What do ARTISTS do?

of course they CREATE ART!

We know artists can paint, draw, collage, cut, sculpt, mold, weave, photograph, sketch, bead, glue, sew.

Beyond making art, what else do artists do?

ARTISTS Envision...

they visualize or picture and idea in their mind.

ARTISTS make a plan...

they think through or write the steps to make their artwork.  They sketch what a drawing might look like.  They get their ideas out of their head and onto paper.

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ARTISTS take care and respect their materials...

including taking care of their studios.  What are some ways you take care of materials? (snap that cap, don't break pencils, organize supply baskets, etc.)

ARTISTS try new things...

they are brave and take risks.  they explore and experiment with new art supplies.  they learn to use new tools, materials and space.

ARTISTS talk about art...

We have share time.  Artists talk about their ideas, the materials they used and the process of making art.

ARTISTS make mistakes... 

and are willing to try again.  We know that if we make a mistake in drawing, we try 3 fixes before a new piece of paper --front and back, beautiful oops and an eraser.  How does an artist fix a mistake in other studios?

ARTISTS observe...

artists look closely, pay attention and notice details.

ARTISTS collaborate...

artists work together.  Artists cooperate and listen to one another to create art. 

ARTISTS reflect...

they think about what went well, what they need to learn and what they can improve.

ARTISTS work hard...

they are focussed and spend time on their art.  Some artists can spend years working on a piece.  We say, "if you just started it today, it really should stay".  (there are some exceptions to this rule, often birthday cards and jewelry)

ARTISTS share materials...

they take turns and are respectful as they collaborate.   

ARTISTS practice and explore...

artists try new ways and methods to create art.  

ARTISTS exhibit their work...

share their creativity with the world

ARTISTS understand the art world...

they go to museums, look at art, read about art and talk to fellow artists, they are part of the art community.

ARTISTS use their visual voice...

artists communicate their ideas, feelings, values, concerns, current events.

Through a massive painting, Picasso expressed being upset and critical of war attacking his country.

ARTISTS contribute to society...

projects like Empty Bowls where artists use their art to raise money for people facing hunger and murals that beautify cities and towns.

Which of these behaviors do you do as an artist?

Artists do more than make a pretty pictures!


*(Thanks Kari Schepker-Mueller for the inspiration for this mini-lesson.)

Summer ART

 How to be ARTSY this summer

It doesn't take a lot of planning or setup to be creative. You can put a little or a lot of effort into doing or creating something artistic.  Hopefully this list will inspire you and your family to get ARTSY this summer.

Go see art...places to see art in STL.

City Garden downtown

Laumeir Sculpture Garden-explore the hiking trails

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

St. Louis Art Museum--the new wing is my favorite!  

St. Louis Grafitti Wall

Get Messy--Art activities

Ask a grown up to help you with these next projects...or google the directions.

Make a mobile

Bust out the Sidewalk Chalk--try blending colors, using paint brushes and water to create a new look.

Make a book--fold, staple, draw, collage, write.

 Make it a pop-up book or accordian folded pages.

Draw, Draw, Draw

Act it out--write a play, design the costumes and scenery.  Perform for your family.

Make a card--write a note to a friend or relative that lives far away...get a stamp and mail it! Be sure they
know to write you back.

friendship bracelet--choose colorful string and beads 

make stop motion movie

Make a cut paper mosaic

en plein air in the park or your yard --paint or draw outdoors.

paint with Q tips

Make your lunch into ART

Try Painting with BUBBLES

or even SHAVING CREAM

Paint Kindness Rocks and place them where someone can find your inspirational message.

Read a book about art--books about an artist's life or an art how-to book.

FREE

Free art supplies everyone has in their home are recyclables. families can save these items in order to create over the summer.

• Shoe boxes
• Paper towel rolls
• Egg cartons
• Cereal boxes
• Toilet paper rolls
• Kleenex boxes
• Yogurt containers

Ask mom or dad...or a grown up about signing up for an art camp or workshop!

Michael's Craft Store
Yucando
Joann's 
COCA
Craft Alliance
Krueger Pottery

Have a fantastic summer...see you in August...don't forget to file away all these art experiences in your creativity bank account.