painting from nature

This past week, I ran a camp for Seymour Art Gallery in Deep Cove called, "Drawing from Nature".

The first day of camp we spent hiking through the trails and down to the beach. It was a beautiful day and the temperature was perfect. The kids spend the morning sketching the beauty around them and collecting nature's treasures to create artwork with the rest of the week.

The next day, they created acrylic paintings from the hike. We discussed that their artwork could focus on a part of the hike that resonated with them, an item from the hike they collected, or something they wished they would have seen along the way.

(We also created relief tiles with the same instructions. They were stunning but unfortunately I do not have photographs of them to share with you as the last day was very busy up until they walked out the door)

11 year old

As usual, they created their colors using a limited palette of white, black, brown and the primary colors.

7 year old

These two children are twins and were in town visiting their grandmother from Hong Kong. What a great way to take souvenirs home from a trip! Their very own artwork of an environment and town much different than their own.

7 year old

11 year old

As you can see, there was a particular fascination with a tree whose roots were quite exposed. I find it interesting how each child interpreted this tree.

11 year old

This is the view right outside of the gallery. For these lucky kids, this is just the everyday view from main street. 

(If you happen to watch a U.S. television series called Cedar Cove, then you are quite familiar with this view as it is filmed in this town and on this street)

11 year old

We came across some beautiful mushrooms on the hike and I obviously was not the only one fascinated by them.

7 year old

When we made it to the shoreline, it was a treasure trove of beautiful collectables. There were rocks and shells covered with barnacles and this particular one was coveted by a young artist.

7 year old

We crossed a small creek that was home for young salmon and when it is time to spawn, a place where salmon come at the end of their lives. The kids all spent a long time standing still to catch a glimpse of the very young fish and this artist decided to paint a picture of the stream with an adult who has come back to lay her eggs.

7 year old

One of the more exciting moments was when the kids spotted a woodpecker in the woods. I missed it, but it was definitely a highlight of the hike for many.

11 year old

As we neared the beach, there was an excitement in the voice of several of the older girls about a favorite tree. When we arrived, they immediately climbed it and settled in on a branch to sketch. Although I don't recall a swing, it would be a lovely addition to a tree that meant so much to these girls.

7 year old

And finally there was this creation. No, we did not go snorkeling in the water.  However there were many jellyfish laying amongst the rocks while the tide was out. 

Are there sea serpents in the waters of Deep Cove? This child would like to think so to go along with his deep interest and knowledge of the jelly fish.

As you can see, we had a great day hiking. Evident by the images captured in acrylic paint.