Category Archives: Art Tutorials

Jan4

Our Imaginations! Paper Cut-outs: Summer/The Four Seasons Mural

Posted on by
Our Imaginations! Paper Cut-outs: Summer/The Four Seasons Mural
Summer/Four Seasons Paper Mural

Summer/Four Seasons Paper Mural

MATERIALS:

Paper

Scissors

Pencil/eraser

Tracing paper

Glue Stick

  1. Research the paper cutouts of Henri Matisse which are a mix of symbolic and abstract shapes. “I have attained a form, filtered to the essentials,” Matisse once said and this sums up his philosophy as an artist. Study the paper cutouts for color and form; www.henri-matisse.net/cut_outs.html.
  2. There will be four panels or sections for the Four Seasons Mural. The third section will be summer. Plan the design for the season. The sample shown features the sun. There are other symbols for summer: the beach, the ocean, sailboats, swimmers, bathing suits, sunglasses, sand castles, etc. Sketch your design on tracing paper.
  3. The sample features three like colors: orange, yellow, dark red, and a patterned paper of orange leaves on a white background. Bright colors evoke summer like yellow, white, blue, green, red, orange, etc. Limit the palette to three to five colors as in the sample. Use patterned paper if it compliments the design.
  4. Decide the size of the paper cutout. The sample shown is 4” x 6.” Cut the background paper to the size you want for the paper cutout. The sample shows the patterned paper as the background color. Orange, yellow and dark red are the color choices for the sun and the sun’s rays.
  5. Sketch the design on tracing paper. Decide the colors for each part of the design. Blacken the back of the design and flip it over on to the papers you will use. Trace the outline of the shapes.
  6. Use embroidery scissors to cut out the shapes. Embroidery scissors enable you to cut inside larger shapes.
  7. Glue the shapes down and you have the third section of the Four Seasons Mural: Summer!

 

Share Button
Dec28

Our Imaginations! Paper Cut-Outs: Spring/The Four Seasons Mural

Posted on by
Our Imaginations! Paper Cut-Outs: Spring/The Four Seasons Mural
Spring Panel

Spring Panel Four Seasons Paper Cut-outs

MATERIALS:

Paper

Scissors

Pencil/eraser

Tracing paper

Glue Stick

 

  1. Research the paper cutouts of Henri Matisse which are a mix symbolic and abstract shapes. “I have attained a form, filtered to the essentials,” Matisse once said and this sums up his philosophy as an artist. Study the paper cutouts for color and form; www.henri-matisse.net/cut_outs.html.
  2. There will be four panels or sections for the Four Seasons Mural. The second section will be spring. Plan the design for the season. The sample shown features flowers. There are other symbols for spring: rain, butterflies, bees, birds, grass, etc. Sketch your design on tracing paper.
  3. The sample features five spring-like colors: white, peach, yellow, and two shades of pink. Other colors that evoke spring are pastel shades of most colors. Limit the palette to three to five colors as in the sample.
  4. Decide the size of the paper cutout. The sample shown is 4” x 6.” Cut the background paper to the size you want for the paper cutout. The sample shows a medium pink as the background color. Light pink, peach, yellow and white are the color choices for the flowers.
  5. Sketch the design on tracing paper. Decide the colors for each part of the design. Blacken the back of the design and flip it over on to the papers you will use. Trace the outline of the shapes.
  6. Use embroidery scissors to cut out the shapes. Embroidery scissors enable you to cut inside larger shapes.
  7. Glue the shapes down on to the background paper and you have the second section of the Four Seasons Mural: Spring!

 

 

 

Share Button
Dec22

Our Imaginations! Paper Cut-outs: Winter/The Four Seasons Mural

Posted on by
Our Imaginations! Paper Cut-outs: Winter/The Four Seasons Mural
Four Seasons Paper Cut-out/Winter

Winter Panel Four Seasons Paper Cut-out Mural

MATERIALS:

Papers Scissors

Tracing paper

Glue Stick

  1. Research the paper cutouts of Henri Matisse which are a mix of symbolic and abstract shapes. “I have attained a form, filtered to the essentials,” Matisse once said and this sums up his philosophy as an artist. Study the paper cutouts for color and form; www.henri-matisse.net/cut_outs.html.
  2. There will be four panels or sections for the Four Seasons Mural. The first section will be winter. Plan the design for the season. The sample shown features barren trees. There are other symbols for winter: ice sickles, snowballs, snowflakes, snow-capped mountain peaks, mittens, scarves, knitted caps, etc. Sketch your design on tracing paper.
  3. The sample features three colors that evoke winter: black, silver and white. Other colors that evoke winter include shades of gray and cool shades of blue but mittens and other winter clothing come in a variety of colors. Limit the palette to three colors.
  4. Decide the size of the paper cutout. The sample shown is 4” x 6.” Cut the background paper to the size you want for the paper cutout. The sample shows black as the background color. Silver and white are the color choices for the trees.
  5. Sketch the design on tracing paper. Decide the colors for each part of the design. Blacken the back of the design and flip it over on to the papers you will use. Trace the outline of the shapes.
  6. Use embroidery scissors to cut out the shapes. Embroidery scissors enable you to cut inside larger shapes.
  7. Glue the shapes down and you have the first section of the Four Seasons Mural. Winter is here!

 

Share Button
Dec14

Fence Weaving for the Holidays: Paper Garland

Posted on by
Fence Weaving for the Holidays: Paper Garland

Materials:

Paper in 4 holiday colors or colors of choice

Scissors

Pencil/eraser

Ruler or yard stick

Beads, glitter or similar craft items (optional)

Glue stick

Ribbon, paper twist, strips of fabric or similar material

One chain link fence

 

  1. Use three or four different colored papers. The sample in the photograph uses red, green, silver and brown. Measure and cut one of the colored papers into six ½” x 8” strips.
  2. Measure and cut the next colored paper into seven strips measuring ½” x 6.”
  3. Glue one strip of paper measuring ½” x 6.” Then glue a strip of measuring ½” x 8” through the first loop. Alternate the colors of the paper strips until you have 13 paper loops in two different colors forming a garland. (For example, the pattern would be red, green, red, green, etc.) Use the photograph for reference.
  4. Next, measure and cut the paper of the third color into 16 strips of 1/2” x 5.”
  5. Glue one strip of that paper through one of the loops measuring ½” x8”. Glue another strip through that same loop so that the loops hang down from the first loop. Use as many strips to form loops of the third color as you wish. The sample in the photograph used four strips of that color. Continue to glue strips of the third color into loops hanging down from the larger loops. The sample shows four smaller loops of paper flowing vertically from four larger loops for a total of 16 loops of the third color.
  6. Proceed in the same way with the fourth colored paper. Cut strips measuring ½” x 5.” Loop the strips vertically from the second colored paper. See the photograph of the sample for reference.
  7. Optional: glue glitter or sequins or small beads on any or all the loops. Use small beads and be aware that heavy or large beads can drag down the paper loops.
  8. Loop the ribbon through one of the paper loops at one end, then weave the ribbon in and out of the chain link fence. Tie a bow at the top. Repeat this step at the other end and in the middle.
  9. Or use your imagination and use other decorative objects!
  10. Hang from the fence during the holiday season.
Share Button
Dec8

Kid’s Crafts: Mr. and Mrs. Snowman Winter Banner

Posted on by
Kid’s Crafts: Mr. and Mrs. Snowman Winter Banner

 

Winter Banner Design

Mr. and Mrs. Snowman Winter Banner

Ages: 5 – 12 years

Time: ½ hour

MATERIALS:

blue felt square 36” x 36”

black Fun Foam white Fun Foam

brown Fun Foam blue Fun Foam

orange Fun Foam red Fun Foam

silver glitter pen

Measure and trim blue felt square to 14” x 20”. Place felt vertically.

Measure and fold a 1” seam at the top. Iron.

Fold a second 1” seam. Iron and glue the second fold. (You will be inserting the dowel rod through this loop.)

Using the patterns provided, trace and cut two large, two medium, and tow small circles from the white Fun Foam.

Glue these pieces to the blue background towards the center of the material.

Trace and cut the following:

The snow woman’s scarf and beret from the red Fun Foam

The snowman’s and snow woman’s noses from the orange Fun Foam

The snow woman’s buttons from the blue Fun Foam

The snowman’s hat, pipe and buttons from the black Fun Foam

The snowman’s scarf from the brown Fun Foam

Glue these pieces.

Make snowflakes and dots to show the mouths with the glitter pen.

Draw sticks to show the hands.

Trim the dowel rod to about 16” x 18”. Insert dowel rod through the loop. Cut the string to a length suitable for hanging and tie to each end of the dowel rod.

Hang from a window, door or wall.

Share Button
Nov30

Kid’s Crafts: Joy to the World Holiday Banner

Posted on by
Kid’s Crafts: Joy to the World Holiday Banner

CHRISTMAS

As Christianity became the dominant religion in Europe, Christian holidays were held alongside pagan holidays and celebrations.

Christmas has its roots in Yule, the pagan celebration of the winter solstice held in Northern Europe. The ancient Romans also held a winter festival by commemorating the temple of the god Saturn on December 17th. They called it Saturnalia and later extended the holiday festivities from December 17th to December 23rd.

Christmas, celebrated on December 25th, closes the Advent season and begins the twelve days of Christmastide celebrations.

Early Christians adopted pagan customs as well as pagan festivals and celebrations. For example, the Christmas tree is based on the pagan custom of bringing greenery into the house during the winter.

Christians began celebrating Christmas in the 4th century copying the pagans who celebrated the harvest by feasting during the winter solstice. It was a way of livening up the shortest day of the year.

As Christmas became commercialized, various symbols became identified with the holiday: Santa Claus, snow people, angels, pine wreaths, reindeer, stars, horns, the manger, and more.

Joy to the World Banner

Joy to the World Banner

JOY BANNER

Ages: 5 – 12 years     Time: one hour

MATERIALS:

Gold glitter pen                                   white felt square 14” x 20”

Beige pompom                                   Kelly green craft foam sheet.

Beige felt square                                dark green craft foam sheet.

Gold felt square                                  red craft foam sheet.

Red felt square                                   String – double the length of the dowel rod

Dowel rod                                           Pattern (optional)

 

Measure and trim the white square to 14” x 20”. Place the piece vertically. Make a loop by measuring and folding and ironing a 1” seam. Measure and fold a second 1” seam. Iron and glue the second fold. You will be inserting the dowel rod through this loop.

Trace and cut the shapes using templates or stencils or use the patterns provided below. To create the wreath, cut 21 – 22 holly leaves from the Kelly green craft foam sheet and 9 – 10 holly leaves from dark green craft foam sheet. Glue the leaves in a circular arrangement using the top ¾ of the white felt background. Overlap the leaves as you form the design of the wreath.

Trace and cut the bow and letters from the red craft foam sheet. Glue the letters and the bow to the bottom of the wreath.

Trace and cut the angel’s dress out of the red felt, the horn from the gold felt, the wings and face from the beige felt. Glue these pieces in the center of the wreath.

Glue a little moss to form the angel’s hair just below the halo. Glue pompom to show hands and feet. Using the glitter pen, define the angel’s wings and bow.

Cut the dowel rod to about 16”. Insert through the top loop. Cut string to a suitable length. Tie strings to each end of the dowel rod and hang.

Happy Holidays!

Making banners is fun for the family. You can use the banner ideas described here or you can use them as a springboard for your own ideas and designs.

All you need are some basic supplies and a love of making crafts!

Patterns for Winter Banner

Patterns for Winter Banner

Share Button
Nov23

Drawing the Human Body: Drawing The Human Body in Motion

Posted on by
Drawing the Human Body: Drawing The Human Body in Motion

Exercise Four: Drawing the Human Body in Motion

What you need: pencil, newsprint paper, timer, black and white watercolor paints, narrow and wide soft bristle brushes, clean jar, watercolor paper, water, drawing board or lap desk, masking tape, paper towels, palette, and a model

Time Limit: 60 seconds

Lesson: Complete a drawing of the body in motion.

Materials: pencil, newsprint paper, timer, black and white watercolor paints, narrow and wide soft bristle brushes, clean jar, watercolor paper, water, drawing board or lap desk, masking tape, paper towels, palette

Project: Begin by drawing several quick sketches of the body in motion to loosen up. Set the timer for sixty seconds. Following the first two exercises, complete a drawing of the human body with watercolor paints. It won’t look perfect but it will be a drawing showing the contour of the figure, dark and light and the figure in motion.

Remember to practice, practice, practice!

Share Button
Nov16

Drawing the Human Body: Study in Dark and Light

Posted on by
Drawing the Human Body: Study in Dark and Light

 

Exercise Three: Dark and Light

The use of light and dark will make the figure you draw look more real or three-dimensional. In the first exercise, you suggested movement. In this exercise, you will draw the illusion of light and dark.
Time Limit: 30 – 60 seconds

What you need: pencil, newsprint paper, timer, black and white watercolor paints, narrow and wide soft bristle brushes, clean jar, watercolor paper, water, drawing board or lap desk, masking tape, paper towels, palette, paper stump (optional) and a model.

Lesson: Light and dark shadows help to define the features on the face and the figure, giving a three-dimensional appearance to the drawing.

Materials: pencil, newsprint paper

Project: Draw the figure utilizing the lessons you previously learned: gesture and contour drawings and uses of dark and light. Draw several quick gesture and contour drawings to warm up. Give yourself 30 seconds. Work quickly. As you draw the model, see where the light hits the face and body of the model. Add the shadows lightly with the pencil. Then press with the pencil in areas that are very dark. You can smooth the transition from light shadow to dark shadow or vice versa with your finger or by using a paper stump. Use your eraser to enhance “white” areas on the paper. Then set the timer for sixty seconds. Repeat the lesson. This time you will have a bit more time to define the figure.

Set the timer. Using the techniques you learned in the previous lesson, draw the figure quickly. Keep your eye on the figure not on the paper. After 30 seconds, stop. Mix black and white to make gray. Dilute it with water and with a broader brush, add shadows just as you see them on the model. Set the timer again. With a clean brush, use white for highlights. After another 30 seconds, stop. Repeat lesson by having the model pose in different ways.

Materials for Alternative Project: watercolor paper, board, brush, black and white watercolor paints, water in a clean jar, paper towels, masking tape, palette

Alternative Project: Tape the watercolor paper to the board. Dip the brush in the clean water and wet the paper. Then thin the black paint with water. Observe where the light hits the face and figure. Then dip the narrow brush into black paint and begin to lay down washes of black paint to create shadows. Wait for the first washes of paint to dry and then add more washes especially in the dark areas.

Share Button
Nov9

Drawing the Human Body: Contour Drawings

Posted on by
Drawing the Human Body: Contour Drawings

Exercise Two: Contour Drawings
What you need: pencil, newsprint paper, timer, black and white watercolor paints, narrow and wide soft bristle brushes, clean jar, watercolor paper, water, drawing board or lap desk, masking tape, paper towels, palette, and two models.

Time Limit: No time limit

Lesson: Contour drawings enable students to “loosen up.” Looking at the figure and not the drawing forces the student to closely study the model. Contour drawings also reinforce the three-dimensionality of the human body even though the artist is drawing the figure on a flat surface.

Materials: pencil, newsprint paper

Project: Set the timer for three minutes. Draw a standing figure using one continuous line. Do not take your eyes off the model as you draw and do not lift your hand off the paper. Draw a seated figure in the same way, then a close-up of a face and finally, a group of two or more figures. Overlap them in some way: one can stand behind the other or one can lean into the face of the other. Keep on practicing by setting the timer for two minutes and draw the face and figure standing or siting in one continuous stroke; then set the timer for one minute and draw the face and figure as you did above.

Repeating these exercises will give you the confidence to draw the human form with accuracy over time.

Your figures will not look realistic; in fact, they may even look funny!

Share Button
Nov3

Drawing the Human Body: Gesture Drawing

Posted on by
Drawing the Human Body: Gesture Drawing

 

Exercise One: Gesture Drawing

What you need: pencil, newsprint paper, timer, black and white watercolor paints, narrow and wide soft bristle brushes, clean jar, water, watercolor paper, drawing board or lap desk, masking tape, paper towels, palette, and a model.

Time Limit: 30 to 60 seconds

Lesson: Learn to capture the “gesture” or “pose” of the model

Materials: pencil, newsprint paper

Project: This is an exercise used in drawing classes to help students loosen up but it can also be used to help us learn to draw the human body in motion. Think of the human body as a series of imperfect shapes: circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles first.

Set the timer for thirty seconds. Pose the model in a relaxed sitting position first. The purpose of the lesson is to capture a gesture that suggests movement. Draw the whole figure and draw as quickly as possible. Keep your eyes on the model, not the paper. When the 30 seconds are up, stop. Repeat this process with the model in a standing pose for another 30 seconds. Create other poses for the model: bending down, climbing the stairs, turning the head, carrying books, etc. Practice by drawing many sketches quickly and be sure to keep your eyes on the model, not the paper at all times.

Your drawings won’t be perfect but they will suggest movement.

Share Button