• Don't miss a single post!

    Subscribe to Art is Basic and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Fun Art Process with Stencils and Watercolor Paints

  By | | , , , , ,
1 Comment
2015-12-08 02.15.15 (740x554) copy

This is a very simple, but satisfying process I tried with 1st graders.  All you need is a pencil, some stencils and watercolors. Over the years I have collected all kinds of stencils from garage sales, thrift stores, donations and catalogs.  I have them all in a big box for kids to pick from.  Sharpies are optional and can be used to trace over lines. The first step is to use the stencils to draw shapes, write words and make designs.  This … Read more… →

Free Coloring Page: Growth Mindset

  By | | , ,
2 Comments
Growth Mindset Coloring

I have been having fun this summer making coloring pages! I have two free coloring sheets for you that did not end up in the coloring sheet packages in my shop. For high resolution PDF download, visit my shop for a free package. I made two different sets of coloring sheets, both with positive Growth Mindset affirmations.  Coloring sheets are fun, relaxing and can put you in a mindful state.  Don’t substitute coloring sheets for deep art projects in the art … Read more… →

Painted Rocks with Magazine Cut Outs

  By | | , ,
Leave a comment
Painted Rocks with Magazine Words00003

At the end of the school year, my students had fun painting rocks and using magazine words to decorate them. We used acrylic paints to paint the rocks. Then, we used Mod Podge to glue down the words and seal them. The metallic paint was from Target’s little acrylic paint jars.  I have some printable magazine word cut outs in my shop for easy use.  Just print, cut out and go!  These are perfect for collages, art journals and “About … Read more… →

Big Giveaway! Book and $10 TPT Giftcard, Book Review and New Stuff

  By | | , , , ,
118 Comments

I have a lot of things to share with you today! First.  You have the chance to win a big prize for a special Back to School giveaway.  The winner will receive a drawing book, a $10 TPT gift card and my new Art History Icebreaker Foldable. First, this book by Mark Kistler! You Can Draw It in Just 30 Minutes: See It and Sketch It in a Half-Hour or Less. I am working with De Capo Press to share this book.  Mark … Read more… →

Cylinder Sculptures for Kids

  By | | , , , ,
Leave a comment

I saw this post by the Art Bar Blog which gave me the idea to make these cylinder sculptures with my 1st graders.  We started with toilet paper tubes and paper rectangles rolled into tubes.  The best way to adhere these is to pour out some liquid glue onto a paper plate, then stick the ends of the tubes into the glue. We also used washi tape, colorful straws, pipe cleaners and pom-poms for added interest and texture.

Freebie! Draw Light Until You Know It’s Right POSTER

  By | | , , ,
3 Comments
DRAW LIGHT

I have been teaching myself how to use Adobe Illustrator this summer so I can make some clip art to use.  I made a cute poster you could print out for your class.  I have seen this phrase on many posters online.  I made the pencil on Illustrator!  Ha Ha, I’m so proud of myself.  I’ve always used Photoshop to do everything, so Illustrator has been kind of a mystery to me. To download the high resolution PDF version, go to … Read more… →

Wooden Peg Dolls: Kokeshi

  By | | , , ,
Comments Off on Wooden Peg Dolls: Kokeshi
2017-02-28 09.21.10

Thank you to all who entered the Beautiful Oops journal giveaway.  The winner has been randomly chosen and notified… and that winner is Amanda Shaw.  Congratulations! When I was at the NAEA conference two years ago, I saw a station where people were making wooden Kokeshi dolls in the vendor area.  Every time I walked by it, either it was too full or I had to be on my way somewhere else.  So, I didn’t make one.  But, I found … Read more… →

My Book of Beautiful Oops! Giveaway and Book Review

  By | | ,
93 Comments
CoverArt-MyBookofBeautifulOops

Hi!  I’m working with Workman Publishing to share a new book and giveaway with you! Many art teachers use the book Beautiful Oops! in their classroom.   It’s one of my favorites!  It’s all about how even if you make a mistake, it’s an opportunity to turn it into something beautiful.  This link has some art projects I’ve taught using this book. BUT… there is a brand new companion to Beautiful Oops!  This a creative personal journal for young artists aged … Read more… →

Free Printable: Faith Ringgold Inspired Quilt Template

  By | | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2 Comments
Faith Ringgold Quilt Printable Art Project

Hi!  I’m here today to share with you a meaningful art project for your younger students.  This would be good as as a “getting to know you” activity.  The following examples were all made by kindergartners near the end of the year, but I would think this lesson would be suitable for kids through grades 2. Many art teachers have taught about the artist Faith Ringgold and had their students create paper quilts.  I have a free printable for you … Read more… →

Repeated Shape Designs

  By | | , , ,
4 Comments
repeated collage

This is a simple challenge that leads to a variety of creative artworks!  Choose one shape to repeat throughout your artwork.  Use markers, watercolor paints or any art media of your choice.  The challenge is to arrange the shapes in a unique and interesting composition. Include a variety of colors and sizes.  Overlap some shapes to add interest.  Add patterns or designs inside the shapes. Limitations encourage students to think in new ways.. to be creative within the constraints. Repetition is … Read more… →

Train Track Mural Drawings

  By | | , , , , ,
1 Comment

If you would like a fun activity for a group of young kids or even your own little train enthusiastic, try this railroad track mural art project!  My students worked in groups of 3 or more.  First, they assembled a train track with wooden tracks.  This took a lot of planning and collaboration.  They needed to work together as a team to get the tracks to fit on their piece of paper.   After the groups were satisfied with their … Read more… →

Drawing Cartoons Letter by Letter

  By | | ,
Comments Off on Drawing Cartoons Letter by Letter
Drawing Cartoons Letter by Letter

Today I am going to share a fun drawing book about making cartoons from the alphabet.  This is a fun book to create characters from letters.  The publisher gave me this book in exchange for an honest review. Drawing Cartoons Letter by Letter: Create Fun Characters from A to Z (Drawing Shape by Shape series) From Amazon:  “Christopher Hart takes his hugely successful Drawing Shape by Shape series into a new dimension—and the fun starts with simple, basic letters and … Read more… →

New Award Certificates!

  By | | ,
Comments Off on New Award Certificates!

I have new Award Certificates in my shop!  These are suitable for classroom teachers and art teachers.  They can be modified and used for a variety of reasons. I also have a set of Yearbook Cover award certificates.  I had a custom request to make certificates for winners of yearbook cover contest for a school.  I decided to include a modified version in my shop for other schools who may have an annual contest for yearbook cover designs. Finally, this is … Read more… →

Designer Tree Houses

  By | | , , , , ,
4 Comments
53722011

Hi!  One day when I was sick I left a sub lesson plan for my students to design their own tree houses.  I printed out examples of tree house drawings for inspiration, like these here and here.  There is also this resource by Art Sub Lessons which has many pictures of real tree houses for inspiration. I did not leave a lot of directions or specific requirements, but encouraged creative thinking and unusual designs. Here are some of our whimsical pictures.  I think … Read more… →

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...