Apples for Neighbors

Andy Warhol Extension Activities

What is the difference between art and an advertising? The subject matter?  The quality? The medium?  The buyer?  This debate surrounds the artwork of Andy Warhol.

Born in PA, Andrew Warhola was the first star of pop art.  Fantastic at marketing himself, he changed his name to Andy Warhol and became one of the greatest artistic businessmen. 

Warhol moved to NYC in 1949, where he got a BA in graphic design and worked as an illustrator for magazines for more than 10 years.   Despite his commercial training, Andy saw himself as a “pure” artist.

Not content to be just a great commercial artist, Warhol appropriated imagery from consumer culture and changed all of the boundaries that had existed between fine art and the more familiar imagery found in advertising. 

He invented blotted line technique, which he used to create whimsical illustrations. The process was tedious, and often included multiple apprentices.  First he drew an image on waterproof paper with a pencil.  Then it was traced with ink.  The paper was then flipped and pressed on absorbent paper.  The printed image was finally colored in using pastels.

Read:

• As always, Mike Venezia's introductory art books are at the top of my list.  The one on Andy Warhol is no different.  Fantastic from beginning to end.
• Written by Andy Warhol's nephew, "Uncle Andy's" offers a fun and unique perspective on the artist.

Explore Online: 

•  Queensland Art Gallery has a fun interactive site devoted to Andy Warhol' life.  Have fun learning what Andy was like as a boy!
• The Warhol Museum has a fantastic gallery of online images.  You might be surprised to see how diverse his interests were.  Take a look.

Create:

• Did you know that Andy Warhol collected cats?  He had over 25!  Try making your own version of his "Red Sam" with these instructions.
• Make your own image into pop art using this online converter.  I already have the settings ready for you, just scroll down to step 3 and upload your photograph!  Don't worry about the mention of facebook, the image will not show up in your feed unless you approve it at the very end. 

Consider:

• Andy Warhol once said, “Art is what you can get away with.” - What do you think he meant?  Do you agree?

Join Us:

Remember to to put Sunday October 5th on your calendar.  We are going to all meet up to pick apples for a neighbor.  Join us at 3:30 at http://www.macksapples.com  in front of main stand.

Andy Warhol

Welcome to the 5th season of SKETCH!!!  I am thrilled to be able to share yet another year with you learning about amazing artists and their work.

***PARENTS*** This month's project is the only one of the year which will require a perishable item.  If you don't have an apple, please don't worry, we can use your child's hand in our printmaking activity, although it will be quite a bit more messy.

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 are low resolution, and 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.

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 we are going to be looking at the work of:

Andy Warhol

AMERICAN

1928-1987

A key figure in the Pop Art movement, Andy Warhol's prints take an interesting and almost reverent look at everyday objects, transforming them with unconventional coloration.

Andy Warhol, Cambell's Tomato Soup Can
1968
screen print on colored paper
Collection Jose Mugrabi

We will be learning about print making as we create tags to add to bags of apples that we will pick and share with our neighbors.  

Supplies:

You do not need to bring every item on our supply list.  In order to complete this month's project each student will need to bring to class:

•  Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper ***pre-cut: please ensure this is done before class (those participating in the bulk order will already have their pieces pre-cut)
• for each student you will need the following - there should be a total of 5 colors:
• 1 piece, any color 12x12"
• 8 pieces, in 4 differing colors, 5.5x5.5" (ex. 2 white, 2 green, 2 yellow, and 2 purple)
• Red ink pad - can be shared
• Prang crayons, one 8 color set - need: 1 set per student
• 1  glue stick - can be shared
• 1 pair Scissors - need 1 per student
• 1 everyday pencil with an eraser
• 1 apple, cut in half from top to bottom - ***please arrive with your apple pre-cut and wrapped
• optional: small package of baby wipes or paper towels

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 19th!