Katsushika Hokusai

Self Portrait
1839
Wood block print
Tokyo, Nagoya

Over 200 years ago, printmaker Katsushika Hokusai created his famous prints.  Today, you can still find these images on everything from cell-phone cases, to notebook covers.  What makes his work so timeless?  We will explore this question together.

Over the coming days, spend some time enjoying this image of his work.  What do you see happening?

Katsushika Hokusai

(For pronunciation help go to Forvo, which offers several different recordings)

Japan

1760-1849

The Great Wave Off Kangawa
1830-1833
color woodblock print
Tokyo, Nagoya

To complete this months project you will need the following supplies:

• Acid free construction paper 12x18" 1 sheet white per student
• Elmer's white glue 4oz,  or glue stick can be shared
• Scissors - 1 per student
• 38 gauge metal sheet - aluminum on one side, copper on the other - 1 sheet per student
• Model magic (unfortunately, you may NOT substitute other forms of clay, the soft texture is necessary for our project) - 2oz per student
• Crayola supertip markers - set of 10 - can be shared

You may also want:

• Small package of baby wipes or paper towels

Joan Miro Extension Activities

Joan Miro's life and art really do seem to be in contrast to one another, don't they?

Online activities:

• Play pinball online as you navigate through Miro’s paintings
• View an animated Miro painting
• Watch a short video showing many of Miro's works

Books:

• Read more about the fascinating life of Joan Miro in Miro, Famous Artist by Antony Mason
• Color your own Miro in this book by Annette Roeder 

Create:

• Play a game with dice to create your own Miro inspired artwork.

Consider:

As we discussed in class, Miro’s Catholic faith was important to him, and drove him to be very concerned about the common people around him.  In his words he saw the role of the artist  “to be someone, who amidst the silence of others, uses his voice to say something and who has the obligation that this thing not be useless but something that is of service to mankind.”  

One of his favorite symbols to use in his work was the ladder.  It represented not a means of escape, but a means of reaching something greater.   Consider this in light of Isaiah 58:10 which says 

"If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

So what does that mean?  In short, God promises to reward  those who offer help and compassion to the poor and needy around about them.  

To be clear, Christianity isn't all about behaving perfectly (anyone who says that is possible is a hypocrite).  We all sin, and that grieves our savior, but he has offered us forgiveness.  Our only obligation is to believe.  Out of that belief we then show mercy and love to others as an act of love for God.  We need to humbly serve those around us.  No pious belief can justify treating others poorly.  Instead, our faith should push us toward sincere good works motivated by right motives.   Out of that mercy and kindness God will provide us with comfort. 

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.

Mia's Challenge - Markers

Thanks to everyone who came to our meeting on Tuesday. What fun!

I heard that Mia was looking for some more activities to do related to our class. (Love that enthusiasm!)

Here are a few things you can all try at home:

* The Master artists were talented in looking at the world in a different way. We have this ability too. When you look carefully you will be able to see things that other people don't notice. Try creating your own illusion with your markers using this simple technique.

* Art helps us to look at things in a new and surprising way. When you look at your markers it seems as if each one has only one color in it. But did you know that there are actually many colors mixed together in there? Try this experiment with a coffee filter and water to separate the colors so that you can see them more clearly.

* There are lots of other creative projects that you can make with your markers. Read through this article from Family Fun for some inspiration.

I will be sending out information in a few weeks about the next artist we will be studying. In the mean time, enjoy visiting the local art stores to get your supplies. The deadline for ordering through us is October 22nd. Just pop me an e-mail if you need to be added to the list.

Happy crafting!