This blog is intended to encourage others on their journey into their creative "artscape". I have enjoyed many years as an artist learner, creator, and teacher. Life is inspiring, and I want to share the vantage point that I have been fortunate enough to view life from. I want to move a smidge over, and invite you to sit right next to me, and enjoy a 360 degree view of my "artscape". Join me in discovering and uncovering the creative soul that we all possess.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Christmas gifts

Have you thought about using your art to give as gifts for Christmas? Prints, cards, and tiles made from your work might make nice gifts. Think about it. It's personal, and doesn't have to be very expensive. You can print at home if you have the right set up- or use an office store. Buy a frame at a place like Michaels, JoAnne Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart- they have great deals this time of year!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

more from the art room...

My students love to make "temporary displays" like these whiteboards and geoboards they leaned against the marker ledge.  Notice the timeline below- we stick famous artwork that we have talked about on our art timeline.

Modeling clay is also popular for "temporary displays". Here we have twisted clay in an interesting composition.

A tray full of clay on display.


A pinch pot nest and a chain out of modeling clay.
A First grader inspired by the still life.

More clay creations!
Enhanced by Zemanta

Friday, November 19, 2010

What kids create

Kids love to use the whiteboard! This is a picture of a "mean girl" taking a pizza away from another girl! 

A child's interpretation of the flamingo by Audobon.
poster of flamingo by Audobon 
Child's interpretation of a Stella- This has been a very popular art card to draw, I'm not really sure why... 


We have had a lot of crayon resists lately at the painting studio.

Enter a Show- Cross your Fingers


Neighbors (diptych)
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
H 48”
W 72”
D 1 ½”
$1,800.00
Four Cupcakes
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
H 40”
W 32”
D1 ½”
$1,200.00
SKATE
Acrylic painting on stretched canvas
H16”
W 40”
D 1 ½”
$600.00
 This is what my reference sheet looks like- but I don't think the pics are coming through. You can see the paintings on juliaspaintings.blogspot.com
It's so hard to decide what shows to enter. I spend more money than I should already on my materials for my artwork- then add the expense of entering shows, and phew- no wonder I'm always broke.
I'm learning all the time how to do more of the process myself, or with the help of my wonderful family. Last night we took pictures of my work and Cara's work that we wanted to enter in the latest local show. My reference sheet probably doesn't look quite as professional as a few I've done before- but we did it ourselves, so I saved money!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

tricks of the trade- kid inspired

a girl's face created from strips of paper and yarn
a student finished this at home and brought it back to class
student developed technique for planning colors
tracing by the window lightThis student brought in some animal outlines that they had traced onto notebook paper. They retraced them onto plain drawing paper by using the light of the window. They are going to color and paint these drawings.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

art videos

At our school we have access to videos on United Streaming.
Today I discovered another site that has short educational art videos: http://www.watchknow.org/
Do any of you have some good sites that you use in teaching art, or in developing your own work?