Try This

Art is never confined to four walls. It is all around us wherever we look and wherever we go--and it can be created anywhere. Using everyday items found at home, these projects will help you unlock your creativity and explore the artistic process.

These examples are just a guide. Remember: artists are never afraid to color outside of the lines!

At the end of each lesson is an e-mail link for you to send us a picture of your masterpiece and comments. E-mail us and we may use your artwork on our website. And if you have a favorite project of your own, send it to us and we may add it to our try this @ home lessons.

l l l

lesson one: balloon prints

materials needed: one small balloon blown up to about the size of a small fist, paper plate, three colors of paint (red, yellow and blue work best), newspaper and white or colored construction paper

directions:

step one: Cover working surface area with newspapers.

step two: Pour three small blobs of each of the three colors onto the paper plate so they are close together, but not touching.

step three: Hold balloon in the palm of your hand and touch the balloon to the paint so all three colors are on the balloon.

step four: With a patting motion dab the balloon around your paper until most of the paint is off of the balloon.

step five: Continue the process again and note the colors mixing together.

step six: Be creative with your placement and technique.

step seven: Try different color combinations, too!

How did you do? Send us your comments and share with us what you created and maybe we'll put it up on our website.

l l l

lesson two: sunset city silhouettes

materials needed: 12”x18” yellow construction paper, orange paint, small piece of sponge, scissors, glue, 2 sheets of 9”x12” black construction paper, small scraps of various colors of construction paper (for the windows)

directions:

step one: Mix one tablespoon of orange tempera paint with two tablespoons of water in a small container.

step two: Dip the sponge in the orange paint.

step three: With the sponge, streak orange paint across the yellow paper and let dry.

step four: Cut building silhouettes from the black paper, varying the size and shapes.

step five: Glue building shapes along bottom edge of paper.

step six: Cut several “windows” from scraps of paper and glue onto the buildings.

step seven: Be creative and add to the rooftops and sky.

step eight: Sit back and admire your artwork! Can you think of other silhouettes to create? Remember, you are limited only by your imagination.

How did you do? Send us your comments and share with us what you created and maybe we'll put it up on our website.

l l l