winter trees art study

In September when I began teaching two classes at our homeschooling co-op, I started to notice the  obvious lack of art lessons happening here at home. (Free time that I used to have to prep my kids' art lessons is now spent prepping for co-op classes.)  Never mind the fact that our children have the opportunity to take a real art class from a real artist at co-op. ;)

So, one of my resolutions has been to carve that time into our school day at least a few times a month.  This week we tackled a fun winter tree study, taken from one of my favorite online art teachers - Art Projects for Kids.

Here's the step by step.

Tape a border and start working on the trees.

Using scissors to cut the trunks makes the trees more interesting.

All done!

Paint with navy blue watercolor paint.

Don't forget to add salt to your artwork while the paint is still wet.  This adds a really interesting texture.  A lesson in reduction, if you want to take it that far.

Take a break while it drys and read from The Hobbit.  

Carefully peel off the tape and add detail with paint and a dry brush

Be really proud of your art work.  Start asking your mom when she's going to frame it.