Murals

We took a break from our focus on film to do something a little less structured. Our bathrooms were in need of some visual enhancement so we decided to make some murals for them. Instead of painting directly on the wall we used some of the large white rolls of paper that we have. We used tempera paint and collage elements. The lining we did with paint pen.

As far as planning, the children drew individual images on paper and then when it came time to do the mural they all just picked a spot and began replicating what they'd drawn. In some cases we used an opaque projector or overhead projector to copy the images exactly. Some people just freehanded it. The drawings were first done in pencil to be certain of what they wanted and where. Then, they outlined that in black pen. Next, paint was added and our aim was to have every bit of paper covered by paint. This basic trait is often the key to a child's art piece having a finished look, in my opinion. While my ultimate goal is to have the children have complete control over the final piece we did allow ourselves to go in at the end to do the outlining. It was a wonderful collaboration, I'd say.

The kids chose the two themes of: The Natural World and The Mystical Forest. They divided themselves up into groups based on what sounded interesting to them. Here, I will allow the pictures to speak for themselves. I really enjoy the detail.

The Natural World

The Mystical Forest

Phenakistoskopes

In further preparation for our silent film we are planning to complete in June, we have made more motion picture toys. This one is called a Phenakistoscope (\Phen`a*kis"to*scope\)- hard to say but easy to make. It is an early animation device that has roots in ancient times but took off in popularity around 1829.

 

What you need: cardboard, a compass,paper, scissors, glue stick or double stick tape, a pushpin and a pencil with an eraser or chopstick.

To make one: First, we cut out a (perfect) circle of cardboard to a size of our liking. This is about 9" in diameter. Then cut notches out, equally spaced, about 1/4 inch wide and 1 inch in length, as seen above.

On a separate circle of paper that fits within our notches, we drew sequential images that will make up our animation. Here, the artist is drawing a skull who opens its mouth. A simple image that uses only one changing element works best when first trying this project.

 Once your artwork is complete place a pushpin in the middle of the circle that attaches to a stick or eraser of a pencil in the back. Then stand BEHIND your phenakistoscope and look throught the notches, into a mirror, as you spin it.  The notches break up your vision and create the animated effect. We did not make videos of ours but here is a Youtube link for you to see how it works.

.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhDBGFFrmUI&feature=related

February- "Friendship Day"

 

On February 14th, Keri from SCRAP came to help us make "Friendship" or Valentine's Day presents for our loved ones.

She brought some old pins left over from the library's summer reading program for us to cover with red sparkly vinyl. The we decorated it with more shapes and sharpie pens.

One of the favorite project she brought was Iris Paper folding using reused bits of wrapping paper. Here, you cut out a window in a piece of paper and then "fill" it by layering folded ribbons of wrapping paper and taping them to the back of the window. Keep layering in a pattern and finally you have a beautiful, dimensional design.

 

Naylan, here, even added a door for his window to add that extra element of surprise.