Saturday, November 22, 2008

Visiting Artist Workshop at Fredericksburg Academy


On Friday, I taught a watercolor workshop at Fredericksburg Academy for two classes of fabulous Fourth and Fifth graders. I demonstrated the steps for the above two 4X6 paintings in each class. Then the kids followed along with their paintings. We drew our sea animal pictures in pencil and then applied liquid masking fluid over the pencil line. Once the masking fluid was dry, we watercolor painted using wet-on-wet technique to create the ocean background. For some, we added salt for texture. Once the paintings are dry, the masking fluid (and salt) is removed leaving a white outline of the initial drawing.
This workshop is part of the Liberty Town Visiting Artist Program created by Mirinda Reynolds. Mirinda is the lower school art teacher for Fredericksburg Academy (and my wonderful studio-mate at Liberty Town, not to mention a brilliant oil painter). The program hosts a guest artist to lecture and demonstrate the last Friday of each month. The children are able to ask questions and participate in a short project taught by the visiting artist.
I had such a great time sharing this technique with the kids, helping them create their mini-masterpieces, and being a part of their creative energy. Thank you Fredericksburg Academy!

3 comments:

Elizabeth Seaver said...

It looks like lots of fun. I'm glad it went so well. Reminds me of the good old days when I was a classroom teacher. My turn comes in May--I'm looking forward to it. Great to see pictures!

Elizabeth said...

Oh what a great classs for this agegroup!! I am sure that they had a wonderful time. The subject must have really inspired them as well!! Kids at this age and at this time in the world are so environmentally conscious- Great Job!!!!
Hugs!
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

How kool Ariel you have their undivided attention and they all look so proud of what they created!