art – Page 5 – Art Room Happenings!

Art, Happenings, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

Student Spotlight! (January 2021)

January 25, 2021January 25, 2021 Intheartroom

Each month I will be spotlighting one of my students – past or present, and their artistic ventures! I work with students of all ages and abilities and you’ll get to learn a little bit about these amazing artists and their work!

Our January spotlight is on:

Amy Stiegler

My name is Amy Stiegler. I’m 15 years old and I’m a freshman in high school. I have been taking art lesson with Ms. Jenell since 2014. I began to take art classes after I watched a movie and drew the characters and my dad saw and signed me up. Other artists as well as things I see and experience in my life inspire me to create. I love drawing with charcoal and painting with acrylics. Other than visual arts I am interested in photography and music. With my love of music I’d like to become a singer and songwriter. My favorite piece I’ve created is a dragon. It’s my favorite because it was one of the first pieces I did and every time I look at it I get inspired to keep drawing. I listen to music or soundtracks that apply to what I’m working on. For example, when I was drawing a lion, I listened to the Lion King soundtrack. Someday I’d like to try spray painting because I feel it would be fun.

Title: Lizzy
Medium: Acrylic
Description: Lizzy is my dog and has been by my side for my entire life. She is 16 now and still as energetic as ever so it was quite the challenge to snap the photo this painting is of.

Title: Live Love Lions
Medium: (uh mixed – there’s a lot happening)
Description: When we first making this with Ms. Jenell I was very confused on how it would work together, but it’s now one of my favorites and includes maps of important places to me as well as my birthday and stars.

Title: Canyon Moon
Medium: Acrylic
Description: I was inspired to make this painting after listening to a song called “Canyon Moon”. I painted this sometime in the middle of quarantine and was very happy that I decided against the “realistic” colors.

Amy is not afraid to get creative and once she has an idea – she’s determined to create it with the mediums at hand! She works to perfect her art until she’s happy with it and is always willing to give new techniques & mediums a try. Her artwork also reflects her fun loving personality and is sure to send a message of happiness to the viewer!

Take a look at last months student spotlight here!

Art, Art activities, Drawing, Happenings, Holiday, Make, Create, & Share!

Christmas commissions!

January 4, 2021December 27, 2020 Intheartroom

Now that Christmas is over I can safely share some of the commissions I’ve been working on the past few months! I enjoy getting to create these pieces that are often made in memory of a special pet or given as a personalized, memorable, gift!

For the most part I start any commission from a clients photo, sometimes more than one photo – especially with multiple subjects or for correct coloration. The better quality photos I have to work from, the more details I am able to add in! However, I do like the occasional challenge of working from an old photo!

While pastels are one of my favorite mediums (you can read more about what pastels I like to use here), I’m always thankful for those commissions that bring a different medium to the table and break up the pastel work!

Once I begin a piece, I send in progress photos to the client for their approval of the work at different stages – I like to work with them to make any needed adjustments so the piece represents their subject and personal taste best! When the final drawing is complete and approved it’s signed and packaged before being delivered, shipped, or picked up!

Some pieces take longer than others (depending on subject, size, medium, & adjustments needed), accumulatively, the completed pieces this season took between 80 & 120 hours to complete.

I’m grateful to receive commission requests and be able to do what I love! Thank you for all your support this season (and all year long)!

A few pictures of the commissions in progress!

Art, Happenings, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

Student Spotlight! (December 2020)

December 28, 2020December 28, 2020 Intheartroom

Our January spotlight is on:

Delaney Earp

I am Delaney. I am a freshman in high school and I am 14 years old. I enjoy art, playing the trumpet, and baking.

**Medium:** watercolor
**Title:** Swimming Turtle
**Description:** This is a watercolor painting of a turtle swimming in the ocean:

How long have you been taking art lessons?
“I have been taking art lessons since 2017.”

Why did you begin to take art lessons/how did you become interested in art? “I began taking art lessons because I wanted to become better at what I loved to do. I became interested in art when I was little and I have been drawing for a very long time.”

**Medium:** Acrylic
**Title:** Blossoming rose
**Description:** This is an acrylic painting of a rose. I painted it on a small cardboard sign. The painting was then rubbed with dirt to make it look older.

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I create my artwork based off what I see around me. When I see something outside that I love like a pretty scene, I want to paint it.”

What are your favorite mediums and/or subjects for your artwork? “One of my favorite mediums is watercolor because it is easy to work with. When ever I make mistakes using watercolor, they can be easily hidden. Watercolor is also very beautiful and it blends so well together.”

**Medium:** Marker
**Title:** A closer look
**Description:** This is a drawing of an orb looking shape on a checkerboard surface. The orb is magnifying the checkerboard.

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “One other thing I’d like you to know is that I don’t plan on stopping art lessons anytime soon.”

What is your favorite thing about art? “My favorite thing about art is when I make it for other people. I love to see people’s reactions when I give them something I made.”

How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “It takes me about 2 days to complete my artwork. It really depends on what I am working on. For example, something like an acrylic piece takes me longer than a watercolor piece.”

**Medium:** Acrylic
**Title:** Late night bike rides
**Description:** This is an acrylic painting except my canvas was a leaf. There is a man riding is bike with the sunset by his side.

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills? “One piece of advice I have for someone who wants to become an artist or improve their skills is that you need to have patience. You need to take your time when working on a piece. The longer it takes, the better it will come out in the end. If you rush to finish something, it’s not going to look as nice.”

Do you have a favorite color? “Yes, my favorite color is green.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “My artwork has gotten better overtime because I always look for ways to improve my artwork. I always want to look to see what I can do differently to make sure I create something even better than before.”

Delaney takes her time and puts her best effort into her pieces of art. She’s always working to improve her skills and continues on a piece until she’s happy with it. Her persistence and outlook on learning from her own art are two things, without a doubt, that will help her continue to grow as an artist!

Art, Art activities, Craft, decorating, DIY, Holiday, Make, Create, & Share!

DIY Ornaments!

December 7, 2020 Intheartroom

Create some fun little ornaments with simple supplies! Find the instructions below each of the three pictured!

Snowman ornament!

What you’ll need:

Mason Jar Lid (not the jar band)
Small piece of sandpaper
Piece of 1/4″ wired ribbon – approx. 12″
Two small pom-poms
Piece of ribbon/twine for hanging
Acrylic Craft Paint (White, red or pink, Orange)
Mod Podge
Scissors
Paint brush
Sharpie pen
Hot glue or craft glue

Step one: Scuff up the mason jar lid with your sandpaper to help the paint adhere better!

Step two: Paint your mason jar lid with white acrylic craft paint – let dry and apply a second layer if needed.

Step three: Once your white paint is dry, use the orange paint to make your snowman’s nose – I made a dot near the center of my lid and towards the edge, and then connected them to create the nose!

Step four: Use your pink paint or make pink by mixing a little red paint to white paint and give your snowman rosy cheeks!

Step five: Once your orange and pink are dry, apply a layer of mod podge sealer over the entire surface, let dry completely!

Step six: Use a sharpie pen to give your snowman eyes & a mouth – check out the pictures below for face ideas! Also outline your nose. Tip: leave a white spot in your snowman’s eye to give him a spark! Download some additional snowman face ideas and practice your own below!

Snowman Faces & Practice Download

Step seven: Hot glue a ribbon to the back of your lid for a hanger!

Step eight: Cut and glue a piece of your wired ribbon, from side to side of your lid, glue pom-poms on the ends to look like ear muffs! Use leftover ribbon to make a bow for your snowman if desired!

Tree Scene Ornament!

What you’ll need:

3” Embroidery Hoop
2 pieces of approx. 3”x3” decorative cardstock
Small pieces of decorative cardstock
Mini paper snowflakes
Piece of 8” burlap like ribbon
9 Small foam mounting squares
Sequins
Glue gun
Craft Glue
Glue Stick
Scissors
Colored Pencils
Additional items to decorate with, such as, stamps, glitter, ribbon, stickers, etc.

Step one: Cut a piece of cardstock large enough to glue to the back of your hoop – this will become the background to your tree scene, use craft glue to adhere it to your embroidery hoop.

Step two: Work on getting your trees ready while your hoop dries! Using smaller pieces of decorative papers, cut triangles for trees! Make different shapes and sizes for added interest!

Step three: Use colored pencils to shade the side/edges of your trees, giving them a border!

Step four: If your hoop glue is dry, cut the paper off around the edges, you can also use an x-acto knife.

Step five: Add your trees to the hoop! Glue some trees directly to the background paper and use the small mounting squares to adhere some trees, making them “pop” off of the surface – stack mounting squares to add more depth.

Step six: Add sequins as tree toppers and/or ornaments on your trees and add the paper snowflakes (I cut one of my snowflakes in half to use around the edge). Add any other desired decorations and glue the piece of burlap like ribbon to the back for hanging!

Wreath Ornament!

What you’ll need:

Mason Jar Lid Band
6 Pieces of green pipe cleaner
Piece of 12” ribbon/twine for hanging
Glue gun or craft glue
Items to decorate your wreath with – I used pieces of artificial greenery and berries. Some other ideas may include miniature ornaments, pom poms, ribbon, etc.

Step one: Wrap all 6 pieces of green pipe cleaner around your mason jar band!

Step two: Collect items to add to your wreath

Step three: Glue your items to your wreath!

Step four: Add a ribbon to hang your ornament!

Give as gifts, hang on your tree, or use as gift toppers! Have fun making your own!

Art, Happenings, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

Student Spotlight! (November 2020)

November 30, 2020 Intheartroom

Our May spotlight is on:

Sonny St.Pierre

My name is Sonny St. Pierre and I am 15. I am going into 11th grade. I have been enthralled with all things paleontology and marine biology since I can remember. I love to write, and I am currently working on my second revision of my first novel. Art has been an outward form of expressing my inner self since I lost my first goldfish at 5 years old. When I’m not exploring Biology or writing, I enjoy bodysurfing, hunting and fossil collecting.

How long have you been taking art lessons and why did you begin taking art lessons or become interested in art? “I have been taking art lessons for 9-10 years. I love art and I’m glad my mom signed me up when I was so little.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I am inspired by Biology and my imagination. I often use my imagination to tweak what would typically be found in nature into something new.”

What are your favorite mediums and/ or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite medium is pen or pencil. I love to draw dinosaurs and beasts.”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I have a snowflake moray eel named Edgar. I enjoy keeping my saltwater tank and plan to get an octopus someday.”

When you’re making your art do like to listen to music or watch tv for inspiration (if so what)? “I enjoy listening to music when I draw. It helps me focus, but I can’t really say it’s for inspiration.”

What is your favorite color? “Blue- it’s been my favorite my whole life.”

How has your artwork improved/what have you done to keep improving as an artist? “My drawing has improved as I practice it in my downtime. I keep a notebook and draw in it often.”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I do. I am interested in architecture and graphic design.”

Is there a certain style, or type, of art that you’d like to someday try? “I’d like to try 3-D modeling and sculpting.”

“Prehistoric Monster of the Cretaceous Deep”, Acrylic paint & resin

“This piece is my favorite I have ever made. I made it when I was much younger. It is an aquatic reptilian tetrapod of Phylum Chordata, Class Reptila, Order Squmata, Family Mosasauridea, Tribe Mosasaurini, and Genus Mosasaurus. In short, it was a prehistoric marine reptile. I entered it into an art show and won second. I brought it home and hung it in my room. Three years ago, we had a house fire and I feared this piece was ruined by the smoke. After a lot of care, treatment and fresh air, it hangs, once again in my room.”

Sonny is always creative in his artwork and brings a bit of science to his pieces! He has a lot of passion for the elements & subjects of his work – it’s inspiring! He’s not afraid to try new mediums, techniques, or add his own twist, making his work unique and one of a kind. Keep on creating and bringing those ideas to life!

Art, Art activities, Happenings, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

What’s up in the Art Room? (November)

November 24, 2020 Intheartroom

Check out some of our current projects happening in the art room and how they’re made!

Painted Panels! Students work on collaboratively painting panels which will be displayed at the Tyaskin Wharf. Finished panels that have been displayed are donated/auctioned off to raise money for the wharf! Over the past few years students have created more than 20 painted panels!

Alcohol Ink & Line Drawing! Students used alcohol inks on polypropylene to create the colorful & beautiful abstract “blooms” and used white chalk markers to create line drawings on top!

Ceramic Letters & Numbers! Students are in the process of creating a wall hanging with ceramic lettering and numbers! Pieces are in the process of being glazed & fired before being attached to wooden boards for a finished hanging piece!

What’s in Your Cup? Students have been working on drawing and shading cylinders, turning them into a custom designed cup of their favorite drink! We used mixed media for these awesome pieces!

Make, Create, & Share!

2020 Scrapbook Journal Pages

November 16, 2020 Intheartroom

As a take home assignment this year, students were asked to create scrapbook/journal pages that reflect on the year so far. They were given packets that contained some supplies and instructions to create 3 different pages, with different themes of; “Staying Home”, “Day Trippin’ Treasures”, & “Serendipitous”. Check out all their awesome pages below and download the instructions to complete your own pages at home!

scrapbook-instructions-Download Download

Art, Art activities, Craft, DIY, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

Radial Designs on Glass!

November 9, 2020 Intheartroom

Create a radial design or Mandala, with glass paints, for an awesome piece of window art! Mandalas are a type of radial design – where your design radiates and repeats from a center point. Mandala comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “circle”. Mandalas can be found in many cultures and can have different symbolic meanings and processes. In Buddhist and Hindu traditions, mandalas are a spiritual symbol that represent the universe. More modern mandalas are used for meditation or just to create and enjoy beautiful designs!

What you need:

Picture Frame with Glass – we used 8″x10″ frames from the dollar store but any old frame will do!
Glass Paints – We used Gallery Glass, Martha Stewart and Arti’stick, brands, transparent, glossy, glass paints.
Copy/Printer Paper – that’s at least the same size of your glass/frame.
Pencil
Compass
Sharpie
Light box or sunny window!

Step one: Create your radial design! We did this with a square piece of paper, folded into fourths, from corner to corner. You can do this any size, however, ours were approx. 8.5″x8.5″ to fit our frames.

Cut out one fourth of your paper on your crease lines.

Step two: Draw your design on your cut 1/4 of paper – to make your design have a complete circle pattern, use a compass from the center of your paper out.

Step three: Fold another square piece of paper into fourths, corner to corner. We will be tracing your design onto these four sections. You can use a light box or a sunny window to help your design show through your paper – you can also go over your design with a marker before tracing to help make it more visible. Trace your first 1/4 section and then flip your triangle pattern over and trace your next 1/4 section (this will reverse your design and make the edges of your design line up). Flip it again for your next section and back over for your last section!

Step four: Next line up your radial design under your piece of glass and begin outlining your design – We used Gallery Glass Liquid Lead for this (I’ve also transferred the outliner to a small applicator bottle for easier handling and a smaller line). Let your outline dry!

Step five: While you’re waiting for your outline to dry, you can color your triangle in how you’d like to color your glass!

Step six: Once your outline is dry, use your glass paints to fill in the design with color! We used a mixture of different glass paint brands!

No matter what brand you use, you just want to make sure it’s transparent color as we want these to hang in a window and create a stained glass effect!

Step seven: Once your color has dried, place your glass back in the frame (you can use hot glue, silicone, E6000 or Goop Glue, etc. to help hold your glass in if needed), glue a ribbon to your frame or add eye hooks and a chain/ribbon for hanging! Our frames were very light weight so a hot glued ribbon worked well! Hang up your finished artwork in a sunny window! 🙂

Check out more of our radial designs here!

Art, Art activities, Drawing, Happenings, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

What’s up in the Art Room? (October)

November 2, 2020 Intheartroom

Check out some of our current projects happening in the art room and how they’re made!

Check out lasts months post for more info on some of the projects below!

Radial Mandala designs on glass! Students finished up working on their radial mandala designs – so many cool pieces! Check out last months post for more info on this project and keep an eye out for a DIY on this project to be posted soon!

What’s in your cup? Students worked on how to draw cylinders and shade them in. Next they will create a drawing of their cup, decorating it with patterns and designs, filling it with a favorite drink! This project will be created with mixed media!

Impossible Shapes! Impossible shapes are a type of optical illusion – they can be drawn, however, could never exist in 3D form. Students practiced drawing an impossible Penrose triangle, and impossible square, before choosing which one they would like to paint. They also completed a color wheel and choose a color harmony to utilize in their painting.

Acrylic Pumpkin Paintings! Students worked on drawing spheres and turning them into pumpkins. They included light and shadow, completing value scales and working on shading. They drew their pumpkins and mixed their own colors to create shades of orange for their final pumpkin paintings!

Art, Happenings, Make, Create, & Share!, student artwork

Student Spotlight! (October 2020)

October 27, 2020 Intheartroom

Our October spotlight is on:

Matt St.Pierre

My name is Matthew St. Pierre and I am 13 years old. I am going into 8th grade. I enjoy playing fortnite, taking care of my backyard chickens, flying drones, and collecting coins. I also enjoy swimming in the ocean and on swim team, fencing and playing with my golden retriever, Molly.

How long have you been taking art lessons and why did you begin taking art lessons or become interested in art? “I started taking art lessons for school and enjoyed going with my brother and friends. I have been taking art lessons for about 8 years.”

What or who inspires you to create your artwork? “I usually draw from things I have seen. My own experiences and memories inspire me.”

What are your favorite mediums and/ or subjects for your artwork? “My favorite medium is pencil, but I really don’t have a favorite subject. I just like to create whatever comes to mind.”

Is there anything else about you that you’d like us to know? “I have a freshwater tank with a goldfish named Doofus. I am looking forward to adding a freshwater puffer fish who will be named Poofles.”

What is your favorite thing about art? “I like how pretty art is.”

Do you plan to have a career in the arts? “I don’t plan to have a career in the arts, but I know it will always be a hobby.”

How long does it take you to complete your artwork? “It typically takes me about 8 hours to complete a project from start to finish.”

What is your favorite color? “My favorite color is green. When I was a little kid, all I ever wanted for Christmas and by birthday was green things! Lime green has been my favorite shade for a while now.”

Besides visual arts are you into any other art forms? “I like music a lot. I like listening to music based on video games and movie scores. I’ve played violin for a long time and also enjoy classical music. I also kind of like some rap and country music.”

“I painted this the same day that I watched Godzilla, King of the Monsters for this first time. I painted this on one of the canvases I got after completing a year of lessons “In the Art Room.”

I chose windmills because I think they are pretty. I saw fields of windmills like this on a cross country road trip and they came to mind when I was painting this. Painting on a leaf was somewhat challenging because I didn’t want to rip it.

I painted the sunflower like this because it reminded me of sunflowers we had in a field in our yard one year.

Matthew is always very creative in his work and brings his unique style to each piece he creates! He’s never afraid to try out new mediums or styles of art and has fun working on all his pieces – which shows through!! Keep on creating and having fun!