I had put out a lot of different options of winter references to inspire the kids and each took some time to sketch out their compositions. I encouraged them to focus only on putting the shapes of the objects on paper, not details, as we would create those while painting.
When each child was happy with their composition, they transferred their sketches either freehand lightly on the canvas with pencil or by tracing their sketch onto the canvas with carbon paper.
Then I asked them to paint in their background only, discussing the importance of adding white to all the colors they were mixing to convey "winter".
7 year old
Once they had their backgrounds completed, they began to work on their subjects. I showed each child how to use the brush to create interest with line, how to mix the colors directly on the canvas, how to find the shadow and highlights to add and asked them NOT to add any snow.
For the evergreens, I showed both children how to dab on the paint with the brush to create the greenery and the importance of mixing three different tones of green to add to their work.
9 year old
I should mention that between each step, the kids used blowdryers to dry the paint.
Now for the next step, I brought out modeling paste and gave each student a palette knife. I then asked them to add all their snow. They had a great time with this part of the project and once again when finished, I asked them to dry the work.
Thankfully each child was finishing the steps at different times, so we didn't have horrible line ups waiting for a turn with the blow dryer.
8 year old
When the modeling paste was dry, they added white paint over all the modeling paste. I showed them how to use a dry brush to add the paint. Again with the blow dryer! I asked them to make sure everything was good and dry at this point.
I then brought out a glaze and each child made a glaze with white to add over their entire work. This helped blend and soften each work to enhance the winter look of the pieces. And then using a high flow iridescent white mixed with a bit of soft body white, they tapped their paint brush over the work to create falling snow.
"Blizzard Night at the park", 11 year old
Now all was fine and dandy when all the kids added the glaze until the above work gave very unexpected results. The glaze did not dry the way expected on this work and was not in anyway what the artist was expecting. However he was quite excited by the surprise and was very happy when what had been just a dark winter night at the park turned into a blustery winter storm in the park. Isn't is great? I almost feel like I need to pull down my toque, wrap my scarf up to my nose, and hunch down into my winter coat while viewing this work.
The two hours went by quickly. The kids were all excited to share their works with their parents when they arrived for pick up. Some works will be going home and finding a place on the wall, while others are being wrapped up and given as gifts to relatives.
It was a wonderful afternoon to start getting into the holiday spirit of making and giving and today, I have high hopes of seeing some actual snow on the ground instead of just in these beautiful paintings.
holiday card workshop
This Sunday, I will be offering a workshop where the children will be carving their own stamps to create holiday cards. Each child will go home with one print for framing plus cards and envelops to send out during the holidays. The stamps can be used for many years to come at home also. Sign up through KudzuStudio.com.
The workshop runs from 2-4:30pm and is appropriate for ages 6 and up with a small class size for one on one attention. Cost is $60.00 and includes all materials.
holiday paper house workshop
Sunday, December 6 from 10-12pm, I will be running a workshop to create holiday paper houses inspired by the old German ones I have collected over the years. I am so excited to share this project with the children. Kids will even be able to add a battery operated votive to the back to create a warm glow through the tissued windows! There is only three spots left so if you are interested, sign up quickly at KudzuStudio.com. Cost including all materials is $55.00.
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