What is the answer?

My son just asked me, "Do you think art imitates life or life imitates art Mum?" Well.....where do I begin!

Create your own collage papers

To make your budget go further, use up your paints and inks by painting onto left-over papers at the end of each lesson. Fast finishers love to help. These papers, once dry, can be cut into smaller shapes and stored in recycling containers for future use in art projects. The presentation of these wonderful painted crabs was enhanced by collaging onto these splashed and streaked recycled papers. Love this activity! It would be great if you had crabs in the classroom for observation.

Expressive lines with a dash of colour

These samples show how the students can explore the qualities of line inspired by the rainforest. Demonstrate the curved lines of the vines, structures lines of the ferns and tangled lines in the canopy using a black soft pastel. Add a dash of colour, allowing the colours to mix on the artwork itself. This activity is always successful and requires no elaborate preparation.

Christmas!

Working collaboratively on Christmas projects is a great idea! The only materials required for these activities are coloured paper (recycled if possible), craft glue, assorted boxes, ribbons, star template (discount store) and imagination! Lots of fun twisting, twirling, folding, curling and scrunching paper in a multitude of ways to create a 3D effect on the Christmas tree. You could photograph the paper craft to make interesting collage material for another project or to use in card making or for wrapping paper. I love the decoupage Christmas presents. Next time I might put a real present inside!

Torn paper collage, Gaudi inspired!

Using photos I took at Parc Guell, the home of Gaudi, during my recent trip to Barcelona as inspiration, students could use recycled wrapping paper and torn collage technique. These colours remind me of the beach, so I suggest using images you may have of the coast as a guide. This activity would have very little cost, with a wonderfully creative outcome. Thought I would show you my mosaic that I just completed with Gaudi as my inspiration. Sharing with students your passion for the arts and a glimpse into your own art practice I find always provides inspiration.

Artwork inspired by Grace Cossington Smith

The "amazing Grace"!!!! The vibrant paintings by this wonderful Australian artist always provide endless possiblilites for inspire creative expression. Students were asked to draw a window with frame or curtains if they wished. Bookcase, painting etc could be added. Using a dominant colour and small flat brush, paint was applied quickly with short downward strokes. Many shades of the dominant colour were added, then colours of their choice. The students had to ensure that their chosen dominant colour remained obvious. Using a similar technique, the view out the window was painted and likewise the bookcase or painting. My tip is to keep the artworks a maximum size of A4 and very clearly model her technique. Very effective!

Best wishes for Christmas!

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and wonderful 2012! I hope the year ahead will be brilliant for you :)