Just a few examples of many experiments made in the studio yesterday with the gouache, watercolor pencils, crayons, markers, and gel pens we have out for Dots that Walk, Lines that Talk which runs through December 6th.
Making Art with Children
A blog from the Art Studio at The Eric Carle Museum
Archive for November, 2011
Seen in the Studio
Saturday, November 26th, 2011Toddler Table Scribbles
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Here in the Studio we have a table with our youngest visitors in mind appropriately called “The Toddler Scribble Table.” Children (and their adults) can practice their mark-making together on large white pieces of drawing paper taped directly to the table’s surface. When the paper fills up with marks it’s easy to tear away the old paper and replace it. We typically have an array of extra large crayons for visitors to work with that Meghan made at home. Recently I added Clementine Art’s Natural Crayon Rocks to the table for kids to try. These colorful soy-wax crayons are in the shape of small rocks and come in a pack of nine different colors. They’re easy for small hands to hold and encourage different styles of marks because of their unique shape.
This little boy, pictured above and below, dumped out the whole basket onto the table and while holding several of the rocks at once moved them across the paper in a swirling motion.
These fun little rocks might be mistaken for candy so Clementine Art recommends on the box to supervise children while playing with their product. For more information about Clementine Art’s line of materials for children, visit their website.
Back in June, Meghan shared her recipe for making large crayons from broken pieces of old wax crayons at home, click here to see the post “How to Melt Crayons.”
Do you have a “Scribble Table” in your classroom or home?
Outdoor Drawing
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
These recent photos of a Hampshire College drawing class in our courtyard reminds me that fall is a wonderful time of year to draw or paint outside with your family.
Setup a mini outdoor studio with pencils, pens, or markers on a tablecloth in the grass, on a picnic table, or just a quiet spot off the trail. Practice drawing what you see around you. Look for interesting plants, animals, or buildings to add to your picture. Collect your observations in a home made journal or attach sheets of drawing paper to a clipboard.
So the next time you take a walk in the woods or a trip to the park don’t forget the art supplies!
Outreach to Darien Library
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Last week I drove down to Darien Library in Connecticut to run three different outreach workshops for students.
The first workshop of the day was I Am an Artist. We discussed Eric Carle’s illustration process, created unique papers echoing Eric’s signature style and then created colorful collages with the papers (ages 5-7).
In the second workshop, Bookmaking Basics we practiced folding, gluing and binding different styles of books to hold our words and pictures (ages 8-10).
The last workshop of the day, Thinking with Found Materials we read a story with inspiring illustrations and created assemblages using an array of colorful found materials (ages 3-4 with caregiver).
It’s always fun to bring The Carle Museum experience to children and adults who may have never been to our Museum.
Thanks for having us Darien Library!
Interested in bringing The Carle’s outreach programs to your school or library? Click here.
Printing with Toy Trucks
Wednesday, November 9th, 2011
We had an Eric Carle Tissue Paper Workshop scheduled in the Studio yesterday so here’s a peek at one of techniques we use in the workshop to make marks on paper: Put a little paint (like tempera) on a tray or plastic plate, roll a toy truck through it, then “drive” it on paper. This truck is especially fun because it can turn and make curved marks. You might cover a table with big sheets of paper and let your young artists go to town. On the other hand, if you need to set some space parameters you could put a piece of paper in a large cafeteria- like tray to help contain the marks. Happy printing!
Snowtober
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
It’s been an eventful few days here in the Pioneer Valley since our Snowtober storm over the weekend. Stop by The Carle if you need a cozy place to spend a snowy fall day!
