Cezanne Gift Boxes

I hope you all found the perfect recipients for your Cezanne inspired pastel gift boxes!   

Cezanne Extension Activities

Have you ever doubted yourself? Paul Cezanne struggled with many uncertainties throughout his life. He endured the skepticism of his family along with multiple failures. He wasn't a spectacular art student, and he was unsure whether his passion was correctly placed.  Despite these hardships, he persevered in creating the art that he loved using simple geometric forms.

Perseverance is one of the greatest things you could ever learn.

Online activities

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has created a fantastic resource.  Take a look at Cezanne's Astonishing Apples, and don't miss the story "An Apple a Day" on the very last tab!

Read

Meeting Cezanne  by Michael Morpurgo is a charming book that explores Cezanne's famous Franch landscape.  It also touches on the relationship between Picasso and Cezanne.  It is short but very nicely done.   {affiliate link}

Create

ArtforSmallHands has a very simple tutorial on painting Cezanne inspired still-lifes that my kids really enjoyed. Or give it a try using your pastels and the ideas on PinkAndGreen.

Consider

“For I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,
Do not fear; I will help you.”
(Isaiah 41:13)

Sadly, Cezanne is known to have said, “life is terrifying.” He used the act of painting to sooth himself, painting while police looked for him for dodging the draft, and even on day that mother died.  He suffered with a dark depression, and kept himself fairly isolated. Everyone feels afraid at some time, but it must be awful to feel that life is terrifying.  

 So, what do you think?  Does his perspective and work fit what you would expect from "The Father of Modern Art?"
 

Paul Cezanne

Post-impressionism.  It sounds like a complicated topic to study, but I'm sure that by the end of our lesson this month it will become something that you not only understand, but are captivated by.  

Paul Cezanne

(pronounced Say-ZAHN)

1839-1906

French

Paul Cezanne is known as the "Father of Modern Art."  
In preparation for class please print the following image and place it in a location where your student will be able to study it over the coming week. (Printable image available here.)

The Basket of Apples
1890-1894
Oil on Canvas
Art Institute of Chicago
Public Domain

This month's project is to design boxes that the children can either choose to keep, or to give away for the holidays.  Each child will need to bring:

• Reeves soft pastels - 12 color set - can be shared
• Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper 12”x18” - 1 sheet of white per student

• Scotch 3M clear glue stick - can be shared
• Scissors - 1 per student
• Pencil with an Eraser (does not need to be an artist pencil) - 1 per student
• Several cotton swabs
• Several paper towels

Don't forget that we have adjusted our calendar a bit because of Christmas, and this month's class is NOT on the 3rd Friday of the Month.  See you on Friday, December 13th, at 6:30!

A Chihuly Christmas

The town gazebo is looking a lot more festive thanks to the collaborative sculpture created by the kids of SKETCH.  Nice work!

Chihuly Extension Activities

Do you see now why Dale Chihuly is considered by many to be the greatest living glass artist?  His amazing works have completely transformed the art-glass movement into larger than life experience including towering sculptures, floating spheres, and intricate details.  

Watch:

• Take a look at this video of Chihuly and his team creating one of the glass pieces for his sculptures - pay close attention to how difficult this would be for any one artist to do on their own.

Read:

• The Children's Museum of Indianapolis funded the creation of this fantastic Printable Book.  Keep an eye out for the great unit study ideas for grades 3-5. 
• Curious about how his pieces are designed and installed?  Houzz has a fantastic step-by-step collection of photos and instructions.   

Create:

• Now that you know how to use your shrink film to create unique shapes, you can begin designing you own creations.  How about making icicles for your Christmas tree or necklace pendants?  

Consider:

We learned a lot about light during our study of Chihuly's work.  Have you ever read John 3:19-21?  It says this:

Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.

So why does the Bible have verses about light?  Well, that light is Jesus.  We can't see anything in the dark of sin, but when we follow Jesus we walk in the light we are able to see and we can stay far away from the areas that are dark with sin.  

Of course we all still sin, but people who live in the light of Jesus, studying the Bible and praying to Him, have God's help to change their bad habits.  They hate the darkness and love the light of Jesus.  

I can't wait to show you how amazing your projects look when I finally get them all strung together for the Christmas display.  Update coming soon!

Dale Chihuly

We have the privilege of studying one of my absolute favorite artist this month.

Dale Chihuly is a modern glass-blower who operates a cooperative to create amazing work that would be difficult for any one artist to accomplish on their own. You are going to love seeing the immense size of some of these pieces. 

Dale Chihuly

American

1941 -

In preparation for class please print the following image and place it in a place where your student will be able to study it over the coming week. (Printable image available here.)

Blown Glass Chandelier
Dale Chihuly
photograph by Andrew Dunn
2000
Victoria and Albert Museum

This month's community service project is to use our own "art-glass" sculptures to decorate our town  park for the holidays.

In order to complete this month's project each family will need:

• Sharpie markers varying colors  - red, green, and blue would be best
• 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet of blank shrink film - 1 per student
• Scotch 3M clear glue stick - can be shared
• Scissors - 1 per student
• Scrap paper to place under artwork (blank would be best)
• Pencil with an eraser (does not need to be an artist pencil) - 1 per student

• (optional) Small package of baby wipes
• (optional) hole punch

Don't forget, this month's class is not on the 3rd Friday of the month - See you on Friday November 8th at 6:30!

Lautrec OCC Boxes

Your gifts for needy children are all packed up and on their way.  I wonder which country they are destined for.  Don't forget that you can track your Operation Christmas Child box (if you paid for shipping online) at Samaritan'sPurse.org

Toulouse-Lautrec Extension Activities

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec was only a little over four and a half feet tall at maturity, but his impact on the world of art was larger than life.  

Read:

I hope you will have time to take a look at my absolute favorite book about this artist: Great Names: Toulouse-Lautrec 19th Century French Painter by Diane Cook. {affiliate link}  It has wonderful illustrations, accurate history, and handles delicate topics in a respectful yet factual way.

Create: 

• Practice drawing faces with proportion grids online.  Scroll down to view all of the instructions.
• Try using your water paints to complete this coloring page of Toulouse-Lautrec's painting.  Don't forget to use eye-catching colors! 
• Do another copy with marker, and a third with crayons.  Compare the results.  Which looks most like the original oil painting?  

Marcelle Lender doing the Bolero in 'Chilperic'
1895
Private Collection{{PD-Art}} 

Consider:

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec died at a very young age because of the poor choices that he made.  

The Bible says a lot about keeping ourselves healthy.  Many people may respond "Who cares?  It's my body, isn't it?"  Well, to be honest, the answer from the Lord is a resounding, "I care, and no, it really isn't your body to begin with.  I created you, I died for you, and I love you even more than you love yourself."

Here is the direct quote from 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." 

We all make mistakes.  Encourage your child to discuss the many ways that life can be hard.  Remind them that Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” He can help where alcohol and other indulgences cannot. He does not always make our problems go away, but He has promised to help us.

If you have any questions feel free to get in touch with me or call New Hope at 345-7203.

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

Want to meet a man with an extremely long name? Try this one: Henri Marie Raymond de Toulouse-Lautrec-Monfa.  That's a mouthful isn't it?  Most of know him as Toulouse-Lautrec.

Toulouse-Lautrec is well known for his love of the theater and skill with creating captivating posters.  We will be creating our own poster-like images this month.

Parents: Please be assured that the personal life of this artist and the subjects of his work will be handled delicately in class in order to avoid any topics that may be offensive or disturbing.  

HENRI de TOULOUSE-LAUTREC

FRENCH

1864-1901

In preparation for class please print the image below and place it in a location where your child will see it often.  (Click here for a printable image)

At the Moulin Rouge
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Self Portrait

Oil on Canvas
1982
Art Institute of Chicago

{{PD-Art}} 

We are creating artwork that will go into boxes filled with Christmas gifts for children around the world.  The program we are working with is called Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan's Purse.  Here is a quick video describing the project.

There are plenty of boxes being sent from New Hope it is not required that your family packs your own box, but you are welcome to do so if you choose.  I will give more information on Friday and you can get details at SamaritansPurse.org

In order to complete this month's project, each student will need to bring the following items to class:

• Prang water paints, 8 color set - 1 per student
• Grumbacher round watercolor brush (size 6 to 9) - 1 per student
• Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper 
• 1 sheet red or black - cut down to 12”x12” - 1 per student
• 1 sheet white or yellow cut down to 11"x11"  - 1 per student
• Prang crayons, - Black only - preferably sharp - 1 per student
• Scotch 3M clear glue stick - can be shared
• Pencil with an eraser (does not need to be an artist pencil) - 1 per student
• Several paper towels - can be shared
• Small container with lid (baby food jar size) for water - 1 per student

Note: Please make sure that all supplies are clearly labeled with your family’s name.  Children work at large tables, and supplies often roll.  Collecting materials at the end of the day is much easier if they are marked.  Address labels work well for this purpose.  

See you on Friday, October 18th at 6:30!

Bears for sick children

I just wanted to share a quick photo of one of the bears that your artwork images were added to for last month's community service project.  These will soon be heading out to hospitals around the state.  I know that the kids will appreciate them!

Grant Wood Extension Activities

Isn't it interesting how Grant Wood combined fanciful and realistic elements in the same painting?  I just love his sense of whimsy.

Ready to learn more?  Here are some more activities to try:

Create

Texture is one of the most important art elements in Grant Wood's work.  It is what gives his artwork depth and what makes it look real (or distinctly not-real).  Remember those texture rubbings we did on our Grant Wood landscapes?  Here's a way to learn how to create the same texture using your pencils.

• Use your pencil to create a texture rubbing using the bottom of your shoes, a drinking glasses, or leaves.  
• Then, using the same pencil, try to duplicate the look of that rubbing.  Pay close attention to how dark or light the marks are.  (hint: use the side of your pencil rather than the point)  
• For more detailed instructions on how to create this project take a look at TeachKidsArt

Look

Grant Wood is most famous for American Gothic, but he has done much more.

• Museum Syndicate has a great digital collection of his work.  Take some time and flip through.  Which one is your favorite?

Watch

• Kahn Academy (one of my all-time favorite free resources) has a wonderful video discussing  Wood's American Gothic.   It might be a bit much for younger students, but it is truly fascinating.

• The video Dropping in on Grant Wood {affiliate link} is an adorable cartoon that does a great job of telling the story of Grant Wood's life.  Check to see if it is available in your local library.  There is also a companion book that is quite good.

Go

The Boston Museum of Fine Arts is offering FREE ADMISSION on October 14th.  This would be a great opportunity to take a look at some of Grant Wood's pieces in person.  They also have a fantastic exhibition opening soon on American abstract expressionism that I think the kids would enjoy (in addition to the always popular mummies).

Consider

Grant Wood was raised in a Quaker home.

• Learn more about what the Quaker's believe at HistoryforKids.  Does this sound similar to what you believe?  What is different?  

• In official Quakerism, few believe in the need for salvation.  This is because most Quakers don't accept the reality of sin.  Instead they focus on improving themselves through good works and acting peacefully.  Is it possible to please God by simply doing good things?

Grant Wood

Welcome back to Sketch! I am so excited to start a new season.

Self-portrait
Grant Wood
1932
{{PD-Art}} 

A few housekeeping details: 

Our church is now entered through the front door of the complex, rather than the side.   For those of you joining us for the first time, directions to the church are located on  our class site.  

When you arrive, please have your registration form and payment ready (if they have not already been mailed in). You will turn these in in the front hall where you will also collect your nametags.

Picture Study

Each month I will be sending you an image to study prior to class. This will help your child to become familiar with the artist, and will give them time to really appreciate the different techniques that are used. These can be printed for educational purposes only.  If you are looking for art to decorate your home, please purchase prints.  The artists and museums will appreciate your support.

Please place the assigned image where your child will see it often. Personally, I like to hang prints beside the children's bathroom mirror where they can look at it while brushing their teeth. This may seem a bit irreverent, but really, where else will they have time to simply gaze at a picture several times every single day? Other options include sliding it inside the front cover of the child's favorite school binder, posting it on the refrigerator with magnets, or using it as the screen saver on your computer.

This month's artist

This month we are going to be looking at the work of:

Grant Wood

American

1891-1942

Grant Wood is most famous for parodies of his painting "American Gothic" of two farmers.  As tempting as it is, please wait to share all of these funny images with your child until after our class.  Mr. Wood is far more talented than the spin-offs lead us to believe.

To prepare for class please place a copy of the image below in a place where your family will see it often.  (click here for a printable image)

Birthplace of Herbert Hoover
Grant Wood
Oil on Masonite
1931
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
{{PD-Art}} 

This month we will be learning about texture as we make stuffed bears to share with children who are sick.  You do not need to bring every item on our supply list.  In order to complete the project each student will need to bring to class:

• Reeves soft pastels - need only brown, green, blue, and yellow - can be shared
• Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper  12”x18”  - 1 sheet of white per child 
• Prang crayons, need only brown, green, and yellow - 1 per student
• Scotch 3M clear glue stick - can be shared
• pencil with an eraser (does not need to be an artist pencil) - 1 per student
• several cotton swabs
• paper towels or baby wipes to keep hands clean

Parents, please remember that this is not a drop-off group.  Come prepared to enjoy working alongside your child.

See you at 6:30 on Friday, September 20th!

2013/2014 Schedule of Artists

SKETCH meets on the 3rd Friday of every month

from 6:30 - 8:00 PM*

at New Hope Christian Fellowship,

292 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110
Click for Directions

~ Please note that the volunteer projects may be adjusted as we go along, as not all organizations have yet responded to our inquiries.

Friday, September 20th 2013

• Grant Wood inspired stuffed animals for sick children

Friday, October 18th 2013

• Toulouse-Lautrec inspired self portraits for Operation Christmas Child

Friday, November 8th 2013 *note change from routine

• Dale Chihuly inspired Christmas ornaments for the Bedford town gazebo

Friday, December 13th 2013 *note change from routine

• Paul Cezanne inspired collage for loved ones

Friday, January 17, 2014

• Klimt inspired metal work for local hospital

Friday, February 21st 2014

• Eric Carle inspired felt boards for the library

Friday, March 21st 2014

• Joan Miro inspired stickers for the local animal hospital

Friday, April 18th 2014

• Rembrandt inspired envelopes to benefit the environment

Friday, May 16th 2014

• Year End Celebration!!!  

Volunteer sign-up

If you are interested in signing up to help with prep, clean-up, or any of our community service projects, please register on our volunteer page.  You can pick the date and project of your choice, and the program will send you an automatic reminder a few days before your obligation.

Thank you for your willingness to help out!

2013/2014 SKETCH Bulk Supply Order

*No additional bulk orders will be accepted after 8/30/2013*

Hi friends!  
The summer is in full swing - time to begin planning for next year's SKETCH program.  

We have decided to again offer the bulk purchasing program.  If you want to participate please let me know by e-mail and make sure that your registration, class fee, and supply payment are all received by August 30th.  


The links below are for your convenience.  They also connect to an affiliate account, and anything you purchase will result in SKETCH receiving a portion of the proceeds.  Thank you for your support.

Just the Essentials: 

Many of this year's projects can be accomplished with the supplies purchased in previous years.  If you only need the new supplies, choose this short list.  For $30 you will receive:

• Sharpie markers 1 set of 4 of varying colors including black - need: 1 black per student, colors can be shared
• embossing foil 12 sheets, 5x5 inch square - need: 1 square per student
• shrink film 6 sheets, 8 1/2 x 11 - need: 1 sheet per student
• felt sheets, 3 assorted colors, 9x12" - need: 3 for 1st student, add only 2 sheets for each additional student
• 1 needle felting foam pad or brush - need: 1 per student
• 5 felting needles (approx. 36 gauge) - need: 1 per student - Students age 6 and under are highly encouraged to use a needle guard, and older students may want a grip, but the needle itself is all you really need

When ordering, please specify whether you need any of the optional felting grips or additional supplies at the prices listed in the Add-ons section below.

Complete Kit: 

Everything you need to complete the projects in SKETCH will be waiting for you at the first class in one box.  For $50 you will receive:

• Prang water paints, one 8 color set - need: 1 per student
• 1 Grumbacher round watercolor brush (size 6 to 9) - need: 1 per student
• Reeves soft pastels - one 12 color set - can be shared
• 1 package Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper (assorted colors) - 12”x18” - can be shared

• Prang crayons, one 8 color set - need: 1 per student
• Sharpie markers 1 set of 4 of varying colors including black - need: 1 black per student, colors can be shared
• embossing foil 12 sheets, 5x5 inch square - need: 1 square per student
• shrink film 6 sheets, 8 1/2 x 11 - need: 1 sheet per student
• felt sheets, 3 assorted colors, 9x12" - need: 3 for 1st student, add only 2 sheets for each additional student
• 1 needle felting foam pad or brush - need: 1 per student
• 5 felting needles (approx. 36 gauge) - need: 1 per student - Students age 6 and under are highly encouraged to use a needle guard, and older students may want a grip, but the needle itself is all you really need
• 1 Scotch 3M clear glue stick - can be shared
• 1 pair Scissors - need: 1 per student
• 1 pencil with an eraser
• several cotton swabs
• several paper towels
• 1 small container with lid

When ordering, please specify whether you need any of the optional felting grips or additional supplies at the prices listed in the Add-ons section below.

Add-ons:

In order to receive discounted prices, we will only be offering the following items to families participating in one of the two programs above.  Single items may be purchased privately through Amazon.

• Prang water paints, 8 color set - $3.00 each
• Grumbacher round watercolor brush (size 6 to 9) - $5.50 each
• Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper (assorted colors) - 12”x18” - $4.00 per package
• Prang crayons, minimum 8 color set - $0.75 each
• Sharpie markers  black only - $1.00 each
• felt sheets, assorted colors, 9x12" - $0.40 each
• needle felting foam pad or brush - $9.00 each
• Optional felting needle guard - $13.50 each
• Optional felting needle grip - $11.50 each
• Scotch 3M clear glue stick - $0.75 each
• Scissors - $4.50 each

Again, if you want to participate in our bulk purchase, please let me know by e-mail (SherylGoedecke @ yahoo . com)  and make sure that your registration form, class fee, and supply payment are all received by August 30th. 

I look forward to seeing you soon!

Seurat Extension Activities

Looking for more Seurat information?  Try this:

Read

Seurat and La Grande Jatte: Connecting the Dots

Look

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte shows a large cross section of Parisian life in Seurat's time.  Can you find...

Steamers? sailing boats? a rowing boat?
People taking a walk? fishing? sitting?
Young girls? a nanny? an elderly grandmother?
a pug? a butterfly? a monkey?
two soldiers? a red haired child? a baby?

Understand

Great description of the science behind why pointillism works - http://vimeo.com/28491307

Create

A Sunday Afternoon inspired coloring page

Michelangelo Extension Activities

Oh, Wow!  This is just so stunning that I have to share.

Remember our lesson on Michelangelo?  Well I just found an amazing virtual tour that allows you to "walk" around the Sistine Chapel using your keyboard's arrow keys.  Zoom into your favorite piece, and then back out again to get the full impact of the beautiful work.

Here is more detailed information about each of the frescos in case you want to read more, and there is also this great documentary of Michelangelo on the Biography Channel.

Isn't it beautiful?  I swear that many of the images look as if they are sculptures rather than flat paintings.  Michelangelo should be very proud of his accomplishment.

Enjoy!

SKETCH Bounce House Closing Event

You are Invited!

On Friday, May 17th at 6:00 (Note change from normal SKETCH meeting time) we will host the SKETCH Children's Art Program closing event.

This is a great time to invite family and friends 

to see what your child has accomplished this past year!

We will be sharing the kids work from the past year and learning about the fun things planned for 2014.  Afterward, the kids will have lots of time to enjoy both a bounce house and a giant obstacle course in the church parking lot.  

Forms for pre-registration for next year will be available, but payment is not due until September.  Feel free to invite any friends who you think might be interested in joining the program.

For this session you will need to bring:

• One completed piece of ARTWORK for each child

The children will be given time to casually present their favorite piece of work to the group, so please allow them time at home to go through their creations and choose one to share. (I understand that being in front of the group may be very intimidating to some children - THEY ARE NOT REQUIRED TO SPEAK, but please have your child bring their favorite art with them even if they do not plan to present it)

Note: We will not be providing a meal, but there will be plenty of yummy treats.  Feel free to bring along a dessert to share if you would like. 

This is going to be a fun night.  Who doesn't love a bounce house? See you Friday, May 17th at 6:00PM!