Johannes Vermeer

This month's featured artist is Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer (c. 1632–c. 1675)

The Procuress.

Purported to be the only self-portrait of Vermeer.

1656

oil on canvas

Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister 

One of the most highly regarded Dutch artists of all time, Vermeer is best known for his paintings of the indoor life of the middle class.

Het melkmeisje

The Milkmaid 

circa 1660

oil on canvas

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam  

To complete this month's project you will need the following items:

2 sheets Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper (1 white, 1 any color) - 12”x18” 

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 ruler (or any item with a straight edge for drawing lines. ex. book) - we will be working extensively with these, so please make sure you bring enough for your students.

1 everyday pencil (drawing pencil not needed)

See you at 6:30 on Friday March 20th!
 

Leonardo da Vinci extension activities

Hi friends!
This month's artist is featured at LibertyHillHouse.com.  There you will find books, crafts, games and more covering the amazing life of Leonardo da Vinci.

Enjoy!

Leonardo da Vinci

Self-portrait
Leonardo da Vinci
1452-1519
Florenz, Galleria degli Uffiai

The Renaissance can be summarized in just one name, Leonardo da Vinci.  He was one of the most diversely talented men of his day, and still remains well known as a painter, inventor, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, anatomy-scholar, and engineer.

In preparation for class we have the delight of studying one of the most famous paintings of all time, the Mona Lisa.  Please hang a copy of this image in a place where you will see it often.

What is it that makes this painting so compelling?

La Joconde (Mona Lisa)
circa. 1503-1506
oil on poplar wood
Musee du Louvre, France

Our project this month is creating graphite sketches to display at the SEE Science Museum in Manchester.  

For this project you will need:

• Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper (assorted colors) - 1 piece white cut to 12”x12” (or 8.5 x 8.5 if that is the largest size you have) per student 
• 3 Drawing Pencils #HB, 2B, and 4B - need 1 set per student
• (for worksheet only) Prang crayons, one 8 color set - need: 1 set per student
• 1  glue stick - can be shared
• 1 kneaded eraser - can be shared
• optional: paper towels or baby wipes to keep fingers clean

Looking forward to seeing you Friday, February 20, 2015 at 6:30!

 

Franz Marc lesson extension activities

It is interesting to think about what Franz Marc might have painted if he had lived through World War 1.  More nature?  More "flaming agony?"  

Explore:

• Deep meaning is the key hallmark of expressionism.  Enjoy stretching your own ability to consider beyond the obvious.  Read familiar fables at aesopfable.com.  What is the author trying to convey?  Next, try to match one of Franz Marc’s paintings (available at Guggenheim.org) to the tale.

Consider:

• Marc was taught about Jesus by his mother, but later decided that only animals are worthy of living in paradise.  Do you agree?  Read John 3:16.  Consider the word "believe" in this verse.  What is the one requirement for salvation?  Can animals believe?  Is this promise for all creatures on earth? (Parents - Please be intentional in patiently listening to your child's reasoning for their answers.  This is a large concept to grasp, and they may have pets that they are concerned about.)

Read:

•  The Blue Rider: The Yellow Cow Sees the World in Blue is a fun children's book that delves into the expressionist reasoning behind the use of color and shape to express deeper meanings. 

Franz Marc

Franz Marc
1880-1916
German

Expressionist and founder of Der Blaue Reiter group, Franz Marc was a key figure in the art world despite his early death in World War I at the age of only 36.

In preparation for class please spend some time enjoying the image below:

Blue Horse I
Franz Marc
1911
Oil on Canvas
Lenbachhaus, Germany

We are making torn paper animal habitat projects to surprise the volunteers who work with the NH Fish & Game Department.  You won't need much for supplies this month.  (Hooray, no last minute scramble to the craft store!) You will simply need:

• 3 sheets Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper (1 white, 2 color of choice) - 12”x18”
• Prang crayons, one 8 color set - need: 1 set per student
• 1  glue stick (check to make sure yours is still full, we will be using this a lot) - can be shared
• 1 pair Scissors - need 1 per student
• 1 piece of scrap paper
• everyday pencil with an eraser

See you at 6:30 on Friday, January 16th

Klee Inspired Postage Stamps

Our stamps were given to friends living at a local elder-care facility.  There were lots of smiles and "I remember when my kids..." stories shared.  Thank you for brightening their day!
  

Mid-Year Registration

I am excited to announce that New Hope Christian Fellowship has re-arranged their space and purchased more chairs.  That means that we are now able to accomodate more students!

SKETCH meets September through May
on the 3rd Friday of every month

6:30 - 8:00 PM

at New Hope Christian Fellowship,

292 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110
Click for Directions

You can view the calendar of our upcoming classes at: http://sketchartprogram.blogspot.com/p/schedule-calendar.html

To join mid-year, just fill out the form below and send your $20 mid-year registration fee to:

SKETCH Children's Art Program
99 Liberty Hill Road
Bedford, NH 03110


As usual, registration is on a first come-first served basis.

SKETCH students are required to provide their own supplies.  Our entire supply list will not be necessary, however, if you are joining mid-year.  As of January 1, the required materials for the rest of the course include only:

• 1 package Tru Ray Acid Free Construction Paper (assorted colors) - 12”x18” - can be shared
• Reeves Water Soluable Wax Pastels - set of 12 - need 1 set per student
• 3 Drawing Pencils #HB, 2B, and 4B - need 1 set per student
• Red ink pad - can be shared
• Grumbacher Filbert Brush synthetic, size 8- 1 per student
• 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 kneaded eraser - can be shared
• 1 extra small container with lid - need 1 per student
• 1 everyday pencil with an eraser

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.  

I look forward to learning alongside you!