+copy.jpg)
Posts
Below is the shot straight out of my crummy point and shoot camera.
I ran the photo through photoshop and applied some Pioneer Woman's actions.
1) Fresh and Colorful
2) Sharpen
3) Burn Edges
Then I cropped out that suburban parked in the street.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Student Art Part 5: Setting Up An Art Show
It's exhausting. It's exhilarating. But oh so rewarding.
The days are long, but the thrill of viewing so much art is indescribable.
Set up begins with students selecting two pieces of their best work. This usually includes one 2-D (flat) and one 3-D (multi dimensional) piece of work.
The pieces are cohesively arranged and attached with removable blue sticky tac to long black vinyl banners.
The vinyl banners hang from thick wood curtain dowels purchased Home Depot.
Wooden pedestals of various heights display 3-D objects and vases of flowers.
and Masks hung by finishing nails along wood strips.
Here is the school Gymnasium before the show...
Here is the school gymnasium after the Art Gallery is set up....
This is my story of how we install the student art show, with a sprinkling of artwork and links to the lesson plans they were based upon.
Every Spring, our school gymnasium is transformed into a temporary Student Art Gallery.
 |
| 3rd Grade. Lesson: About Face. |
The days are long, but the thrill of viewing so much art is indescribable.
 |
| 5th grade. Lesson: Chagall, Dreamlike Painting. |
The Gallery serves to display over 700 works of art created by students from lessons written and taught exclusively by parent volunteers during the year.
 |
| 3rd Grade. Lesson: Wild Wires |
 |
| 1st Grade. Lesson: Van Gogh Sunflowers |
The 2-D artwork is grouped by grade and subject.
The pieces are cohesively arranged and attached with removable blue sticky tac to long black vinyl banners.
The vinyl banners hang from thick wood curtain dowels purchased Home Depot. A ball finial and black spray paint give the dowels a completed professional finish.
The dowels hang from clips and chains attached to various gym fixtures such as the basketball hoops and window hardware.
No holes are ever drilled into the walls of the gym during installation.
Dad's help make tough decisions, and climb ladders.
Children entertain themselves on the floor.
In the center of the gym, hinged hollow core doors on rolling wheels provide additional display surfaces for 2-D art.
The doors are rolled away during the day when the gym is used for P.E. classes.
Wooden pedestals of various heights display 3-D objects and vases of flowers.
These pedestals were built by a skilled dad who volunteered his time and materials.
The hallways are transformed by the display of clay pieces in cabinets,
and Masks hung by finishing nails along wood strips.
Next to each group of art, a description is posted.
Every piece of art is clearly labeled with a title, student name, and grade.
A hand painted a banner welcomes visitors and directs them to the gallery.
Greeting cards are made with photographs of student work and sold at the entrance to the Gallery. Proceeds help offset the cost of art materials used throughout the year.
Here is the school Gymnasium before the show...
Here is the school gymnasium after the Art Gallery is set up....
The center rock circle encloses a display of student Sand Art – influenced by traditional Tibetan sand paintings.
After a long day, installation is complete. It feels great.
The Gallery is ready and will be opened to the public for 3 days.
To learn more about the Parent directed Art Program at Duniway, click on these links:
Saturday, May 16, 2009
A New Look!
Yes, you are in the right place. This is my new blog design. It's been in the works for some time now. It represents a collaborative effort between myself and the talented Shannon Dow over at EightCrazy Design. Enjoy Your Visit!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
3 Cups of Tea.
By Greg Mortensen
Non Fiction is my favorite kind of book. Non Fiction inspires me. I love to read how others cope with adversity and challenge. I always hope that when things are down in my own life, I'll remember the stories I've read and feel better. Truth is, I usually don't remember them when I need to. But I still hope that one day I will.
This book is excellent and opened my eyes to life in Pakistan & Afghanastan.
From the Jacket
"The inspiring account of one man's campaign to build schools in the most dangerous, remote, and anti-American reaches of Asia
In 1993 Greg Mortenson was the exhausted survivor of a failed attempt to ascend K2, an American climbing bum wandering emaciated and lost through Pakistan's Karakoram Himalaya. After he was taken in and nursed back to health by the people of an impoverished Pakistani village, Mortenson promised to return one day and build them a school. From that rash, earnest promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time—Greg Mortenson's one-man mission to counteract extremism by building schools, especially for girls, throughout the breeding ground of the Taliban."
Non Fiction is my favorite kind of book. Non Fiction inspires me. I love to read how others cope with adversity and challenge. I always hope that when things are down in my own life, I'll remember the stories I've read and feel better. Truth is, I usually don't remember them when I need to. But I still hope that one day I will.
This book is excellent and opened my eyes to life in Pakistan & Afghanastan.
From the Jacket
"The inspiring account of one man's campaign to build schools in the most dangerous, remote, and anti-American reaches of Asia
In 1993 Greg Mortenson was the exhausted survivor of a failed attempt to ascend K2, an American climbing bum wandering emaciated and lost through Pakistan's Karakoram Himalaya. After he was taken in and nursed back to health by the people of an impoverished Pakistani village, Mortenson promised to return one day and build them a school. From that rash, earnest promise grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time—Greg Mortenson's one-man mission to counteract extremism by building schools, especially for girls, throughout the breeding ground of the Taliban."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Watch that Doggie Door!
Could you imagine coming home from work to find this tiny creature napping with your dog on the couch?
This happened in Maryland recently. The owner came home to find the visitor had followed the beagle right through the doggy door and made himself at home. This hit the 6:00 news big time.
My mom sent this picture to us. My son's first response was, "did they get to keep the deer?"
This happened in Maryland recently. The owner came home to find the visitor had followed the beagle right through the doggy door and made himself at home. This hit the 6:00 news big time.
My mom sent this picture to us. My son's first response was, "did they get to keep the deer?"
Monday, May 11, 2009
Glass Pendants, Flowers, and a Winner!
The lucky winner of a glass pendant is
Her favorite flower is the Dahlia.
But which one?
Is it this one?
The choices can be overwhelming! They are ALL so wonderful.
georgeinLG, contact me with your mailing information and this handmade glass pendant will be yours!
Dahlias are easy to grow and make great summer cut flowers. You will be rewarded for your efforts for many years to come. In case you need some growing tips, here is a helpful link: How To Grow Dahlias
Coincidenally, I live within 20 miles of the world's largest grower of Dahlias: Swan Island Dahlias. You can order their bulbs online, but good luck choosing which ones to buy. I've spent hours walking their fields trying to make a choice.
Thanks for the wonderful comments left on my blog. I love all the flowers mentioned. I have grown several of them from time to time (even a venus flytrap). Wisteria is something I haven't tried yet, but I have a new trellis in my yard crying out to be covered in flowery vines. Maybe I'll plant a Wisteria this spring!
georgeinLG
Her favorite flower is the Dahlia.
But which one?
Is it this one?
The choices can be overwhelming! They are ALL so wonderful.
georgeinLG, contact me with your mailing information and this handmade glass pendant will be yours!
Dahlias are easy to grow and make great summer cut flowers. You will be rewarded for your efforts for many years to come. In case you need some growing tips, here is a helpful link: How To Grow Dahlias
Coincidenally, I live within 20 miles of the world's largest grower of Dahlias: Swan Island Dahlias. You can order their bulbs online, but good luck choosing which ones to buy. I've spent hours walking their fields trying to make a choice.
Thanks for the wonderful comments left on my blog. I love all the flowers mentioned. I have grown several of them from time to time (even a venus flytrap). Wisteria is something I haven't tried yet, but I have a new trellis in my yard crying out to be covered in flowery vines. Maybe I'll plant a Wisteria this spring!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Magic Seven
In the world of typefaces, there are literally thousands to choose from. In fact, the choices are so many it can be overwhelming.
When choosing type to use for successful computer screen display, the choices get somewhat easier. There are only 7 that universally work well. In other words, only 7 that are guaranteed to display correctly on everyone's computer.
Arial
courier
georgia
lucida grande
times
trebuchet
verdana
I'll be showing how you can use different font combinations successfully in the future so stay tuned.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
You deserve something special, so read on...
First let me tell you a secret...something really exciting is happening behind the scenes of my blog. I can't tell you what it is just yet, but this newly designed bug is a hint.
That's not why I'm writing though.
I'm teaching another glass pendant class so guess what? IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER PENDANT GIVE AWAY!
This time, the pendant will be one of my choosing (guaranteed to be lovely) and will be revealed on Monday.
Enter your answer to this question in the comment box below:
What is your favorite Flower?
The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, and announced Monday morning. So if you enter, be sure to check back to see if you're the lucky one. In the meantime have a wonderful Mother's day with someone who adores you!
First let me tell you a secret...something really exciting is happening behind the scenes of my blog. I can't tell you what it is just yet, but this newly designed bug is a hint.
That's not why I'm writing though.
I'm teaching another glass pendant class so guess what? IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER PENDANT GIVE AWAY!
This time, the pendant will be one of my choosing (guaranteed to be lovely) and will be revealed on Monday.
Enter your answer to this question in the comment box below:
What is your favorite Flower?
The winner will be randomly selected on Sunday, and announced Monday morning. So if you enter, be sure to check back to see if you're the lucky one. In the meantime have a wonderful Mother's day with someone who adores you!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Student Art Part 4: History of our program
The Art Program at Duniway Elementary School is unique since it is completely run by parent volunteers.
The program began nearly 20 years ago when due to budget cuts, funding for art programs and teachers were cut from Portland Public Schools. A group of concerned parents developed a program that would be taught, funded and run by parent volunteers. Currently, over 70 classes are being taught by more than 170 volunteers.
10 years ago, as a new parent to the Duniway Community, I could see all the beautiful art that was being created by the students but not seen by the community at large. I did some initial sketches of how a temporary Art Gallery could be installed in the School Gym.
The first official Art Gallery at Duniway opened it's doors to the public 1999. It has since become a highly anticipated tradition and showcases more than 700 pieces of 2-D and 3-D art pieces.
To read the complete history of the Duniway Art Program:
Duniway Elementary Website
The Flowers in the post were created by 4th grade students. They are based on a lesson about Georgia O'Keefe. To view the lesson Click here
Christine Claringbold, a past Duniway parent, wrote an excellent article on how to start your own art program at your school. To read more Click here
The program began nearly 20 years ago when due to budget cuts, funding for art programs and teachers were cut from Portland Public Schools. A group of concerned parents developed a program that would be taught, funded and run by parent volunteers. Currently, over 70 classes are being taught by more than 170 volunteers.
10 years ago, as a new parent to the Duniway Community, I could see all the beautiful art that was being created by the students but not seen by the community at large. I did some initial sketches of how a temporary Art Gallery could be installed in the School Gym.
The first official Art Gallery at Duniway opened it's doors to the public 1999. It has since become a highly anticipated tradition and showcases more than 700 pieces of 2-D and 3-D art pieces.
To read the complete history of the Duniway Art Program:
Duniway Elementary Website
The Flowers in the post were created by 4th grade students. They are based on a lesson about Georgia O'Keefe. To view the lesson Click here
Christine Claringbold, a past Duniway parent, wrote an excellent article on how to start your own art program at your school. To read more Click here
Thursday, April 30, 2009
To brighten your day..
Painted by a 1st grade student and based on a lesson about the sunflowers of Vincent VanGogh.
Hope you have a nice day.
It's rainy and 52 degrees where I am.
Hope you have a nice day.
It's rainy and 52 degrees where I am.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Student Art Part 3: Announcing the Show
One of my favorite tasks as a Volunteer for the Art Committee, is to design and install a bulletin board that announces the upcoming Art and Music Show.
Since a bulletin board is quite large, it can be overwhelming to design. There is so much space to fill. I do a smaller mock up version in in my computer first. It's easier to see if all the elements are working together. If not, it's quick to rearrange on a smaller scale.
The software I use when designing bulletin boards is Adobe Illustrator. I set a new file size at the exact dimensions of the bulletin board. As I work, I can zoom in and out on my computer screen so the size is not overwhelming. When it comes time to install the bulletin board at the school, I can refer back to my computer for accurate measurements of where to place things.
Here is the actual bulletin board after it was installed.
A trick I use to replicate my original design is to print it out portions of it using the "tile" option (found in the print dialogue box). Since the bulletin board is too large to print in it's entirety, I print only small sections (such as the lettering). I build the rest of the board using large sheets of colored butcher paper cut to the size I need.
Once the lettering is printed, all I have to do is cut it out with scissors and staple it to the bulletin board.
I used the "tile" option to print the musical notes and treble clef. An exacto knife on a self healing blue mat was used to cut out the images.
I always add a little "zing" to my bulletin boards by giving a couple elements some glitter. In this case, it would be to the musical imagery. I apply a thin coat of glue with a detail brush.
Then sprinkle ultra fine black glitter on top. Shake off the extra, then let it dry.
Voila! Another bulletin board is born.
Since a bulletin board is quite large, it can be overwhelming to design. There is so much space to fill. I do a smaller mock up version in in my computer first. It's easier to see if all the elements are working together. If not, it's quick to rearrange on a smaller scale.
The software I use when designing bulletin boards is Adobe Illustrator. I set a new file size at the exact dimensions of the bulletin board. As I work, I can zoom in and out on my computer screen so the size is not overwhelming. When it comes time to install the bulletin board at the school, I can refer back to my computer for accurate measurements of where to place things.
Here is the actual bulletin board after it was installed.
A trick I use to replicate my original design is to print it out portions of it using the "tile" option (found in the print dialogue box). Since the bulletin board is too large to print in it's entirety, I print only small sections (such as the lettering). I build the rest of the board using large sheets of colored butcher paper cut to the size I need.
Once the lettering is printed, all I have to do is cut it out with scissors and staple it to the bulletin board.
I used the "tile" option to print the musical notes and treble clef. An exacto knife on a self healing blue mat was used to cut out the images.
I always add a little "zing" to my bulletin boards by giving a couple elements some glitter. In this case, it would be to the musical imagery. I apply a thin coat of glue with a detail brush.
Then sprinkle ultra fine black glitter on top. Shake off the extra, then let it dry.
Voila! Another bulletin board is born.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Student Art Part 2: Designing the Poster
I'm a volunteer on the Art Committee at our local Elementary School.
We are getting ready for the Annual Student Art Exhibit.
Of all the tasks I do to prepare for the show, designing the poster is one of my favorites.
After a student illustration is selected to be used for advertising the Art Show (see previous post), the next step is to turn the artwork into a poster by adding informational text and words prior to going to print.
The first step is to scan the original artwork for importing into a graphics program. I like to take my images to be scanned at Kinko's Copies. They made a high resolution scan and saved it as a jpeg file. It cost $10.00.
I imported the jpeg file into an Adobe Illustrator file with page size set to 11x17 inches. I chose 11x17" because most photocopy shops can inexpensively reproduce posters at an 11x17" size, which is what I needed. If you choose to go larger, it will cost more money but will be visually stronger in the community. You'll have to decide what is more important to you: Smaller size, less impact, less expensive versus Larger size, more impact, more expensive.
The illustration was larger than 11x17", so I cropped off the bottom. I allowed plenty of space at the top for a headline.
I tried different type styles for the headline and landed on one that had a handmade appearance - which was in keeping with the look of student artwork.
The typeface I chose came from a free font website called da font
The name of the typeface is: "Got Heroin."
I experiemented with typeface colors.
I tinkered with the font size, and added a brush stroke below that served as background for the show dates.
Once the headline was in place, I added some small detail copy giving credit to the artist and other information the viewer might need.
The poster design is now completed and ready to go to print. I save it as a PDF file, and load it onto a disk.
I took the completed poster to local print shop called Rhino Digital. They printed a quantity of 30 posters and gave me a discount on the pricing.
Sometimes local suppliers are happy to work with you on the cost if you ask them. I always make sure to give them lots of free publicity and referrals when they contribute in this way. Word of mouth is what keeps the small shops in business. When I do have a print job that pays in the future, I will remember these small shops and give them my business. I never take their generosity for granted and I try to spread their name as much as possible.
I took one poster to be framed at a local shop called Chrismans Picture Frame and Gallery
Chrismans is the oldest frame shop in Portland and they do a fabulous job.
After the Show, the poster will hang in the main hall stairwell at the school, along with all the posters from previous years.
Links:
Chrismans Picture Frame and Gallery
Rhino Digital
da font
We are getting ready for the Annual Student Art Exhibit.
Of all the tasks I do to prepare for the show, designing the poster is one of my favorites.
After a student illustration is selected to be used for advertising the Art Show (see previous post), the next step is to turn the artwork into a poster by adding informational text and words prior to going to print.
The first step is to scan the original artwork for importing into a graphics program. I like to take my images to be scanned at Kinko's Copies. They made a high resolution scan and saved it as a jpeg file. It cost $10.00.
I imported the jpeg file into an Adobe Illustrator file with page size set to 11x17 inches. I chose 11x17" because most photocopy shops can inexpensively reproduce posters at an 11x17" size, which is what I needed. If you choose to go larger, it will cost more money but will be visually stronger in the community. You'll have to decide what is more important to you: Smaller size, less impact, less expensive versus Larger size, more impact, more expensive.
The illustration was larger than 11x17", so I cropped off the bottom. I allowed plenty of space at the top for a headline.
I tried different type styles for the headline and landed on one that had a handmade appearance - which was in keeping with the look of student artwork.
The typeface I chose came from a free font website called da font
The name of the typeface is: "Got Heroin."
I experiemented with typeface colors.
I tinkered with the font size, and added a brush stroke below that served as background for the show dates.
Once the headline was in place, I added some small detail copy giving credit to the artist and other information the viewer might need.
The poster design is now completed and ready to go to print. I save it as a PDF file, and load it onto a disk.
I took the completed poster to local print shop called Rhino Digital. They printed a quantity of 30 posters and gave me a discount on the pricing.
Sometimes local suppliers are happy to work with you on the cost if you ask them. I always make sure to give them lots of free publicity and referrals when they contribute in this way. Word of mouth is what keeps the small shops in business. When I do have a print job that pays in the future, I will remember these small shops and give them my business. I never take their generosity for granted and I try to spread their name as much as possible.
I took one poster to be framed at a local shop called Chrismans Picture Frame and Gallery
Chrismans is the oldest frame shop in Portland and they do a fabulous job.
After the Show, the poster will hang in the main hall stairwell at the school, along with all the posters from previous years.
Links:
Chrismans Picture Frame and Gallery
Rhino Digital
da font
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
