Experimentation + 'Nature's Paint Brushes'

Completed works on display in the studio

The studio undergoes a transformation in week seven.  With more than enough completed art work to fill the studio walls, we carefully selected new pieces to hang.

Artists reflect upon the studio's new additions

Sharing ideas for the afternoon's activities

This week, the children stretch beyond their creative and artistic boundaries. Instead of painting with traditional paint brushes, the artists are challenged to find alternative modes of applying paint to paper.

Examples of 'Nature's paint brushes' and leaves for stamping

We discussed the possibilities of finding alternative paint brushes in nature.  Ideas included flowers, sticks, grasses, leaves, rocks, and the like. After a short brain-storming session the innovative creators ventured outside to see what they could find.

As always, curious surprises presented themselves along the way.

Examining Ganoderma applanatum shelf mushrooms,
one of the most common mushrooms in the world

Collecting artistic tools and inspiration

When it was time to return to the studio to begin painting one artist enthusiastically replied, 

"But I'm already painting!" 

One clever artist discovers a mushroom "canvas" 

Indeed she had discovered a Ganoderma applanatum conk with whitish pores that stain brown when bruised allowing for line drawing. 

Artists can etch upon fresh specimens creating the effect seen above.

Curious young explorers

Back at the studio, the artists get to work

Another experiment we conducted was the use of only one color of paint. Using black paint on white paper provided the artists a chance to focus on the medium's novel application rather than the mixing of colors.

In art, a mess is the surest sign of success!

They explored painting with their hands as well as the use of stencils.

Triangular stencils created interesting
lines and negative space

Hands were an example of "Nature's paint brushes"

Finishing touches

This composition takes on a new dimension

 with the controlled application of water

After the painting was over the children enjoyed a sweet treat then requested to spend the remaining class time collaging. Remembering past class activities the children decided to work together to construct boats for future adventures.

What does your tube sound like? The children
explore the varying effects of acoustic resonance

Constructing boats with glue and miscellaneous crafting items 

Applying glue with a stick - its a 'glue stick!'

Here are some of the completed paintings from the afternoon:

Finished painting with a hexagonal design feature created
through the use of a stencil

Leaf prints

Finished works hung in the studio to dry

The largest collaborative piece of the day

We loved our afternoon of exploring and
creating together

Join us next week for a new and exciting Art + Nature adventure!