by Anitra Redlfesen
I often get ideas just from looking at magazines. This idea actually came from a dish I saw and I fell in love with how simple this project can be.
Here is a photo of a dish I saw advertised in a magazine. It is the inspiration for this art lesson plan which is great for students of all ages.
What You Need:
- 15″ x 15″ piece of BFK Reeves printmaking paper (or any thick paper)
- pencil, ruler
- watercolors or acrylic inks
- brushes
- a nice 2″ mat (mat board or even paper)
What You Do:
Use a pencil for the marking and measuring.
Measure and mark a 1 1/2″ border all around the paper ~ this is to allow for matting of your artwork when done.
Make a grid using 2″ squares.
Without a ruler, put another square inside each of the 2″ squares, don’t make them exactly perfect, this will give the art a casual and free feel to go with the flowing watercolors/inks.
Using your watercolors or inks, paint each of the large and small squares.
It is OK to view the pencil marks in this work as it sort of adds to the personality of it.
Create a mat for your work, hang and enjoy!
About the Author:
Anitra Redlefsen, M.S., is a Teaching Artist who develops and delivers curriculum for students and teachers that integrates the visual arts with other academic subjects and that address the Ohio Academic Content Standards. Anitra is on the roster of the Ohio State-Based Collaborative Initiative (a program of the Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education Program), Young Audiences of Northeast Ohio, and she conducts workshops for museums, organizations and groups. She provides private lessons for students of all ages and abilities, specializing in working with those who are gifted or those who have special needs. Anitra does commission work, exhibits her work locally, and is a conference presenter. Anitra holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art and Communications, and a Masters of Science in Human Resource Development and Training.
