Wednesday, November 23, 2016

From the Art Docent: Analogous Color

Analogous Color Assignment

Third graders don't want a lecture; they want to get to the good stuff, and so do I. So I keep the front end of art class pithy, leaving plenty of time to delve into the project. Since this was my first class of the year, I shared my expectations with the kids:

1.) We're exploring the medium; it's an individual journey.
2.) Mistakes are part of the process and a lot of times can be called "happy mistakes." Go with it, and see what happens. This is a first draft, not a master piece.
3.) It's your work, and if you want to use green paint for shadow instead of black, go for it. Own it.
4.) Everyone's piece will look different, and that's okay.
5.) Have fun!

On the Rack

Here are two videos that inspired this assignment for analogous colors:

13 Watercolor Techniques by Mr. Otter Art Studio
Watercolor Winter Landscape by Mr. Otter Art Studio

The lesson included:
1.) The definition of analogous colors on the color wheel: three colors that sit next to each other.
2.) Examples by a master artist. My pick was Vincent Van Gogh's Wheat Field Under Clouded Sky
3.) Examples by a current artist, like comic book artist Kazu Kibuishi's Explorer.
4.) The masking/blocking concept with tape to resist the watercolor paint.
5.) Making a gradient wash using the analogous color scheme of blue and purple and the variations in between.
6.) Using a smaller, pointed paint brush for details.
7.) Paying attention to the direction of light for shadows.
8.) How salt crystals look when applied to wet watercolor paint.

B's Aspens in the Snow

R's Details Include Swirls and Smiley Faces

Art Class Presentation

"I dream my painting and I paint my dream." ~ Vincent Van Gogh

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Goodreads Giveaway Winners!

Cooking Up Some Good Reads

Go, go, Great Britain! The three winners of Riding with the Hides of Hell* Goodreads Giveaway are:

Jamie from Hampshire
Clare from Shropshire
Janet from Swansea

Each will receive a copy via Amazon.co.uk. Jamie, if you're reading this, your address didn't mesh with what Amazon thought it should be, and I've sent an email to Goodreads regarding this. I hope they contact you in a timely fashion so I can get a book shipped off to you.

Clare and Janet, your books have been ordered and are on their way. You should receive your copy by Monday, according to the powers that be.

I hope you enjoy it!

Tilly Bean Feeling Kick@ssy in Her New Skull & Bones Hoodie

"You can have anything you want if you dress for it." ~ Edith Head



* Riding with the Hides of Hell has a new title: Burnout!

Monday, November 07, 2016

A Goodreads Giveaway Coming Right Up!

Will and Miki's story is called Riding with the Hides of Hell*. It's a young adult romance filled with adventure, danger, tough luck and tough love. This was a finalist in the YA category for the 2016 PNWA Literary Contest and was last year's NaNoWriMo project. It's finally come to life, and I'm celebrating by giving away three free copies through Goodreads. Whoot!



Goodreads Book Giveaway

Riding with the Hides of Hell by Stacia Leigh

Riding with the Hides of Hell*

by Stacia Leigh

Giveaway ends November 16, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway


Riding with the Hides of Hell has a new title: Burnout!