Theodor Seuss Geisel lesson extension activities

Theodor Seuss Geisel's whimsical illustrations are a fun way to view life.  Your book donations with your fun illustrations inside will be greatly appreciated by the local libraries.

Visit:

• Theodor Geisel lived nearby.  Consider planning a trip to the Dr.  Seuss Memorial Sculpture Gardens in Springfield Massachusetts.  I have a feeling you will recognize a lot of the characters!
• Later this year there will also be a Dr. Seuss museum opening in Springfield too.  Keep an eye on their website for more information.  
• While in Springfield you can take your own walk down Mulberry Street.  Let me know if you encounter any lions.  

See more:

• Reading Dr. Seuss's books is fun, but sometimes it is nice to have them read to you.  See if you can find a title that you don't recognize.
• View work by Theodor Geisel that was not published in his books.  His self-portraits are my favorite. 

Consider:

• Dr. Seuss is well loved, but Theodor Geisel told many lies that are still remembered today, including deceiving his father into believing that he was receiving a scholarship to Lincoln College in Oxford.  
• Think about this verse,  "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29 How can our talk build others up or benefit them?  Why can't "kind, white lies" really build others up?   

Theodor Seuss Geisel

This month we will be making book plates in the style of Theodor Seuss Geisel.  He is one of my all time favorite artists when it comes to whimsey and fun.  Both his life and his artwork capture the joy  which we celebrate during the Easter season.

The best way to get aquainted with Geisel's work is to read his books.  You probably already have many in your home already, but if not, just swing by your local library for a few of his 60+ titles.

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

• 12x18" construction paper, assorted colors *can be shared

• Crayons - minimum 8 color set, we recommend Prang *can be shared

• White glue or glue stick

• Black drawing marker - a Sharpie is fine *1 per student

• Oil Pastels, 12 piece set, we recommend Pentel *can be shared

• everyday pencil 

Looking forward to seeing you Friday 3/25 at 6:30!

Signac Lesson Extension Activities

Paul Signac is a fascinating pointillist artist.  Ready to learn more about him?

Learn

• Paul-Signac.org has an extensive collection of online images created by Paul Signac.  It is a great place to explore!
• Watch curators discuss Signac's work at ArtBabble

Create

• Download your own coloring page of Signac's work and see how long it takes you to fill it in with dots like a true pointillist.  

Read

• I haven't found any great children's books focused on the life of Paul Signac (If you know of one please pop me a message and let me know!
• This book, Paul Signac, 1863-1935, however is a great alternative.  It is an enormous volume covering Signac's greatest works, and is available at most local libraries.

Consider

• God created our eyes to combine lots of images into a complete whole without our conscious knowledge.  Signac and other pointillists took advantage of this in their scientific approach to color mixing.  Try your own hand at tricking your eyes.  

Paul Signac

This month we are looking at the work of neo-impressionist Paul Signac.

Paul Signac

French

1863-1935

Signac was one of the world's first pointillist painters, using small dots and strokes of paint to form his images. He spent a lot of time on the seacoast, painting the landscapes he encountered.

Paul Signac with Palette
photograph
1883

Grand Canal Venice
Paul Signac
oil on canvas
1905
Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio

This month we will be creating pointillist bags that will be filled with treats for children.  To complete this project each child will need:

• 8 1/2 x 11" scrap paper (this will be used as a measuring tool, so size is important) *1 sheet per child

• Scissors *1 per student

• Crayons - minimum 8 color set, we recommend Prang *can be shared
• Navy thread, 1 spool *can be shared

• Needles - We recommend self-threading *1 per student

• 3/4" ribbon, 1 yard any color- *1 per student (can use 1/2 inch or 1 inch if that is what you have on hand)Masking tape *can be shared

• Acrylic paint,12 piece set, we recommend Reeves *can be shared

• everyday pencil with a with NEW eraser *1 per student 

• Paint Palette (can substitute a few paper plates) *1 per student
• Optional: Small package of baby wipes or paper towels

See you at 6:30 on Friday, February 29th!

Norman Rockwell lesson extension activities

Norman Rockwell is best known as a painter of stories.  His magazine covers beautifully illustrated an ideal America through both the humor and sadness of everyday life.  

 

I love how your expanded magazine covers came out!  You really seemed to capture the idea of storytelling.  They are going to be fantastic as greeting cards! If you happened to miss class, you can get the full project instructions and biography at libertyhillhouse.com

Ready to expand on what you have learned?

Watch

• The life of Norman Rockwell is very well documented.  I particularly enjoyed this documentary but you can loose yourself in the land of Google as you research this master illustrator.
• Learn more about Rosie the Riveter in this video covering the real life Rosies, the posters, and Rockwell's painting.

Travel

• We are privileged to live very close to two of Norman Rockwell's former homes.  You can visit museums dedicated to his work, as well as his former studios both in Massachusetts, and in Vermont.  Take your pick!

Play

• Want to test your knowledge of Norman Rockwell?  Try this fun wordsearch!
• Sharpen observation skills.  How many mistakes can you find in Norman Rockwell's April Fools Day covers?  

Consider

The Gossips
Norman Rockwell
1948

• Norman Rockwell thought about and sketched his work "The Gossips" for 20 years before coming up with his final design which included himself and his wife at the end.  Why do you think he felt so strongly about this particular topic?
• Try gathering your family and playing a game of telephone.  What lessons can you learn about gossip?
• Discuss Proverbs 21:23 "Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself out of trouble." ESV  Do you think this is good advice?

Norman Rockwell

Norman Rockwell illustrated the stories of American life.  His magazine covers are some of the most recognized American art pieces in the world.  

Norman Rockwell
American Illustrator
1894-1978

Triple self-portrait 1960

Through World Wars, the Great Depression, and the fight for civil rights, Rockwell depicted an ideal America full of potential.

Norman Rockwell
The Puppeteer
1932

This month we will be making cards to cheer those who are ill, grieving, or celebrating milestones.  They will be distributed to church offices.  If you would like a set for your church, please let me know.

To complete this project each child will need:

• Scissors *1 per student

• 12x18" construction paper, assorted colors *minimum of 1 sheet in white or light color

• Crayons - minimum 8 color set, we recommend Prang *can be shared
• glue stick or White glue with a couple cotton swabs
• Black drawing marker - a Sharpie is fine *1 per student
• everyday pencil of any quality

You may also bring your choice of supplies to add color and texture to your project.  This may include:

• Watercolors - We recommend Prang  *can be shared

• Water brush medium point *1 per student(Note: this is not the same as a watercolor brush) click through to see exactly what is recommended for the class 

• Oil Pastels, 12 piece set, we recommend Pentel *can be shared

• Size 6 bright (flat) synthetic brush *1 per student

• Masking tape *can be shared

• Acrylic paint,12 piece set, we recommend Reeves *can be shared

• Paint Palette (can substitute a few paper plates) *1 per student

Looking forward to seeing you!

Sketch postponed!

I am so sorry, but due to many factors, not the least of which is my daughter's broken ankle, I need to postpone SKETCH for a week.

We will meet again on 1/22 and will cover Norman Rockwell.