In this photo the child drew what he thought was the object (left). The middle image is his attempt to draw the negative space, except he was not looking. (His brain was definitely in left hand mode). With a little time spent by me getting him to look from the middle of the object out and draw the space created in and around the object he succeeded (to his delight) See the right hand drawing; notice the direction the koru is going now, that was the correct way.
Indian ink and a wooden stick (kebab sticks) have become my best friend today. After pondering at great length on how to get these little cherubs to look carefully at the lines, shapes and detail of their drawing, I thought about indian ink. So I gave them detailed line drawings of insects to copy. To my delight the children looked carefully, drew with deliberate lines, added detail and came up with some fantastic images. (Yes! they can do it).
To top off the success I heard comments like, “ I never knew I could draw like this”. This is the best thing I have ever drawn”. “ Oh wow! The details are the same as the picture”.
Just for fun, we changed tack completely and did abstract painting. This was a first for these children.
I thinned some acrylic paint and put out four different colours in containers, each with a spoon. Then I added a variety (colours) of containers with liquid dye to choose from.
The process is simple (but messy). Using wet strength cartridge paper you dribble two colours of paint around the paper then spray them with a water spray bottle. Next you dribble a dye colour and turn the paper up and around to spread the mix. Using a straw to blow the mixture also adds strange effects.
The first effort was a disaster! The children put too many colours on at once and discovered the age old problem, too many colours turns to mud. After some discussion it was decided to restrict the palette to 3 colours and spread the paint out around the page instead of putting it all in the centre. Great problem solving.
Watching the children observe the colours blending and forming patterns was magic. We decided next week (when the painting are finally dry) we will draw insects over the paint with indian ink. This is a lovely way of transferring knowledge.
It was interesting to note, the two best drawers in the class found this activity very difficult and the non academic children excelled in making patterns not mud.
2 comments:
These look amazing! I look forward to seeing the finished product
The abstract art works the children accomplished from using upside-down drawing and blind drawing (left/right brain) were awesome. It's so interesting to see what results from observing shapes and lines and not concentrating on trying to make a perfect image. Well done for going there! I have had more "negative" than positive vibes from teachers usually about abstract art (other than my husband of course who encourages abstract art in class). It is such a freeing experience for the children especially those who think they "can't draw" and what I love is seeing the essence of the object captured in the sketch. I think it really does something for the self-esteem of the children to see a much looser more gratifying finished drawing. It's ok that its not perfect and you can create something without feeling a failure!! Great stuff, Janet!
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