mixed media using vintage photographs

In the "Hello Vancouver" spring break camp, I decided to introduce a mixed media project that included a bit of history of the city,  so I referenced several vintage photographs to share with the students.

Most photographs were from 100 years ago!

The kids were fascinated by what our city use to look like and by what has changed drastically, (horse and carriages, dirt roads), and by what has not, ("the lions" mountain peaks and the famous cedar tree stump in Stanley Park).

I asked each child to choose an image that intrigued them to start the project. They put those to the side for a moment while they created a cream and white background using acrylic paint.

9 year old (looking down 1st street in Kitslano)

Then they placed some matte medium on the paper and placed a print out of their photograph image side down and let it dry. 

(We started a new project during this time and came back to this project later)

8 year old (entrance to Stanley Park)

Then using a bit of water, the artist began to rub away the paper leaving the image behind on the painting. I stressed that they would not know how much image would stay and that was part of the surprise. Some of the students had a very clear and detailed image while others barely had anything stay on the paper.

Once they had the image transferred on their artwork, the students began to add a drawing to the image so that the viewer would not be able to tell where the photograph ended and the students' original marks started. I found it very interesting how each student tackled this challenge, some created identifiable landscapes while others created very abstract works.

8 year old,  (Vancouver mountain range)

The students used water-soluble black pencils, charcoal, graphite, and white paint to create their finished works. I had some students go back into the image with a white china marker or a white gel pen to highlight parts of their original image.

10 year old (skaters on a frozen Lost Lagoon)

9 year old (Stanley Park tree stump)

I love the feel of these works the kids created and think they found it very interesting to look at photographs of "old Vancouver". As a history buff, it was exciting to show the kids how their artwork could not only be a beautiful thing but also an opportunity to teach something new to the viewer about what our city use to be.

10 year old ("the Lions" mountain peaks)

As the artist were finishing their works, I discussed with them the idea of adding words to the art. I talked to them about how typography can be an interesting addition to their art pieces and help finish a work or give the viewer a point of reference. Some of the students decided to try adding type and some did not.

11 year old (Grouse Mountain)

Either way, each and every student came away with a beautiful piece of art.