Art classes – durham region
The first session of art classes is over and it was a complete success! The kids were great and we did some really fun projects. I tried to make the projects creative, fun and functional so parents weren’t just tossing them out. The idea was to invoke some ooos and aaas and have their houses peppered with art that they and their children are proud to have around. The hard to throw away kind. Doing art projects often encourages your child’s creativity. It spurs them on to think outside of the box and try new things. It helps them with problem solving by helping them learn that sometimes there’s more than one way to do something. That mistakes in art can be transformed into something great. A smudge, blob or spill can be changed into a “beautiful oops.”
I’m proud of my little students. They surprised me and inspired me with their ideas and their excitement each week. They made me want to do it again! The next session begins in January 2012 so please contact me if you are interested so i can hold a spot for you. Below are all the projects we did this session.
Add comment November 15, 2011
Art Classes for Kids – Durham Region
I held my first art class on September 19th and it was a success! The kids had a great time and they did really fabulous! Our theme was “Farewell to Summer – A Beach Scene Painting”. I’m all for freedom in art and expressing yourself but I think children do amazing things with frequent tips and specific direction. They are more capable and understanding than we think. Instead of ending up with a mucky mess you get a masterpiece and a child who is less frustrated and more artistically encouraged. At a young age they learn that less is more. Also, simple rules like washing your paintbrush off before getting a new colour and that a little paint goes a long way helps keep things more organized and neat. Next up – something to celebrate Thanksgiving – it’s a surprise – stay tuned! If you’re interested in art classes for your child please feel free to contact me.
By Matthew (4)
By TJ (6)
By Miguel (4)
By Kayley (6)
Add comment September 23, 2011
Custom Growth Charts
A new growth chart for little Kayla. Her mom requested blues, pinks and purples and of course- butterflies!! I always love getting custom requests so keep ‘em coming!
Add comment August 3, 2011
Wills and Kate Contest.
In honour of the Royal Wedding that took place earlier today I am running a little contest for all the little Princes and Princesses out there. Simply like this post and you will be entered to win a free personalized 8×8 crown canvas. If you don’t have a facebook account you can enter by leaving a comment on the blog. Winner will be announced on May 11th 2011. Thanks and Good Luck to all!
Add comment April 29, 2011
Pregnancy Belly Cast
I’ve seen pregnancy belly casts before and I’ve also seen them painted with various themes. This was the first time I’ve painted one myself. The mom was very specific about the colours she wanted and even gave me pictures that I could refer to.
The cast itself is made from paper mache. It’s light weight and needs to be lightly sanded before painting. After it’s painted it gets coated with a polyurethane for protection. This also gives it a bit of a sheen and hardens it up even more.
Not sure how one of these belly casts is displayed but the ideas i’ve heard are attaching some picture wire to the back and basically hanging it on the wall like a painting. You could also mount it on a canvas or shadow box and do it that way.
Being pregnant is a wonderful experience. Doing a belly cast is like freezing time. Taking an amazing season in your life and transforming it into a piece of art and a lasting memory.
Add comment March 3, 2011
Personalized Door Signs
Well, the door signs have been a hit! I currently have 7 pending orders and they’re not even on my website yet!
Little London was visiting from LA and I had it all ready for her. Her mommy said her new room would be chautreuse and fuschia and that she loved lollipops, karate and ballet. Doesn’t sound like it would go together but it sure does! I think London liked it : )
Add comment January 25, 2011
Beautiful Oops – by Barney Saltzberg
I discovered this book at Chapters hanging out with my children while they played with the train set and checked out the new Webkinz. Not sure about your kids – but my kids get a little OCD when it comes to doing art projects. My son used to get so mad when he drew a circle and the ends didn’t meet ( he was only 2 at the time!), my 5 year old gets mad when she has the faintest crease in her paper, and my 8 year old hates it when she drips paint on her paper where she never meant to. It’s like the world is ending!
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg is a book about art that celebrates these mistakes by turning a smudge, or a tear, or a crumpled up piece of paper into something creative and fun. It encourages children to overcome their discouragements in art. Nothing is “ruined” when your imagination and creativity remain limitless. Check it out…
Add comment January 16, 2011