Cut Paper Flowers

New students have trouble using scissors.   This project helps them to practice and make a beautiful abstract.  I stress moving the paper, not the scissors, when cutting curves.  We often fold construction paper and cut symmetrical shapes to create the flowers.  We make all the paper flowers first, clean up, then get out the glue.  Using glue is often problematic with young artists.  I suggest to the students to use only two drops and spread it with their pinky fingers  "Pinky Glue".

Hex Signs

We lived in Boyertown, PA for 7 years, and we saw plenty of hex signs on barns everyday.  There are more towards Kutztown and surrounding rural areas.  Hex signs are only found in this area of PA and are a tradition of the Pennsylvania Dutch (not the Amish).  We usually start the lesson with examples of hex signs, mostly from things I have collected from the annual Kutztown Festival.  We use a ruler and compass to help the design to be symmetrical. I print out the other elements that are used in Hez sign designs and their meanings: diselfink, rosette, scallop, star, oak leaf, tulip, heart, pentagram. This is usually the first time artists have used a compass in art, so I give them plenty of practice paper to make circles. We use stiff bristol for the finished work.  Hex signs are very colorful, so we use colored pencil or crayon, and paint will work great.

Owl Drawings

Owl Drawings

This owl drawing begins with color photos of real owls as research and inspiration.  I often encourage the combining of elements from two different photos for individual drawings.  For example, the branches of one photo and the owl of another photo.  Start by drawing branches for for the owl to perch, one in foreground, one in background.  By drawing the owl lightly with pencil, make sure that the tail is 1/3 or 1/4 the length of the owl itself, and the tail hangs down below the branch it is sitting on.  Discuss symmetrical eyes and talons. I use this as a chance to work on drawing branches, suggesting thick to thin lines, long and short lines. Finish by layering colored pencil.