Kindergarten and First Grade Cows Standing in a Sunflower Field

First set up your composition. I started with using the head of a  cow template, and passed that around to each child so that they could trace around it. That's all of the tracing they did. Though I don't like to use templates, this cow head seemed a little complicated for such little people. To my surprise the template allowed for the rest of the project to go smoothly.

We drew the heads, saving the bodies for last. Next, we drew sunflowers in the foreground. Then finally, the cow's body. Showing examples of pictures of cows and sunflowers allows students to pick and choose their designs!

We then traced over the lines with a black crayon. I would have rather used black oil pastels, but they are just little nubs at this point in the year! Thereafter, they colored in with crayons. Oil pastels would be better though, offering more vibrant colors.

Afterwards, we painted over our scenes with watercolors and viola! 

Middle School Paul Klee Landscapes

This lesson came from "Dynamic Art Projects for Children" by Denise M. Logan. I particularly loved doing this project as the students enjoyed creating these landscapes and were amazed by their own talents! I've used several of the lessons from her book and want to do all of them. This is an excellent resource for elementary and middle school art teachers!!

Second and Third Graders' Van Gogh Starry Night Oil Pastel Drawings

Here is the work of second and third graders who worked very hard on these Van Gogh Starry Night oil pastel drawings. This cute lesson plan came from http://www.oodlesofart.blogspot.com

For all of you new art teachers, check out these great blogs designed by very talented and giving art teachers!! (Look to your right for the links)

 

Mosaic Classes

Glass Shack Studio offers parent-child mosaic classes, private, and group classes for all ages. Class fee is $12.50 per hour which includes the use of glass and tools. The schedule is designed around your needs and wants. So come on over to our quaint Old West Side Mosaic Studio in Ann Arbor and experience a new art form that has been describe as "therapeutic", "relaxing", "inspiring", and "life changing"! One of my aims is to encourage people to continue with mosaics as a lifelong endeavor and I hope to make your visit comfortable, fun, and inspiring! 

If you would like to sign up or have any questions, please call me (Haley) at (734) 904-4663. Looking forward to seeing all of the new mosaics that will be created this year!

Thank you!

What a wonderful 2009 Ann Arbor art fair we had this year! Weather was perfecto and economy seemed on the up and up!

It truly was a pleasure meeting old and new friends this year and I want to thank everyone! How interesting it is to meet such fascinating people like Dr. Richard Tashian who is the "world's leading expert on the structure, function, genetics, & evolution of the carbonic anhydrase gene family"... OMG, not sure that I would understand all of his knowledge, but what a swell human being!! So happy to gain new incites, perspectives, & inspirations like these at the South University art fair. Thanks to many for all of the helpful advice and neat stories that always help in guiding me in my own life- couldn't have asked for a better fair! 

Ann Arbor South University Art Fair 2009

You are cordially invited to come visit my booth at Ann Arbor's South University Art Fair 2009. Fair date will be Wednesday, July 15- Saturday, July 18th. Glass Shack Studio will be located on S. University Street between Forest and Washtenaw. Booth # is lucky 13!

Hope to see you there!

Mosaic process- "Direct Method"

People often ask what do I use for the background in  my mosaics? And they also wonder how the glass shards are applied. After much inquiry and hearing various answers regarding what is the best kind of background to use, I have concluded that it is a hard plywood- either an Oak or Birch plywood. These kinds of wood are easily obtainable from your local stores, say like Lowe's. Lowe's will also cut the wood for you.

Here is an image that may help beginner mosaicists see how the process works! This is just one method of applying glass to a surface and it is known as the "direct method". Each shard of glass is applied with Weldbond glue, one shard at a time. The other method would be the "indirect method" which is where you would use like a thin-set mortar and press your glass shards down into it; like a stepping stone type application.

I use the "direct method" as it allows me more time to design my mosaic. 

Feel free to blog any questions you may have about mosaicing! I think you need to sign up to do that- yikes not sure exactly how that works. Let me know if you are having trouble, and I'll try and see about that.