From the Art Docent: Abstract Art

Every year I volunteer to be the art docent in my kids' classroom. There are six, one-hour classes to teach, and the topics are predetermined by PTA. It seems like it should be a no-brainer, but for me, it's a lot of work!

My mind has to "noodle" over the topic in anticipation for about a week. What projects are out there? Which ones best suit the second grade mind set? What should I lecture about? How will I keep their attention? What prep work is involved? Will I need print outs? And so on...

Then I have to gather my supplies, practice the project, tweak it if need be, make notes for the lecture (super short, naturally) and get on Photoshop to fuss with printing.

All that prep work and worry for a short time, then suddenly, it's over, and I'm left with a huge sigh of relief and a sense of accomplishment. The kids had fun, I had fun, and all is right with my world.

Today was class number six, Abstract Art, the last class for the year. I like to explore new mediums, so instead of paint, oil pastels, or glue, I opted for tissue paper. Cool, right?

Check it out:

Tissue Paper Transfer

Over Crayon Line Drawing

Our lesson came from Teach Kids Art: Underwater Fantasy Inspired by Paul Klee. I had to make some changes since my tissue paper wasn't officially the "bleeding" kind. I added salt to the water (rubbing alcohol works best, but stinks) and instead of using oil pastel, the kids used a dark crayon for their line drawing.

It had to dry, so the next day, the art was unveiled after sweeping the tissue squares away. It was like unwrapping a present! A great way to end the year. 

Abstract and Cubism and Paul Klee

The Art Wall

What's in the Fish Tank, Bianca?

In Ruby's Aquarium