The Latest @ Studio 4 Art

Workshops, not just for kids anymore. Welcome 3 months of Adult fun!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

Oil Painting Workshop

In our oil painting workshop, students will work on a painting for 3 hours, 2 consecutive Sunday's. We will demystify the techniques of oil painting, learning and practicing:

Underpainting
Glazing
Translating an image into a tone and value system
Composition
Layers

Taught by our own in house expert, Marilyn Burkholder Creamer. All materials provided. Come and experiment before you buy all of your supplies! A win, win.

Ages 9-Adult Sunday, January 15, 2012 12:30pm-3:30pm
Sunday, January 22, 2012 12:30pm-3:30pm $150

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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Machine Sewing Workshop

Have you ever looked at those colorful, fancy aprons and thought you would love one? Well, now you can make your own and learn the techniques to make more for friends and family.
Upon registration Studio 4 Art will let you know amount of fabric needed, once we understand what style you would like to create. All other supplies provided. Some sewing experience a plus, but not mandatory. Bring your own machine, or use one of ours. Taught by our own in-house sewing expert, Susan Poer.

Ages 11-Adult Friday, January 20, 2012 6:30pm-9:30pm $50

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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Large Hanging Globe Shaped Bird Feeder, Herb Planter or Vase Workshop

One of our favorite mediums at Studio 4 Art is clay. It is so versatile and fun, you begin to see the world as, "Hey, that would be awesome made from clay." This is one of those workshops. This shape is so beautiful that you will want to create one of each: a bird feeder, herbal pot and vase. For this workshop, you will have to choose just one.
Techniques learned in hollow form construction, 3 dimensional applications, relief carving, stamping and drawing onto the clay form. These are fairly large. Dimensions are approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.
All supplies included in this One day workshop, but you will come back and paint at your leisure on any of our dropin days, Monday through Saturday.

Ages 7-Adult Saturday, January 28, 2012 11:00am-12:30pm $40

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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February 2012

Decorative Glass Workshop

Decoupage Art; learn how to create decorative plates and bowls using glass and beautiful papers. Taught by our expert Ann Gerrard. Great idea for a Valentine's gift.

Ages 6-Adult Saturday, February 11, 2012 11:00am-12:30pm $35

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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Valentines Dream Pillow Workshop

A dream pillow is the perfect gift for anyone, family or friend. Hand sewing with wool felt, hearts will be designed by you, giving your dream pillow the look of handmade and arty. We will fill the pillow with lavender and other herbal combination's. Stitching and embroidery details will be shown. A great gift (but one you may want to keep). All materials included.

Ages 6-Adult Saturday, February 11, 2012 12:30pm-2:00pm $30

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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Acrylic Painting Workshop

In our acrylic painting workshop, students will work on a painting for 3 hours. We will demystify the techniques of oil painting. learning and practicing:

Underpainting
Glazing
Translating an image into a tone and value system
Composition
Layers

Taught by our own in house expert, Marilyn Burkholder Creamer. All materials provided. Come and experiment before you buy all of your supplies! A win, win.

Ages 8-Adult Sunday, February 19, 2012 12:30pm-3:30pm $75

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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March 2012

Mosaics Workshop

Learn about Substrates (things to create on), pique assiette (pottery, tiles and other clay items used to create design), adhesives, direct methods (application to make a mosaic) and grouting techniques. Students will create a 12"x12" Art Mosaic to take home. All supplies included.
The following Saturday will be when we learn about grouting and will grout our piece. This is optional as you may purchase supplies from the studio and complete at home also.

Ages 6-Adult Saturday, March 3, 2012 11:00am-1:00pm $35

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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Oil Painting Workshop

In our oil painting workshop, students will work on a painting for 3 hours, 2 consecutive Sunday's. We will demystify the techniques of oil painting, learning and practicing:

Underpainting
Glazing
Translating an image into a tone and value system
Composition
Layers

Taught by our own in house expert, Marilyn Burkholder Creamer. All materials provided. Come and experiment before you buy all of your supplies! A win, win.

Ages 8-Adult Sunday, March 11, 2012 12:30pm-3:30pm
Sunday, March 18, 2012 12:30pm-3:30pm $150

Space is limited. Minimum of 5/Maximum of 10. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

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Non-traditional Screen Printing on Fabric Workshop

Come and learn how to create your own graphic t-shirt. This is a beginner course where Studio 4 Art will introduce you to a non-traditional technique using recycled items. Our goal is to show you how fun this is and how you don't need expensive screens or fancy emulsions. We love bringing you new ways to create! Studio 4 Art will supply all materials, except the t-shirt(s). Once you have a design created, you will have the opportunity to create multiple items. Cotton works the best.

Ages 5-Adult Saturday, March 24, 2012 11:00pm-12:30pm

Space is limited. Call (415) 596-5546 or email studio4artmarin@gmail.com to preregister now!

Our First Student Art Show

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

Studio 4 Art is priviledged to work with many local school's offering After School Enrichment Art. We have just finished up our first 8 week course of the 2011-2012 school year and wanted to show off the student art that was created in our new addition, the Annex. We offered live music (compliments to the Magic Flute of Terra Linda for supplying!) and hors' deurves to set the mood for this special night. I love teaching these classes as the energy is always exciting and our usual full classes of 16 always offer a different experience every week! A special shout out too to our after school instructors: Marilyn Burkholder Creamer, Ann Gerard, and Susan Poer. And thank you also to the schools that welcome us in. This show was with 5 Novato California elementary schools; Hamilton Elementary, Pleasant Valley Elementary, Olive Elementary, Loma Verde Elementary and San Ramon!

With over 100 pieces of artwork, it was exciting to see the space come alive with color. The work looks amazing and the students have worked hard learning a lot of techniques while having fun and studying about Mr. Picasso.

Each session Studio 4 Art brings something new and exciting to students in our After School Enrichment programs. This session we studied and looked at Pablo Picasso, learning about his style, technique and what kind of art mediums he liked to experiment in. Students created a print using a foam plate while learning about Picasso's blue and rose period. They studied Picasso's cubist paintings looking at such work as "The Guitar Player". We took this idea and brought it to a new level of cubist painting. Beginning with acrylic painting (encompassing learning about composition and color mixing) student began their adventure with linear angled lines and then painted inside if this design. The next layer of this painting was to have the children fully explore the creative process by dividing their painting into pieces by cutting with scissors, to then put back together creating a completely different cubist type painting. We ended our session with clay and sculpture work. The emphasis in this exercise, continuing with Picasso, was how the artist loved to exaggerate features and figures, sometimes creating a more comic like piece and learning his reasoning for this exaggeration was in part due to perspective. The clay project is using clay that is a porcelain type clay and was fired in Studio 4 Art's kiln.

Studio 4 Art is very excited to have a space where we can let the students see their art work framed, hung and lit up. It gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment when their work is up for all to see. Looking forward to the next show in about 2 1/2 months.

How Studio 4 Art came to be... and a bit about me

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 03:00:00 +0000

It is amazing to me to think that I opened Studio 4 Art when my son was just 18 months old (he is now 4; and 3/4 as he will explain) because I had a vision of what I felt our children deserved and were not getting in any school. It has been a fast changing, ever thrilling ride so far. The doors of Studio 4 Art swung open in September 2008 with the power of one, myself. I was being mom to 3, teaching, marketing and learning the ropes of being a business woman, all because I believed in what Studio 4 Art could do for children. To look at the shop now, with our ever expanding group of 7 teachers, it is humbling to think that they work for Studio 4 Art. I don't know how so many awesome people have come our way, but I am thrilled, honored and extremely appreciative of each and every one of our instructors.

Now, on with the story of how I felt compelled to take this adventure on. Although Studio 4 Art is going into it's 4th year, I have been teaching for over 14 years. It all began 17 years ago when I attended Mill Valley Nursery School with my now 21 year old son. It was so inspiring to see the creatively through play and an open ended art curriculum. The children just thrived in this environment. As the years passed and my second child (now 18) attended this same school, I was beginning to realize it was not just the two of them that were growing, I too was gaining invaluable knowledge. Part of the requirement of this school was to teach once a week. So not only was I gaining information as a parent to my kids, but I was also "finding" myself in this environment. It wasn't long after this inspirational experience that I went back to school to begin getting credits for a teaching credential. For fun, as I was engaged in early childhood educational courses, I decided to take an art class. This is when the heavens opened, angels began to sing and my passion exploded.

Not soon after going back to college, I found myself a single mom. Trying to figure out what I wanted to do to support myself while going to school and my two kids, I decided to begin teaching after school programs in art. I started teaching at my own kids school in Mill Valley and I focused on painting, drawing, mosaics, paper making, sewing, printmaking and any combination of these. They were very successful and grew and I took on many more schools and joined efforts with the Mill Valley Recreational Department. I was jazzed every time I taught a class. It was so fulfilling to see the students create something from nothing. Something I was enlightened with back in my clothing design days at Kebby Kids.

So, the path of teacher had begun. I gained my degree and focused on art and child psychology as I thought that child psychology would be a knowledgeable base that would put me ahead. And boy has it come in handy over the years. My next adventure would be joining a new business called doodlebug. At the time it was a paint it yourself pottery studio. I was hired to be the education coordinator and put together a program that is still followed 10 years later. I was the teacher for 90% of the program and loved connecting with the students, but felt suppressed and challenged with the organization of the establishment. I had such strong visions of what I thought a learning environment should be for children that I needed to move on.

Eventually my path lead me to Studio 4 Art and the opening of a studio in San Rafael. This was short lived due to the sale of the building. But, it did give me a taste of the possibility and the desire of having a permanent brick and mortar studio.

Juggling my two older children and their many commitments in school, gymnastics and my own schooling, I continued Studio 4 Art, but took it on the road as Studio 4 Art on Wheels. I traveled all over Marin and even into Sonoma County teaching after school programs, home schooling groups and private classes. It was challenging, but I loved teaching art and felt that I could still teach while creating my own schedule around these other activities.

Time went on and this pattern continued, but something new and exciting was now in my life. A wonderful man, and surprisingly someone I had known for over 12 years. Sparks flew, love grew and in a short amount of time we decided to marry and have a baby. Now, call me crazy because I sometimes do too, because my two older kids were 14 and 17. But, it is the best gift I have been given yet. And with the strength and support of my now husband, I felt that it was time to grow Studio 4 Art into the vision that I had seen for years. My family is the greatest blessing of all, but I also feel so blessed to have a job that I absolutely love and find so extremely important in changing how our children are currently being taught in our schools. I feel that I have to stand up and not only be a voice for them, but to also give them a voice. The voice of choice in their creative exploration and the gained knowledge of the creative process that art teaches.

My path has been windy from being obligated to teach at a nursery school, to being enlightened by the creative learning process. From being employed as an educational coordinator for a different business, to then trying to open a Studio 4 Art in San Rafael. From being challenged and having to shut the doors to getting back on the horse to teach after school programs yet again. All leading me to the finale, the brick and mortar we now call home. Whew, I get dizzy trying to follow my own story. But, I do hope you find it entertaining and now have a better understanding of what you can do with a vision, passion, patience and determination. And my story is not over yet. I continue to have inspiration that I feel compelled to follow.and determination.

It takes a Village, Oil on Canvas, 4' x 4', Kebby McInroy

It's that Time of the Season, begin your Handmade Holiday Gifts now

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:23:00 +0000

Preregister for all workshops:
415.596.5546

Thursday November 10th &/OR
Friday November 11th
School is out, so take advantage of the time and get a start on
Handmade Holiday Gifts.
@ the Art Annex (behind Studio 4 Art)

Clay, painting, wheel throwing, and sewing will be available. Teachers will be their to guide workshops to create amazing handmade gifts for the holiday season.

10:00-12:00 $35 (ages 4-14)
10:00-3:00 $75 (ages 7-14) We will take a break for lunch and then after lunch we will continue a free choice in all and any art mediums we have, including oil painting!

10% discount for friends and family on the 10th and the 11th workshop schedule. Sorry, not available for the daily workshops.

Additional Workshops throughout November and December:
Saturdays
11:00-12:30
•November
5th ($40) Gingerbread house; Create a house made from clay that will last a life time. Many of our families have come to this workshop for years and are now creating villages. Beginning with slab construction, then adding clay that is molded to look like candy, ending with a finished piece that is sure to dazzle. Studio 4 Art teachers will be there for you every step of the way for any guidance needed. Great for a family gift too.
12th ($20) Card Making; Card Making; Studio 4 Art has many handmade papers, fabric, sewing machines, block printing supplies, printmaking and stamps. From these teachers at Studio 4 Art will assist in any way needed for you to create a set of holiday cards. The end product will be something that is so fabulous it should be framed. (each student receives 6 cards to create)
19th ($30) Clay Ornaments; Clay Ornaments; It is amazing what you can create with a pound of clay. Creating with raw clay, adding 3-D details, using Studio 4 Art's clay tools and all kinds of cut outs, you will have many handmade gifts for the upcoming season. Studio 4 Art will also have glaze that will be applied in the same session.
*This workshop is excellent for even young kids to enjoy!
**Families are welcome to work together. Extra clay available at additional cost ($8).
•December
3rd ($40) Gingerbread house; for those that couldn’t make it on Nov. 5th, or for those that had so much fun they want to make another!
10th ($35) Decoupage Art; Learn how to create decorative plates and ornaments using glass and beautiful papers. This workshop is new to Studio 4 Art. You will be amazed at what you can do with this simple step. Once you have it mastered, you will be sure to continue creating at home.
17th ($35) Mosaics Mosaics are great for gift giving. Choose between frames, mirrors, flower pots or stepping stones. Studio 4 Art has amazing pottery and treasures to incorporate into your mosaic art. Teachers will explain how to create mosaics in hopes of inspiring you to create more at home.
**Please let us know which surface you would like to mosaic when registering.

FREE “How To” workshops Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30
Fundraising ideas Wednesday November 9th; S4A has lots of ideas and will share. But, we also want you to come and brainstorm about what has worked and what brought lots of $$!

Beginning Oil Painting; Wednesday December 7th. This is a “how to” in hopes of getting your creativity flowing to paint your own work of art. This is educationally packed with information from supply lists to brush techniques so make sure to bring a notebook.

Space is limited and preregistration is a must to enable Studio 4 Art staff to have everything set up and ready for the fun.

Classes from Clay to Sewing

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Studio 4 Art is looking forward to having our Fall classes begin. Classes are very versatile and begin from the age of 20 months through teens. Officially our classes begin September 12th. However, they are designed to be ongoing and because of our teaching style, you may begin at any time.

In our programs for toddlers we introduce them to a wide variety of art materials, and much of it is child initiated. Stations are set up so that those short attention spans can naturally explore with curiosity.age 4

For our teens, we love to get their minds intrigued with the understanding of art and art materials. Studio 4 Art's instructors will challenge your teen to become engaged and excited about their learning with drawing, cartooning, painting (oil and acrylic), ceramics (wheel throwing and sculpting), mixed media, encaustics (very ancient technique painting with bees wax and pigment) and sewing (hand and machine).Teen Portfolio Class

Studio 4 Art is also available to help create a portfolio for kids that are wanting to get into private art schools, whether it is High School or College.

We obviously have many classes that range in between our toddler and teens. Studio 4 Art teaches on a very individual basis and we get a sense of where each child is, then create a curriculum that will scaffold their learning.

Each day a student comes to class, they will leave with exciting hands on information about art and how to use art materials. Our favorite part of each class, when a student leaves and is bubbling with information that they can't wait to share with their family.

20% off of ALL Fall Classes

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:58:00 +0000

Studio 4 art is excited to offer 20% off on all of our in studio fall classes when commenting on our Facebook home page. If you are not currently following, now would be a great time!! Our Facebook page is updated constantly with discounts, new offers, special workshops, and when our Annual free art day is held.

It is easy to receive your 20% off. Please just follow this link and comment on Studio 4 Art's page and you have completed all that is needed. Hope everyone had a great summer. We got to see a lot of returning families and met a lot of new families too!! Sincere appreciation to everyone for their continued support.

Clay all the way Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 19:11:00 +0000

Hand-building, sculpture, and wheel-throwing explored. Artists learned how to create pinch pot's into a musical instrument. How to drape clay to create a human bust. Discussing what makes an object 2D and what makes it 3D and then creating a plaque using both. Discovering how to use slabs of clay to create utilitarian dinnerware. Different projects were introduced and discussed everyday. This hands on camp was very busy and the art that was created was beyond what we would think a 4 year old or even a 14 year old could create! Kids are amazing!!

Our next two Clay all the Way camps will be July 25 and August 29th. The projects you see here will be completely different in both of the future camps. Every day is an opportunity to create something different. Still a few spaces left in the 10:00 and the 3:00 camps. Call 415-596-5546 to sign up and friends or siblings receive 10% discount.

Lovin' Dad's

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Our kids love their Dad's. I don't know about you, but my son and his dad have had the strongest bond, showing itself at birth. It is so special to me. I thought that having a boy would mean I got another chance at having "a mama's boy". Already having two children that showed they were their independent selves at a young age, I was excited to have a son that showed his adoration for me by snuggling and crying out my name to come and get him in the morning. Hey, after all, I had agreed to be mom again after 14 years in between kids, and was now looking forward to having a child that thought I could kiss his boo boo's away. Oh well, what I got instead was an amazing little man that looked at his daddy with those adoring eyes that always seemed to say more than words ever can.

To show your appreciation for the bond that your children have for their father, we have many ideas at Studio 4 Art. First off, here is a video (not the smoothest, as I shot it after coffee) that shows some of the bisque ware we offer at the studio. Photo frames, coffee mugs and cookie jars (full of homemade cookies of course) are always a hit. If you want to give something a bit more personal we also have ideas like mosaics for either a herb pot or frame, acrylic paintings, a robot silkscreen print, or maybe a wheel thrown trivet to put his car keys in when he gets home. Do you have a creative project that you have been wanting to do? Come see us and we will get you started and be there for you every step of the way.

Mom's- Sharing the Love

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Wed, 04 May 2011 20:25:00 +0000

Mother's day is Sunday and I have been pondering this a bit. I have three children ranging in age from 21 to 4. I am thankful that I have experienced raising children as a young mom. It has given me a different perspective on raising my youngest son and remembering to slow down enough to absorb, observe and relish small moments in his life. As mothers day approaches I have been thinking about the gifts I have received over the past 2 decades. Although I can't remember all of the beautiful gifts, I do remember the ones that my kids have put thoughtful creativity into. Some of my favorites are hand prints, letters written on how I have inspired them and of course their artwork. All of these capture the precious sense of time, love and uniqueness.

Flowers are always a hit as a way to say I love you. I thought that this week I would inspire our students to create flowers that would last a lifetime. Here are just a few of the beauties that were painted.

Sewing Classes and Camps @ Studio 4 Art

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 22:15:00 +0000

Sewing! As a seamstress myself, I have always marveled at looking at a large piece of fabric, then destructing that fabric to reconstruct it into a beautiful piece of ware. All students (especially our boys that get the okay to know that it is cool to sew) have the same astonished marvel that they created something from nothing.

Sewing Classes begin at the age of 4 with sewing by hand with wool felt and continue on through teens with embroidery, pattern design, following pattern directions, understanding how to use a sewing machine, and even creating your own fabric using printing methods. Classes are taught by our fabulous teacher Susan Poer. Her love of fabric and sewing outshines even mine.

Summer Sewing! This summer we are offering 2 full weeks of sewing camp. Each day introducing a new project and technique. Children are encouraged to bring in their own machine to become comfortable using it at home. Small camps ensure great instruction.
Jul 5 – 8, 2011 4 day camp is $180 a.m./ $120 p.m. 10:00-1:00 or 3:00-5:00
Aug 1 – 5, 2011 5 day camp is $225 a.m./ $150 p.m. 10:00-1:00 or 3:00-5:00

Where: Studio 4 Art ()

Description: This is for children 6+. Fabric design, screen printing, pattern making, hand sewing and machine sewing will be included.

A glimpse of what a child will learn at Studio 4 Art

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 17:24:00 +0000

When looking at the following curriculum, you may wonder if a child as young as 5 is capable of such lessons. We believe at Studio 4 Art that they are. When a child is given proper instruction, excellent tools, wonderful supplies and small class sizes, they will create work that you never knew was possible. Most importantly, the child walks away with a new understanding of art and a self confidence that will travel with him/her for the rest of their life.

8 Week Drawing Curriculum

Lesson 1: Discover line; dark, light, thin, thick, wavy, hatching, cross hatching.
Beginning discussion on high lights, shadows, and value.

Lesson 2: White charcoal drawing on 8.5x11” colored paper (focus on value,
contrast, and composition)

Lesson 3: India Ink drawing 8.5x11“ white paper. Through discussion of landscape and layering, foreground, middle-ground and background will be discovered.

Lesson 4: Colored pencil drawing on 9 x 11” gray (black or white) sandpaper. Floral, still-life.

Week 5: Self-portrait on 11x14“ paper. Discuss proportion, measuring and shapes.

Lesson 6: Charcoal drawing on 18 x 24” white paper (rendering with
focus on value, form, contrast, and texture). Create drawings from photographs.

Week 7: Still life using refl ective objects. Discussion of light
and shadow, line quality, transparency, opacity, translucency, refl ection, and refraction.

Lesson 8: Distortion or foreshortening using pencil. 11x14" paper.
Focus on composition, emphasis, form, and proportion.

April 11-15 Spring Break Fine Art Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:32:00 +0000

Animals, Animals, Animals Week
If you love animals, this will be your favorite camp. Clay, sewing, printmaking, painting, drawing and cartooning are just some of the ways we will explore our favorite fuzzy creatures.
Philosophy: At studio 4 Art we believe the creativity that comes from art is vital to a child’s growth. Through a combination of focused curriculum (projects to learn terminology and technique) with a free choice time, allowing children to practice skills and learn about the creative process. Free choice entails drawing, painting, mosaics, printmaking, sewing, wheel-throwing, and ceramics.

•Preregistration required.
you may register over the phone. (415_596_5546)
•Drop-in available when space permits,
(Please call 24 hours in advance)
•Low ratio of 5 campers per instructor
•Ages 4-14
•Age appropriate projects for each group
•10% discount on friends or siblings
•Cost includes all supplies

Times:

Morning
10:00-1:00
Cost: $55 daily, $225 weekly

extended care available until 3:00 @
$12 an hour & includes all supplies.

February and March DIY Workshops

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Pre-registration required.
• February2 (Wed), February 5 (Saturday)- Cupcake box with cupcake stand $35
Time: Wednesday 6:00-8:00/ Saturday 10:00-12:00
Ages: 6-Adult

Pinch pots, templates and molds will be used to create a Valentines gift that will create a smile. Cupcake box can be used for jewelery or any treasure. Cupcake stand can be used for your cupcake box or for edible, yummy cupcakes.

• February 9 (Wed), March 16 (Wed)- Poetic Mosaic stepping stones or Mirrors $40
Time: 6:00-8:00
Ages: 7-Adult
Incorporate language with your mosaic. Studio 4 Art will share how to create poems, inspirational words, or names onto tiles or glass to work into your design. Directions and supplies for grouting will be taken home. You are welcome to come back and use our studio for this step.

• February12 (Sat), March 23 (Wed) - Card Making (set of 3) handmade paper, cloth and sewing $15
Time: Wednesday 6:00-8:00/ Saturday 10:00-12:00
Ages: 7-Adult
Hand-sewing, Bringing your own machine or use one of ours. Fabric, wool, handmade paper will be used to sew a card that is sure to be framed for it’s beauty and uniqueness. For birthdays, Valentines day, Easter or just because.

• February 16 (Wed), March 19 (Sat)- Printing-making on wet clay
Time: Wednesday 6:00-8:00/ Saturday 10:00-12:00
Ages: 8-Adult
Learn about printmaking on clay, stamping with underglaze inks, draping, slumping and slab rolling. Create platters, mugs, vases, plates or bowls. Clay will be fired in our kiln with a high temperature clay that is as strong as china clay.
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SOUP!- The Bowls that Keeps Feeding March 13, 11:00-2:00,
Event Address: 1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato, CA 94949

Studio 4 Art and What’s Cooking with Kids teams up in support for Homeword Bound of Marin.
Soup - The Bowl That Keeps Feeding is a fundraiser to feed local children in need of a warm meal. It is an event that allows children to become involved in their community through food and art. The children make the food, create the art, and share them both with our guests.

How does it work? You contribute a small donation, choose a hand-thrown bowl, and we fill it with savory soup.
You leave with a full belly, a piece of art and a warm heart knowing that your donation helped to feed a child.

• Every Wednesday Evening until February 23rd- Making bowls for SOUP! FREE.
Time: Wednesday 5:300-8:00
Come and have fun while throwing, molding, draping or coiling bowls for our charity event. All Ages

• Every day from March 2nd-March 10th- Glaze and decorate bowls for SOUP! FREE.
All Ages

The Last of 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:45:00 +0000

The month of December made everyone smile at Studio 4 Art. The studio was bustling with workshops, drop-in's, classes, camps and people looking for art supplies, craft kits and gift certificates for stocking stuffers. Busy and fun by all!

This student was thrilled when she was finally old enough to learn the machine. There is nothing stopping her now!

Learning to sew from a pattern is just as important as learning to create your own pattern. Once you understand how a pattern is created, creating your own opens a new creative door!

This older sister was thrilled to show her little sister how the potter's wheel works. She was so patient and made sure to share the step-by-step "how to's."

I am so excited when businesses of downtown Novato use our facility. This beautiful bowl was created by the owner of DayDreams. She put so much love and whimsy into this popcorn bowl made for her husband. It doesn't show it so well in this photo, but it is a BIG bowl. Thanks for coming in!

This was one of the last camps of 2010. Studio 4 Art hosts camps every school break. In Marin, that is almost every month (as a mom, I can't believe how many breaks there are and how difficult it is to juggle the time off). The linoleum blocks (above) that the campers carved turned out so fantastic. I really wanted to keep them all to print on bags, shirts and cards. Unfortunately, they liked them just as much and took them home.

Our next week is in February for Ski Week. I would personally rather be in our studio creating than freezing on the slopes :)

Our last workshop of 2010 was a mosaic planter. These girls were using plates, bowls and tea cup chinaware that had been donated to the studio. Whenever we have fellow artists donate their unwanted materials, it opens our doors to beautiful work.

What a year we have had. SO excited, thrilled, surprised and astonished at how our studio has grown. And just think, we continue to grow and to add more. In 2011 we are adding oil painting and encaustic painting, to our venue and TONS of DIY workshops for all ages!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 21:20:00 +0000

December brought many families to the studio to create. These are just a sampling of the inspiring work. After our final Holiday Art Camp, ending this Thursday, I will post many more photos of kids at art play. Still some daily openings for camp too. Hope you and your family had a splendid Holiday!

This 3 year old had a vision, and here is her execution.

Gingerbread house galore. These are 3 of about 20 that were built this year through workshops, and drop-in's. Everyone very different, yay!

This mosaic is incredible. Creative and a very appropriate design for this month :) We had kids, adults and grandparents coming in this season to create one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. There isn't anything more thoughtful than the gift of handmade.

This large bowl was designed by a grad student to assist her thesis paper. Slabbed clay, then used a mold to drape over.

Holiday Handmade Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Holiday DIY Workshops! Pre-registration required @ 415.596.5546
*Price is per project, so families may all work on one project for the same cost.

• November 10- Large Platters for Holiday Meals, plates, mugs and bowls $40
Time: 6:00-8:00
Ages: 12-Adult
Learn about silk screening on clay, stamping with underglaze inks, draping, slumping and slab rolling. All items will be fired in our kiln with a high temperature clay (creating a very strong piece). Price includes 3 lbs of clay, firing and glaze. For an additional cost ($7 lb for clay), you may make as many as you would like. Items must be finished in time allotted.
• November 13- Gingerbread Houses made from Clay $40
Time: 10:00-12:00
Ages: 5-Adult
Create a gingerbread house that will last a life time. This workshop has become a tradition of Studio 4 Art. Fun to work on one as a family! Gingerbread houses will be red in our kiln. You will come back at your
convenience to paint with glaze at no additional charge.
• November 17- Sewing/ Stockings $25
Time: 6:00-8:00
Ages: 8-Adult
Bring your own machine or use one of ours. Sew a stocking and create a family heirloom. Cost does not include fabric. We do have many items to embellish your stocking with such as beads, multiple colors of felt, buttons and sequins.
• November 20- Clay Ornaments $20
Time: 10:00-12:00
Ages: 2-Adult
Studio 4 Art has so many tools to create unique and beautiful holiday ornaments. You may use this workshop to also make handprint's, footprint's and even dog prints. Cost includes 2 lbs of clay, firing, and glazes. Additional clay available for $7 lb. Items must be finished in time allotted.
• December 1- Clay Jewelery/treasure/wish boxes $25
Time: 6:00-8:00
Ages: 8-Adult
Using all of our stamps, texture tools, letter cutouts and learning technique. Create a personalized gift that can be used for many different reasons.
• December 11- Mosaic Flower Pots $25
Time: 10:00-12:00
Ages: 5-Adult
Broken china, tiles and handmade items will be incorporated onto a fl ower pot. Feel free to bring in your own broken china and trinkets to add.

ART CLASS..schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:55:00 +0000

Toddlers, Preschool, drawing, cartooning, painting, pottery, all art and sewing for all ages!

Toddler class:
20 months-3 years
M-F 10:00-10:40
Limited to 8 children.

Four stations set up every class period. We begin our class with a short story. Following with a choice of:
Project created based off of story read (with guidance from instructor)
Painting
Clay sculpting
Drawing/cutting/gluing stations.

Child with assistant (mom, dad or helper) a must for this class.

Preschool
Ages 3-5
M-F 11:00-12:00
Class organized with the same set-up as toddler class. The difference is a more guided, instructed and drop-off class. Please know that in all classes we welcome parents to stay. However, you have the option of running errands or going for a cup of coffee.
Limited to 6 children.

Drawing
Pre-K/K drawing
M 1:30-2:30
Ages 5-6
M 2:30-3:30
Ages 5-9
M 3:45-5:00
Ages 10-14
M 4:00-5:30
Working from nature, still-life, photographs and independent ideas, students will be introduced to specific drawing fundamentals and techniques including line drawing, value, shape, pattern, texture, shading, perspective and composition. Mediums that are introduced are graphite, ink, charcoal, chalk pastel, oil pastel, graphic markers, conté crayons, colored pencil's, ink pencils and water pencil. Personal style is celebrated and age appropriate activities will be executed.

Cartooning: From single panel, 3 or 4 panel comic strips to comic books, to character building, cartoonists will begin to understand how to create a cartoon. Classes focus on expression, shadow, stance/body language, perspective and dialog balloons. Students also explore how to create movement themes, sequence and examine the importance of exaggeration.

HomeSchool
T 1:00-3:00
All Ages
Homeschooling class is taught on an individual basis. Learning technique, and terminology with room for exploration, diversity and individuality. Home schooled children are open to any medium and we teach to home classroom philosophies. An initial consultation is necessary to incorporate individual families desires and teaching methods.

Home school students decide which medium they would like to create in every class day. Clay (wheel throwing, sculpture and handbuilding), sewing (machine and hand), drawing, painting (acrylic and encaustic), mosaics, and recycled art are available. Student initiated, with instructor's there to brainstorm, engage, and assist when needed.

Studio 4 Art also partners with Pathways Charter School.

Painting
Ages 5-9
T 3:45-5:00
Ages 10-15
T 4:00-5:30
Incorporating drawing fundamentals, students will add color mixing, layering, studies from art history and independent ideas into their curriculum. Mediums explored are watercolors, inks, tempera, acrylic and encaustic. Realism and abstract will be introduced. Personal style is celebrated and honored.

Classes for ages 10+ will be introduced to oil painting.

Clay
Ages 3-5
W 1:30-2:30
Ages 6-10
W 2:30-3:30
Ages 8-14
W 4:00-5:30
Clay Hand building
Hand building techniques will be explored in classes using pinch pots, solid build up projects, coiling, slab construction, slumping and draping methods. All items will be created with cone 5 clay, fired in our kiln and then hand decorated with underglazes and fired to final maturity.

Wheel Throwing
Wheel Throwing on the potters wheel begins with learning to center clay, pull up walls, shaping and the final detail of trimming a foot. Items will be thrown from cone 5 clay that will be enhanced with hand decorated details using glazes, underglazes and textured techniques.

Classes for ages 8-14 will be keeping a journal of ideas to combine hand building and wheel throwing methods to create items that are larger, sculpture-like works of art.

All Art
Ages 5-9
Th 1:30-3:00
Ages 5-9
Th 3:15-4:45
Ages 10-15
Th 4:00-5:30
All Art is a class for all ages to learn in all mediums that we offer at the studio. Students will gain knowledge in clay (hand building and wheel-throwing), painting (acrylic, water paints and inks), drawing (pencil, charcoal, inks, oil pastels, chalk pastels, and conté pencils), mosaics, and sewing.

Ages 10-15 will work with the same mediums, with bigger flair. More technique will be involved and larger works of art created, incorporating all art mediums.

Hand Sewing
Ages 3-5
F 1:30-2:30
Ages 3-5
F 2:30-3:30
Hand sewing using felt to create monsters, dolls, robots, pillows, doll clothes, holiday items or anything each independent mind brings. Classes will focus on backstitch, over sewing, blanket and running stitches. Creating your own pattern will be taught.

Machine Sewing
Ages 5-9
F 3:30-4:30
Ages 10-14
F 3:30-5:30

Hand sewing will be continued; description above.

Machine Sewing
Explore machine sewing creating aprons, pillows, fleece hats, skirts, animals, creatures, pj pants, quilts, hot pads, tote bags, repurposed clothing and applique techniques. Additional fabric may be needed when making PJ pants, yoga pants, tote bags, lunch bags, placemats, napkins etc.

July @ Studio 4 Art

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:11:00 +0000

Above photo is of last months clay sculptures I had told you about, from our first summer camp. This is the project where campers were given 5 circles and used their own imagination and design to create a scaled down version of a full size sculpture. I would love to have seen ALL of them at least 5 feet tall, in the heart of San Francisco (or Novato). They were all so amazing and thought provoking!

Eat a Still-life camp week was very filling. Each day a new technique accompanied a new treat. Not all were sweets, we did incorporate some fruit too. Painting, clay sculptures, soft sculptures (sewing), utilitarian clay work (dessert plates), drawing and digital photography were explored.

This piece continues to impress and amaze me. Acrylic painting, viewing a still-life created in our All About Paint camp. This painting was from a 10 year old, with impeccable patients. GREAT observational skills! This week empowered kids to learn about color mixing, how to use the color wheel, use shadow and highlights for 3-dimension, how to use a brush appropriately and effectively, scale, composition, perspective and observational skills.

Drop-in sessions and classes are continuing throughout the summer. Drop-in hours are 10:00-5:00 Monday through Friday and Saturday 10:00-12:00. Classes can be seen on our websites calendar. Look for future classes and extended hours in September. With a *BYOM* (Bring Your Own Materials) option that lowers the cost of every class to just $10 an hour!! The above are examples of some work created this month. The above right is from our clay class. We have 5 on display in our front window as a hanging herb garden, still get lots of wonderful comments on them. This one has a bit of a twist, a lid. Can't get over those eyebrows!

The chubby bird was created for a father's birthday. I want to know what this little guy is thinking. He has a, "Um, I have something I need to tell you," expression.

As the studio continues to grow, we continue to reach out into our community. Part of Studio 4 Art has been Studio 4 Art on Wheels (in operation for 12 years). This is a camp that I led at Marinwood Recreational Department. It was for ages 5-8. They learned about self-portraiture, screenprinting, relief printing, clay sculptures, color theory, composition, and the creative process!

Studio 4 Art will be at Marinwood Recreational Department this fall too! Look for us on Fridays. Studio 4 Art will also be at Marin Primary, Olive Elementary, and Hamilton. If you would like your school to become enriched with an After School Art Enrichment Program, please contact us. We are also now following the California state guidelines for art education, which helps to replace some of the art education that is being taken out of our school systems.

Thanks for reading through! I never think I have a lot to share, until I set down to compile photos. Future will be shorter posts for easier absorption!

June @ Studio 4 Art

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:12:00 +0000

Studio 4 Art is always excited to be a part of the community. We are always looking for other ways to be involved with kids, art and creativity. Recently, Studio 4 Art has contributed by assisting with sculpture garden art and school fundraising projects. Having a booth at the farmer's market, Whole Foods Mom's, Babies and Kids Event, and Novato's Art, Wine and Music Event. We have also just signed on with the Marinwood Recreation Department to bring a week of summer camp and an after-school art program to their site. Then there are our traditional activities of on-going art classes, drop-in's and the beginning of our all summer art camps. Whew, that's a lot and we love every part of it! I truly feel blessed to share my passion for art and the importance I feel creativity is to every child's development. If you have a school or business that is looking for creative projects, workshops or classes, please give us a call. Studio 4 Art has many ideas, we love to brainstorm and we have 11 years of experience to work from.

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Hill Middle School's Garden Tile Project

The students walked from their school in three different groups. Their science teacher, Nicole Calmels, had an idea to contribute tiles to the garden she and the kids had been working on. When she came into the studio, she thought that they would paint on bisque (ready to paint) tiles. She had no idea that the kids could create a tile from wet clay that they would carve, sculpt and paint. She was excited to find out they they would be more involved with the creative process this way.

They turned out FABULOUS. Nicole did a great job of having the kids prepared when they came in, with a sketch of what they wanted their finished project to be. Such a treat to work with middle school kids. They came in with little experience working with clay, stayed extremely focused, and ended with a tile that they were proud of (that was the best part)!
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LuSutton Elementary School's Fundraising Project
This was a very creative fundraising project idea. All children created a face on one side with a nature theme on the other. All 23 would be stacked together, creating a garden sculpture where every student had a part. When I get a picture of the finished project, I will share. The individual sculptures were so creative, I can only imagine what the finished piece looked like. So glad Studio 4 Art was available to help execute these beauties!
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Novato's Art, Wine and Music Event (on June 12th and 13th)

The festival was on the first warm weekend we have had this year. Studio 4 Art's booth had an art project that was titled Make-and-Takes. Every tile was made that day was taken home that day. Perfect for father's day!

We also had wheel demonstrations to show the town how fun throwing is. Shown here is my son, who, every time I sat down to do a demo, would say, "No, I want to throw." I do think he impressed many bystanders, as many explained to me, that they had tried many times and had not achieved success. Studio 4 Art has tricks to show anyone, of any age, how to make bowls, plates, mugs, vases and other round things!
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Art Classes, On-going through Summer for ages 2-14
These are two students that have been coming to the studio all year. They are sharing a windchime made from clay they created. Their class, in particular, is the use of all art mediums. All summer we will continue to bring you our art classes for children 2-14 that specialize in drawing, painting, clay and sewing.
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Art Camp, Sharing our first week of incredible activities and talented artists

The creative process is so important to Studio 4 Art. We don't usually give students a project that has a step-by-step process. Instead, we give information that is needed to create a successful work of art, but don't show any outcomes. And we don't have any student work that will look like the student's sitting next to them. The project that you are looking at above is a great example.

As a group we talked about sculptures. What they mean, where we may have seen them, the materials used to create them, how big a sculpture may be, etc. After this group discussion, the students were given 5 circles of clay. They were about 4" round and about 1/4" thick. They were given the liberty to do whatever they wanted with them to create their own sculpture. When they come out of the kiln I will share the results. They were incredible. Another day where the kids blew me away with their creative ideas and ways of executing them. Looking at the picture above, you would not know that this process began with 5 circles!

Portraits are popular. Everyone loves a face. These campers painted these with the use of the primary colors, with the addition of white and black. This picture captures the ages, styles and pride of these individuals. SO COOL! How could you not smile everytime you use these canvas bags?!

Studio 4 Art loves when people and companies donate to us. This recycled, repurposed art project is made from wood samples. The criteria was to paint pictures that expressed who you are. This was Studio 4 Art's first time with this project and it was so successful that you will be seeing it again, as we have about a thousand more tiles :¬)

The #1 thing that kids want to learn when they first arive to the studio, is the wheel. You can see by how focused these boys are, and the two anticipating others, that it is fun! I think this week, most campers went home with at least 3 wheel thrown pieces. In addition to the fun that they have when creating these bowls, plates and mugs, is that Studio 4 Art uses a clay body that is dishwasher safe, food safe, microwave safe and oven safe. Don't try this with the old style of paint it yourself pottery pieces or other low fire clay bodies, because they will crack, chip and craze.

Just sharing a shot of the studio in action. Always a lot of different activities happening! Drop-in anytime this summer between 10:00 and 5:00 for "drop-in session".

Summer Camps begin June 14th

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:17:00 +0000

YEAH, SUMMER TIME!!

For some, school is out today, but for most of our schools in Marin, June 11th is the day we celebrate summer time! Studio 4 Art is always available for drop-in's now, and throughout the summer, from 10:00-5:00. So come and have some creative fun!

Our favorite part of the summer is sharing our passion in creativity. Studio 4 Art, with the help of enthusiastic children, create an amazing array of art every summer day in our fine art camps. Studio 4 Art camps are overwhelmingly supported and so we decided to add a new afternoon camp this year. Same projects, guidance, education and room for experimentation. The difference is that the "free choice" time is a bit shorter.

Details about Fine Art Camps:

Ages: 4-15 (Morning and Afternoon)
Age appropriate activities, qualified instructors for each age group.

Times: 10:30am-1:30 pm
Cost: $45 daily, $195 weekly
NEW, Afternoon camps: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Cost: $30 daily, $130 weekly

Techniques learned in drawing, painting, cartooning, clay, wheel-throwing, sculpture, sewing, mosaics, screen-printing, mono printing, recycled art, and relief printing. Although themed camps may not focus on all of these mediums at once, each day consists of "free choice", time for your child to choose from any and all of the above.

Upcoming Themed Camps

June 14th

• Creative Chaos - Dabble in all art mediums, learning how mixed media can be so fun!

June 21st

• Eat a Still-life - Paint, draw, sculpt and then eat!

June 28th

• For the Sake of Paint - Everything you wanted to know about paint!

July 5th

• Clay is for Play - Each day will be a new project made from clay.

July 12th

• Animals, Animals, We Love Animals - Sculpt, draw and paint.

July 19th

• Multiple Mosaics - Creating handmade tiles, letters and figurines, to design flowerpots, mirrors, frames and sculptures.

July 26th

• The Power of Giving - Create gifts and choose one to donate

August 2nd

• The Life of an Artist -Study of styles and influences in art history

August 9th

• Palette of Projects - Paper Making, Papier Mache, Mask Making

August 16th

• Op-N-Poppin’ Art -learn screen printing, patterns, repetition, color theory.

News!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 20:13:00 +0000

Discounts and Events @ Studio 4 Art

Portraits, Pre-school, Paint and Cookie Cutters...What do these have in common?

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:06:00 +0000

The common link between portraits, preschoolers, paint and cookie cutters are that they can all be used to create a very fun image using different shapes to ignite a child's imagination. Preschool children are also at the age where they are distinguishing faces and shapes already, so this project builds on those interests.

What you will need:
Small cookie cutters (shapes that your child may already be interested in are fun, such as stars, circles, butterfly's, etc.)
Larger cookie cutters for face and body
Canvas board
Acrylic paint (red, yellow, blue, white)
Brushes
Bucket of water (this is more for storing brushes when not in use, as the acrylic paint will damage brushes if it begins to dry. Add a few drops of soap in your bucket for easy clean-up. If you have an older child 4+, then begin showing them how to take care of a brush by rinsing and drying it on a rag before painting again.)

1)Begin by asking your child what color they would like their background to be. Depending on what they request, depends on what colors you will put on their pallet first. We used only primary colors of red, yellow and blue with the addition of white, so that color mixing is experienced also.

You can limit your child's pallet also, so that the colors don't mix all together, creating that lovely color....brown. Begin with just yellow, blue and white paint. Then have another pallet that you can switch out, of red, yellow and white. Then combine the two pallets to see other colors that can be created.

Remember your child is painting the entire surface, the background. This may take awhile, let your child "discover" where the white of the canvas may be showing through. Then cover those areas with the background color.

2) Begin with the head shape. Mix a new color and begin painting inside of the cookie cutter shape. Hold the cookie cutter in place while your child is painting, as his/her coordination is probably still being fine tuned.

3) Follow with other features on the face. Use questions that get your child to think of features and placement. Choose different shapes for each feature. In the studio some of our kids even chose to different shapes for each eye! Personal choice shows personality. Always my favorite part of all of our projects!

When complete, celebrate!

For any of our projects, please post any pictures of your work! Would love to see them!!

Thinking of Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:38:00 +0000

As it continues to rain here in the bay area, I can't help but think of spring. It is sure to be colorful! However, I am tired of the constant dark caused by our clouds and for that reason I have this lesson designed to think about the beauty that lies ahead.

What you will need:
pencil/eraser
black sharpie
canvas board or watercolor paper
watercolors (please use an artist grade, not something that is designed for children. I find these very week in pigment which causes a week and watery color. Not very rewarding for a child.)
flowers (a great reason to treat yourself too!)

1) Have your child first sketch the still-life with a pencil. Try using a light pressure so that the pencil is light. Talk about scale, using the full page for the "focal point", the flowers. Look at the shape of each petal, the thickness of the stem, the shape of the leaves, etc. Children can add texture as well. Maybe the vane lines on the leaves and petals, any design they see on the table or vase. Depending on the child's age, depends on what details will follow. Picture above was created by a 6 year old.

2) After sketching you can have your child trace the lines with a sharpie. If they are under 5, you may want to assist in this step. Children under 5 are still working on their eye-hand coordination that enables them to trace right on top of a line. In the studio we practice this step beginning at the age of 3, after all, practice is how skill is achieved.

3) When all lines are traced with the sharpie, it is time to paint! What is great about using the sharpie to outline your image, children don't necessarily have to stay inside the lines. However they apply the paint, it is sure to be colorful and fun. If children are 4+ they can mix the paint to achieve the color's they are seeing in their still-life. There should be a table incorporated into the painting to create weight, so the flowers don't look like they are floating. This creates a foreground. The background and foreground color is personal choice. Color is a true view of personality, celebrate it.

4) Hang this colorful painting, to remind you that spring is just around the corner!

Studio4Art in February

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Studio4Art has been busy during the month of February. So many projects, parties and schools participating, I wanted to share. Take a peek and I hope that at least one ensues a visit to create your own work of art.
The was a celebration held at the studio for Valentines Day. A group reserved the space for a private party and we studied a still-life of tulips. Work was drawn and painted on a 8x10x3/4 canvas. For many, it was their first time drawing from a still-life and learning to "see", paying attention to line and shape.

This is a group from Olive Elementary. Many of these students have now been with Studio4Art for over 2 years. The progress of detail, line work, eye-hand coordination, and pure joy of achievement, makes me so delighted. Shown here are some of the 1st graders. All of the kids love to work on the floor, so I let them. The multipurpose room is scattered with pictures, materials and kids. Would love to try to get an aerial view sometime, it is very cute. These sketches will soon be painted and put into School Fuel's Art Smart Showcase 2010.

A lot of birthday parties. This was a group of 4-5 year old children. It was a large group and this one mask is just a sample of how whimsical and fun they ALL turned out. For the first time they were introduced to coils, draping, painting and portraiture. Wouldn't this mask make you smile hanging on your wall?!

This is Marin Primary and Middle School in Larkspur. Studio4Art has been with this school for a few years and the popularity continues to grow. It is a small school with a great art program, so, I am thrilled and honored that they ask us to come every year. Here the students are learning about contour line, texture and shape through observation. The kids range in age from 4-11 years of age, all work wonderfully together and create their own unique interpretation.

Our Homeschooling classes are on Tuesday and Friday. This is from Studio4Art's longest studying student. He has followed me around many different venue's, even when Studio4Art was Studio4Art on Wheels going to schools (which we still provide), private homes, parks and different recreation centers. He is now 13, I first had him when he was 4!! Love seeing him on a weekly basis, watching him grow technically, physically and creatively.

This ends our February tour with the camp that is currently happening. The theme of the week is "Eating a Still life". Here students studied pears, getting acquainted with them. Initially sketching and then using clay to create a hollow form, 3D piece of fruit. This is just a warm up for the teachers at Studio4Art. We need to ramp up our endurance for Spring Camps, followed by All Summer Art Camp with a morning AND afternoon session this year!!!

Valentines Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Studio 4 Art) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:43:00 +0000

Create a last minute, unique, colorful and fun project for Valentines Day. Instead of painting on paper or canvas try a painting on glass from a picture frame or acrylic. Either in a window or on the wall, the transparency creates interesting shadows, depth, brush strokes and color. If you are feeling really daring, you can even paint directly on to a window (see special instructions below).

Materials Needed:
Paintbrushes
Pencil
Black Marker
Tempera Paint (when painting directly onto window)
Acrylic Paint (when painting on glass or acrylic)
Water
Liquid dish soap (for window application)
Masking tape
Drawing paper

1) Sketch a design or drawing on paper. A simple design works best, leaving large areas for different colors.

2) Trace pencil lines with a black marker. Tape your sketch on the outside of your glass, acrylic or window with design facing in.

3) If you are painting on glass or acrylic, begin painting with acrylic paint.

4) When painting directly on a window, you will want to add a bit of dish soap to your tempera paint. The mixed paint should be runny like syrup. The soap aids in clean-up later. Wash off with soap and water.

Happy Valentines Day!