Object Rubbings using Chalk Pastels

Chalk Pastels is one of those materials that we rarely use in the art studio.  I don't know why and I definitely should bring them out more often because the kids love them. 

For this lesson, I taped these metal grid samples to the table and covered them with butcher paper.  Some had very small grids while others were large and the pattern on each is different. Running the pastels over the paper left cool grid patterns. 

For this lesson, I put a bunch of objects I found in the art studio that were flat-crafts sticks, stencils, shape buttons, doilies, Lego boards, etc. The children enjoyed discovering what was on the table by rubbing the pastels against the whole surface. 

It's always fun to let them guess what is under the paper and at the very end, we lift up the paper for the big reveal.  We discuss what we found and what we didn't find and why

Crayon Resist

This week in the art studio, we explored crayon resist.  I explained to the children what materials we would be using- white crayons, watercolor paper, and liquid watercolor.  

They were asked to draw a picture on the white paper using white crayon.  Some of them were very disappointed that they could not see their pictures on the paper but I asked them to keep drawing.  A surprise would be revealed during the next step.  

Once they had finished drawing, I put out the watercolor paint,  As they painted, they began to see where the crayon wax was resisting the paint and an image was beginning to appear.  As they added more and more paint, the children were thrilled to see the surprises on their paper as their pictures were revealed.  

Printmaking

I have these thick glass panels that I got at the recycle center and have been trying to figure out how to use them in the art room. 

I decided to try printmaking.  I used tempera paint and spread it out evenly with a brayer.  The children were able to use tools such as combs, sponges, and brushes to create lines and patterns in the paint.  We then put a piece of paper over the paint and lightly pressed down allowing the image to be transferred onto the paper.  It was an interesting first try however, I don't think tempera paint might be right for the job.  It's too slippery and not tacky enough. 

Alberto Giacometti

In an effort to do a lesson on Giacometti, I showed the children some of his sculptures, gave them pipe cleaners, and tin foil, and a poseable figure. 

I thought the lesson would go one way with the children bending the pipe cleaners into a figure and wrapping it with foil but class went a different way when they began decorating the poseable figure instead.  This was fun, too.  

Sewing

The Pre-K children and I tried something new and different this week. 

Some of them knew a little bit about sewing from family members but most had never tried it before.  Not being one who sews myself, this was a simple project that I could get into.  I offered the children fabric squares, plastic needles threaded with yarn, and large buttons.  We practiced sewing the buttons on the fabric. 

Tissue Paper Tiles

I have a bunch of small tiles from the recycle center and I thought they would make great little works of art. 

I gave the children tissue squares and glue and we began ripping and cutting the tissue and creating designs on the tiles.  Every one is unique and cool.  I attached magnets to the back so they could put them on the fridge.  

Canvas Work-mini canvases, oil, rock salt, and liquid watercolor

We love doing canvas work in the art studio.  Today, I offered the Pre-K children mini canvases, liquid watercolors, cooking oil, and rock salt.  We talked about how these materials would react together and to use the oil and salt sparingly as to not add too much to the mini canvases. 

The children experimented with the colors and were excited to add the oil and salt.  We watched as the salt soaked up the paint and the oil created some interesting textures as it spread and mixed the paints together. 

After the paintings dried and the effects from the oil and salt were visible, we rubbed off the excess salt to reveal some cool mini masterpieces.