Elementary art blog

In an effort to display more elementary art projects, I started a side project called "I made purple."  My hope is it becomes a forum, available to my students -and their families - to view and comment on their artwork.  It will also be a place for kids to submit artwork for special digital exhibitions - but that's an idea not yet developed.  

I chose edublogs as my host server and am liking it so far.  I'm able to work on it during the day because it passes my school's tech blocks and securities.  Anyone out there have edublog tips they want to share?  I made a blogger account just in case I want a change.  

Hope you enjoy, and thank you for supporting school art programs,

sc

Lovely note

Gift from a second grader. She gave me specific directions: Wear the mask and look through the hole. Love it.

Good morning!

Not a good morning for the duck.

Chairlift morning

Chairlift: Bruises from jason miller on Vimeo.


mellow yellow,
sc

Goal

Source


Source

Kyle doesn't know this yet, but I'm already planning our next adventure:  Aurora Borealis Extravaganza in Sweden, Norway, and Finland.  Pack the parka!  Seriously, how amazing are these photos?  If the sky did that over DC I'd pee myself.  Click the source links to view more of the spectacular aurora.

sc

Wes Anderson trailer

Have you seen the trailer for the upcoming Wes Anderson movie, Moonrise Kingdom?  The colors, costumes, cinematography, and of course- Bill Murray represent Anderson's quirky style and make this film a must see in May.

I want the soundtrack in my hands now.

sc

Wednesday morning

Annie Liebovitz

Waiting in a long line for the free lecture by Annie.

Cozy

New book + sleepy doggy = cozy saturday

Bon Voyage!

My best friend Lauren travels to Singapore today!  They're stealing her for 3 months so she can do her graphic design magic.  They'll probably offer her a million dollars to stay there permanently but I'm sorry....they can't have her.  Safe travels Lauren!!  I'm excited to skype but even more excited to SEE you in April!

Dec. 2010, taken on the way to China

Have a great weekend everyone,

sc

Paint day

Aka. Wear old pants day.

Peacocks

I took this picture during a Cincinnati Zoo trip with my brother and sister-in-law.  Maria and I were surprised to find peacocks perched in the trees.  They probably preferred the tall branches to the crowded ground below.

sc

10 Essential Documentaries about Famous Artists

Check out the full list here.    I've seen two of the ten: "Exit through the gift shop" and "How to draw a bunny."  Both great films, so I'm eager to watch the others.  I will say the four hour film on Andy Warhol seems a little daunting.







Have a fantabulous weekend!

sc

Fireplace Drawings, part 3

All images made on 12x18" paper, with charcoal from our fireplace.  + yellow ochre watercolor paint.

sc

Fireplace Drawings, part 2

Charcoal storm, 18x12"

Charcoal walk, 18x12"

Yesterday I blogged about using homemade charcoal to create experimental drawings.  For today's series, I used smashed, blurred, and linear marks to evoke differing moods.  Charcoal walk is a little sleepy but I like placing it next to Charcoal storm.  


Off to school, busy day today!

sc

Fireplace drawings, part 1

We make a lot of fires in our fireplace.  I cleaned out the ashes a few days after one of our fires and noticed thick charcoal pieces leftover in the rubble.  Being the weirdo artist that I am, I grabbed paper and a handful of homemade charcoal, and played with the materials.  It kept me busy for a few hours.  I forgot how fun it was to experiment with art mediums.  I used water, a hammer, tissues for blending, plastic bags.....anything to create an interesting mark on the paper.  After I was "finished," I cut my designs into paper strips.  Why?  Because I felt like weaving!  Also, I felt the designs needed a certain 'distortion/destruction' (much like the fire the charcoal came from) and my plain flat paper was not doing the job. 

I have two more series of Fireplace drawings, so stay tuned.  Have a great Monday,

sc

Charcoal weaving, 18x12"

Charcoal weaving two, 9x12"

Saturday night

We went to Baltimore last night to check on our charming house and meet up with great friends.  The evening included a spontaneous party thrown by old neighbors, a late night dinner at our favorite restaurant Mezze, and after-party conversation with Jess and Kevin.  It felt good to get a dose of Baltimore's unpredictable powers.

In other news.  It was over 60 degrees yesterday.  What the what.  I'm loving it.

Have a great Sunday.

sc

Laundry day

sc

Friday (Fine) Art

Multiplicity at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  It's a must see if you love printmaking.  I've walked the gallery four times so far and still discover details and marks worth my attention.



I couldn't decide which image to post (I have so many favorites), so here's a sampling...

Banshee Pearls by Kiki Smith

Seven Day Diary (Not Knowing), Day Five by John Cage

 Savasan 10 by David Shapiro

Have a great weekend!

sc

Pattern

I found this painting I did back in the day while cleaning and got inspired to incorporate more pattern in my artwork. Yes, more.

13 oz or less

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you can mail just about anything via the usps blue box (the kind you find on the street corner), as long as it is under 13 oz, stamped correctly, and can fit in the little door.

Source: giverslog.com via Sheena on Pinterest

Giverslog dedicates a whole section in their blog on how to mail items such as bouncy balls, flip flops, silly putty, etc. in creative packages (brown boxes and envelopes used sparingly).

Source: giverslog.com via Sheena on Pinterest

Don't you want to get something fun in the mail now?  Thank you Giverslog for the wonderful ideas!

sc

May the odds be ever in your favor

I feel bad for you if you haven't read The Hunger Games. You have less than 100 days to read 1 of 3 books before the first movie premieres.  I only needed 6 days to read all three books if that tells you anything.

Free movie!

Source: nylonmag.com via Sheena on Pinterest

Je taime Amelie! If you haven't already guessed, I sometimes write in poor francais in an effort to connect with my french alter ego, Collette (8th grade french name).  I apologize for future grammatical errors using the french language - Collette has a mind of her own.

Here's a link to view one of the best french films ever, Amelie, for frees.

sc

New year, new projects

My goal for 2012 is to support local artists and collect original artwork from said artists. Project Dispatch allows me to do just that. It's a DC based, art-subscription service, providing original art from a pool of local/non-local artists. Subscription fees range from $25 -$75 a month and in return you receive a unique -and original- artwork delivered to your door. Pretty amazing.

Check out Project Dispatch to view their list of artists and see art by yours truly.

I hope you subscribe,

sc

What not to do with sparklers

The eyebrows and the iPhone were unharmed during this pic. Thank goodness.