In September I moved into my new studio space on the 3rd floor of the Cherry Building in the NewBo District of Cedar Rapids. Moving into that space has afforded me the opportunity to lead several two hour painting sessions for up to 5 young painters. It has been so much fun! I love, love, LOVE being able to teach your blossoming artists how to paint.
Each of the sessions follow a general pattern. After everyone gets settled into their spot, they start by sketching out their ideas on a piece of paper. It's just a quick 15 minute or less sketch to work out shapes and sizes or get some tips on how to draw a figure or animal before they put it down on the canvas. Each painter gets to work on their own idea. The small class size allows enough time to guide each painter through the challenges they might face in making what they see in their imaginations come to life on the canvas. There is a lot of time to answer individual questions and do demos with each painter if they want the personalized help.
When their ideas are finalized we talk about color schemes for the entire painting. Once the background color or style is chosen I encourage them to cover the entire canvas with paint before they begin painting the subject.
While the background paint dries we have a little snack, usually popcorn, look out the windows and chit chat. It seems like there is always something good to look at during class. Sometimes it's a stunning sunset, sometimes its an entire parade!
Next we begin painting the subject. I have a variety of brush sizes for the children to use to be able execute their ideas to the best of their ability. I usually try to keep them aware of how much time is left so that they can be sure to get all of their composition onto the canvas before they leave. It's great when the kids can get up and look at each other's work and offer suggestions. While they are working on their composition we talk about how to make the colors more vibrant by building up layers of paint. I also share tips on how to correct mistakes or how to work with them by turning them into something new. Sometimes the mistake is actually an exciting opportunity.
Finally, you return to pick up your child and their new work of art.
The mess? You get to leave that here!
To find out about the upcoming dates for classes e-mail me at kimmelion@yahoo.com or look for the Planting Seeds, Cultivating Art page on Facebook @plantingseedscultivatingart.
