make up anything they want to say about the art work. Your job as the parent is to listen and if you wish to keep a record of what your child says.

For example, let’s say your child is looking at the colored pencil drawing above. An older child might say something like this:

A young family with two small children live in this house in a quiet tree-lined neighborhood in New Orleans. The children often sit on the doorstep waiting for their father to come home from work. As they wait their mother trims and waters the nearby flowers.

Or this:

This ornate door is shut to the outside world with the curtains drawn. Why? Because the family just got news that there has been a death in the family. The family is new to the area and mourns in seclusion. No one knows their pain.  

A younger child might say:

A little girl named Sarah lives in this house with her kitten.

Another option is to make up a story as a team. If you have children of all ages, you could let one child build the story on what each one says. So, you could verbally create a story with each child adding their own twist or turn to the imaginary tale. You, the parent, can also participate. So, take a little time to find some art, look at the art with your child, and see what interesting stories evolve.

Let me know how it goes.

There are many sites on the internet with great information about subjects such as homeschooling and art. One site you may find helpful is called Love to Know. The site is an online magazine for woman. There is a section of the site that focuses on homeschool.

Lori Soard of Love to Know just recently published an interview with me about art and homeschooling. Here is a link to the interview. I hope you enjoy the interview and will take a moment to post a comment for Lori. Also, check out the rest of their site. You just might find information you would love to know.

Previously I published a post asking readers to tell me which artist was their favorite for doing picture study. I got the term “picture study” from reading the book A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola. You can see the results from the poll by clicking here. If you have not voted for your favorite then please do.

I have been thinking a lot about Charlotte Mason’s feelings about education and how the ideas could be applied to teaching art. Karen Andreola spends a whole chapter talking about “picture study”. So, I am sure that many of you homeschooling parents already include picture study in your homeschooling program.

Today I want to talk about ways to use the Charlotte Mason method in other aspects of a child’s art education. I am in no way an expert on Charlotte Mason or her teaching methods. Keep that in mind as you read my thoughts. If I am off the mark on anything, don’t hesitate to let me know. I love comments!

I am going to paraphrase a few quotes made by Charlotte about education. She said, “Let them learn from first-hand sources of information…..do not let them be flooded with the lips of their teacher. The teacher’s business is to indicate, stimulate, direct, and constrain to the acquirement of knowledge and thought to the children they are educating, the better for the children….Children must be allowed to ruminate, must be left alone with their own thoughts.”

What are some ways to give your child first hand sources of art information?

Here is a list I compiled as I was brainstorming:

1. Take a trip to an art museum or local art gallery. Let your child look and enjoy the art. Later discuss the art pieces the child was drawn to. In fact, if you have your discussion near the museum or gallery, you could have the child take you back to see their favorites and discuss the reasons while looking. Be the facilitator of the discussion.  Do not put words in your child’s mouth.
2. Subscribe to an art magazine. Have the magazine available to be looked at when there is some spare time at home. Allow the child the chance to look through the magazine for fun. Not necessary for your child to read. They can look at the pictures of the art work. Pages can be pulled or torn out. A collage of their favorites could be made. The favorites could be copied by the child.
3. Check out art books at the library. Let your child pour over the books looking for their favorites. Let them mark the pages with post it notes to show you later. As a parent, your job is to listen and understand what they are drawn to and why.
4. Give you child the chance to watch art demonstrations. You can do this in several ways. The local library may have a collection of art videos  that can be checked out. Be sure to preview the videos before showing to your child. Another way is to find out if any art associations in your area have demonstrations for the public. Check out art demonstrations online as well.
5. Take you child to a local art fair or festival. The atmosphere is usually very exciting. Seeing all the different types of art work can be inspiring. Plus, most art festivals try to have an area for children to try their hand at using art supplies you may not have at home.
6. Give your child an art box filled with supplies. Allow your child to experiment with the supplies. Depending on the age of your child you may or may not have to be present. If my child was young, I would definitely be there as a guide to protect the area from crayons going where they shouldn’t. If the child is older then give them space, allow them to work without you hovering. Come back periodically to check, to give encouraging words, to answer questions. If you do not know the answers, say you will try to find out.
7. Order art supply catalogs. It is great fun to look at all the supplies that are available through art supply stores. The art catalogs sometimes include art tips as well. Let you child look enjoy sorting through the pages. You might play a game such as, “If you had $50 to spend on items in this catalog, what would you buy?” You can play the game too. Then compare later with your child. This is also drawing a little math into the art experience.

I’m sure there are many more ways to give your child first hand art information. If you do an activity with your child that is not on the list please let me know. I would be happy to add it to future articles.

If you have not read A Charlotte Mason Companion: Personal Reflections on the Gentle Art of Learning by Karen Andreola you might want to look into it. Have a great weekend!

It is time to start thinking about what you are going to do for an entry in the second Art For Homeschool Art Show.  I am giving you a little less than two months to prepare some outstanding art work.

If you entered our May show then you already know how to upload you work to the Art For Homeschool Student Group at Flickr, tag it and enjoy viewing other entries. You should feel like a pro. So get busy creating. The theme is “Summer”. I hope you will have a great summer coming up with your entries. Remember to have fun and be safe!!!!! You can skip down and get the basic art show information below.

If you are new to the site let me tell you a little more:

The Art For Homeschool Art Show gives homeschool students and parents a chance to showcase their work. If you are new to this site click on the link at the top of the page that says AFH Online Art Show or click here to find the art show requirements. You may also want to see the first Art For Homeschool Art Show results that were posted May 13. You will be impressed! Click Here.

Show Theme: Summer

Deadline: August 1, Midnight, CDT

Age Groups: 5 – 8 years, 9 – 13 years, 14 – 18 years, and parents.

Other requirements:

2 dimensional artwork only.

Medium:

pencil, pen, crayon, collage, colored pencil, photography, oil pastel, pastel, marker, weaving, watercolor, oil, acrylic, mixed media, or tempera paint
(Did I leave anything out?  Email me if you have any questions.)

Number of Entries Allowed: Two

Winners will be announced August 15 and will be showcased on Art For Homeschool.

Awards: $10 Gift Certificate in each age group donated by Dick Blick Art Materials.

How it works:

1. Create artwork using the theme above.
2. Scan or take a photographs of your artwork.
3. Upload artwork to your flickr account.
4. If you are a homeschool student:
   (**Flickr rule: Tags must be in quotation marks if more than one word. Example: “Art For Homeschool”)
   Add your entry to the Art For Homeschool Student Group using the following tags:
   
   Art For Homeschool,
   Summer,
   Student’s Name,
   Student’s Age
   Title of artwork,
   Medium
5. If you are a parent use these tags:Art For Homeschool Parent,
   Summer,
   Name,
   Title of artwork,
   Medium
6. After the deadline go to the Art For Homeschool Student Group. Look at all the entries, make comments on the work. Enjoy! Tell your friends and family to check out the show.
7. The show will be judged and winners will be announced August 15 on Art For Homeschool.

Please tell others about the show.  The more entries the better. Come on parents! Get in there and create with your kids! You just might find that you are an artist too.

NOTE* If anyone would like to donate additional awards to the show please let me know. My email address is watercolorsbyterry@hotmail.com.