Sargent Paint Sticks

I have talked about the Sargent Paint Sticks in the past, but someone was recently asking me about them...so I thought I'd share again.  There are several brands out there that work "relatively" the same.  However, I have found the quality and price of the Sargent version to be better.  Now the neon and metallic paint sticks do not produce as solid/vibrant color (None of the other brands that have neon/metallic paint sticks are any better!).  They are wonderful for young artists & abstract art work.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Support

There are so many things within art that I'd love to do. I've been fortunate enough to try my hand at a large variety of media and skills over the years. However, it would be unrealistic for me to do ALL THE THINGS!  If I investing all my time and attention into attempting everything...I'd hardly develop anything.  Finding my passion and investing myself into that is going to provide better yield.  I can admire, value, and benefit from other artists' work.  I can encourage and support those creating in different ways than myself.  We have the ability to cheer on others in the arts as they create, fail, succeed, and pursue our heart's passion.  As we support one another, the art community grows stronger.....and we are all better for it. 

If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Romans 12:7-8

We were never meant to do "ALL THE THINGS" on our own. God has given us unique talents, skills, and callings that will fulfill his plans and purposes.  We must not only do our part, but support those around us so they can do theirs.  We often rank such things in levels of importance.  However, this is wrong thinking.  Introvert/Extrovert, on stage/behind the scenes, preachers/cleaning crew....God's unique design for each of us displays an amazing puzzle where each piece has its place in creating the whole picture.  If one piece were missing the picture would be incomplete. 

Are you living out who you are?

Are their things that you need to lay aside so you can invest yourself into those things that are most important?

How can you support those around you to be the best they can be?  

Still time to sign up...

The 6th Annual Art With Mr.E Summer Workshop is coming in just a few weeks, but there is still time to sign up. Please let me know ASAP. Small group (Under 20) meeting up at Cumberland University in Lebanon, TN for 3 days of arty art teacher goodness!!!

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Reflect

 Art is most often a reflection of the one creating it.  You may see the artist using their favorite color(s), a theme or subject matter that is important to them, geographic indicators within the work, a particular or unique style, a preference of materials they enjoy using, or even the size of their work.  Even if an artist creates work that is photorealistic, this identifies a value or skill that can be connected to that given artist.  We can even see different periods in an artist's life be reflected in what and how they have created ( Picasso's Blue & Rose periods!). There are times that a commission may warrant an artist lay aside their personal aesthetic as to fulfill a client's wishes.  However, when they create their own personal work.... it will once again reflect who they are. 

As water reflects the face,

 so one’s life reflects the heart.

Proverbs 27:19

If someone followed you around at home, at work, and at play.....what would they see?  Does who you say you are, what you say you value, and the priorities you espouse get reflected in your everyday life? None of us are perfect.  We are inconsistent at times.  We have bad days.  However, could someone look at your life and see what is most important to you?  

Those of us who have a personal relationship with the Lord should reflect that truth in and through every aspect of our life.  I am loved.  I am forgiven.  I am a child of God.  I am not alone.  I am a new creation.  I am created for a purpose.  I am accepted.  I am empowered.  AND SO MUCH MORE!  

If these things are true...shouldn't our lives reflect that?  

What is keeping you from experiencing this?

Sometimes it doesn’t work out...

I have a lot of big and crazy ideas.  Some of my big collaborative projects I've done...I've never seen other people do.  I'm not a toolsie person...so that causes me to be creative in figuring out solutions.  Most of the time...they work out.  MOST OF THE TIME, but not all of the time.  

I was trying to squeak in one last big collaborative project by the end of the year.  It was a giant dragon made of fabric.  I was going to place it out in the front of the school the last two days.  The kids decorated the scales, painted parts of the dragon, and helped put it together.  I got to school at 6 am on the last full day of school to put it up before anyone got there.  I tried one way.  I tried another way.  I tried yet another way.  NOTHING WAS WORKING.  The ground was two hard for my stakes.  The fabric was too heavy for the line and sagged.  The weight eventually snapped the line.  I was so frustrated.  I was so sad.  All this work, time, and money....FOR NOTHING!!!

Was it for nothing though.  I quickly snapped out of it.  I realized this was an opportunity for me to show the students that the process is as important as the product.  I needed to be able to share with them that sometimes no matter the planning...work...and heart...sometimes things don't work out.  AND THAT IS OK!  We learn from our mistakes and are able to be more informed for our next project. The mistakes made on this might allow us to make different choices for the next.  The students I spoke with about the failed dragon project seemed to "get it".  Plus...so many said...WE HAD FUN MAKING IT! 

I won't stop dreaming big...but I'll take some trouble shooting questions/thoughts into the next project! 

 

Story Time: Lesson Learned

It was the end of my second year of teaching, and my dad had been diagnosed with cancer just a couple days before.  He told me to wait and come up after I had a day or two of rest.  He said he'd still be there in the hospital... so there was no rush. I left early in the morning a couple days after the end of the school year to make the almost nine hour drive home to Ohio.  I arrived two hours too late.  He had passed away unexpectedly.  Though they had given him six months to a year...he died 4 days after being diagnosed. Twenty two years later...this is ever present on my heart and mind.  Not because of guilt, but because I know we are not promised tomorrow here on this earth.  We need to treasure EVERY DAY, love TODAY, help TODAY, make a difference TODAY.....because tomorrow may be too late.  

It has been a rough year.  If you are a teacher...I know it has been a struggle. My hope is that you will use this summer to recharge & reflect on life.  There has been so much good in the midst of the struggle.  There always is if we take a moment to look. 

Be a blessing.  Speak life.  Lend a hand. Love. 

The first picture is my dad with me as a baby. 

The send was at my sister's wedding. 

I know he looks kind of serious...but he was hysterical & a total goof ball!!

ART PROMPTS FOR SUMMER

 

Summer is almost here (or is here in some districts!).  Need some art ideas to keep you creative the whole summer long?  Here ya go.  These are the art prompts I created in the spring during the pandemic...but thought they might be a great thing to get you through the summer!  

There are plenty of prompt lists out there if these do not meet your needs/interests.  Just Google Art Prompts for Kids. 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Room

Is it on trend? Are they using the latest greatest supplies? Is it tackling contemporary issues? Does it push the boundaries of what we've seen before? Does it speak to all the social and political issues?  

Art is BIG!!  Sometimes people try to control what art is by trying to make it fit in a box.  That's art.  That's not art.  That's good art. That's not good art.  That person is an artist. That person is not an artist.  Is there not enough room in our world for people to create and not have to "fit" into a certain mold?   People create because it is within them to do so.  It connects them with their past. It helps process the present.  It gives them hope for the future.  Maybe they just want to make something pretty for their home.  Maybe they want to address issues they wrestle with.  Maybe they use craft paint from Wal-Mart. Maybe they use expensive "professional" grade paint from a fancy art store.  We should encourage everyone to create / make.  Art's worth can not be put into a box. There is room outside of the box for so much more.  

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Often when we think about those who "serve" the Lord...we list people/jobs like pastor, youth leader, missionary, bible study leader, choir/praise team director, or children's minister. We tend to have a narrow view of what it means to serve the Lord. We put serving God in a box.   Serving the Lord is volunteering to help clean up after an event.  Serving the Lord is rounding up supplies to give to the pregnancy help center or food pantry.  Serving the Lord is helping your neighbor with their yard.  Serving the Lord is working at fast food restaurant and doing your very best to honor God.  Serving the Lord is telling that mom in the store with the screaming baby...she is a great mom and doing her very best.  There is room for all kinds of service that will honor and bring glory to God.  He has gifted each of us in such unique ways.  Lets embrace who we are and serve God with all that we are. 

What do you see as one of the things God has gifted you to serve him with?  

End of the Year Activity: Marker Check

 ALL HANDS ON DECK!! 

The last week or so of school can be kind of crazy with celebrations, field days, and other activities that require us to be FLEXIBLE!! Have students help prepare your classroom for summer/start of next school year is a great way to have students stay active & take ownership!!! A major help is checking markers!  I have 16 tables in my room and a box of markers for each.  For me to check them all would take a long time....but a class makes short work of it (and they really enjoy doing it!!).  I give the students our "mat" papers we've used for Sharpies over the year and have them make a quarter size circle on it with the marker (coloring it in of coarse).  I show them what a good marker & dry marker look like before I let them get started.  I set out new markers and have them make sure the boxes are restocked with all the colors. This takes 10 min. or less when you have everyone working.  Then...you can move on to another task!  

End of Year Activity

 I'm seeing my classes for the last time this school year.  

SO WHAT DO YOU DO ON THE LAST DAY?

I have my students help me get ready for the next school year! I really dislike a boring blank hallway.  So I have my students make turtles (my thing!) that I glue together and have cascading down outside of my classroom.  I use color themes in my room.  This past year I used purple, red, and blue. Next year I'm using yellow, blue, and green.    All my bulletin boards, displays, and chair footies ( https://www.artwithmre.com/2012/07/chair-footies.html ) will be changed yearly to go with that color theme.  I have a big basket of fabric I've collected over the years that I use for my boards(back when Wal-Mart had $1 a yard table!!).  If your wondering...I don't do themes like jungle, space, dinos for my classroom..because they 

I separate out the blues, greens, and yellows so that there aren't any mess-ups! 

Creating!

 I was not able to write my weekly Sunday Devotional With Mr. E this week.

(For those of you new here...almost every Sunday for the past 5 years I've written a post that connects art and faith.  I normally post that Sunday morning.)  My church asked me if I'd create a painting to co along with the new sermon series.  I LOVE that they want to include visual art...I've always felt that was something churches should embrace....allowing people to use their gifts/talents/skills to contribute to what the church does.  However, something had to give.  I'm a husband, father of three, and a full time art teacher.  I just don't have enough hours in the day.  So...I decided I'd invest the time I usually put into writing my weekly devotional into my painting (and a bunch of other hours I squeaked out here and there!).  It is 24 in x 48 in acrylic painting.  I'm not exactly sure when/how it will be used, but excited to see the church embracing us arty types!! ha ha 

 

...had to laugh...

 Today was my "virtual" day.  I teach 9 virtual classes & 1 in person.  I was on the last class of the day.  I love this group of kids.  They talk...A LOT...but they are so much fun and we laugh the whole time as we learn.  Today though...they were a bit "much".  It is like that at the end of the year virtual or not.  I was trying to demo something for a student that had asked for help (we're using an online paint program)...and the rest of the class was getting really loud.  All of the sudden, I hear a student speak up and say..."Gosh Mr. E, you look really tired or sad?!?"  Another kid jumps in...."That's not his  tired or sad face...that's fed up because we're all so loud and talking over him!"  I had to laugh!  I'm going to miss this group of kids so much next year when they go to middle school!  

Picasso Presents

 A para-pro at my school (who is also a parent) brought me the sweetest gift!!!  

We were talking the other day about the Picasso exhibit at the Frist Museum, and how I had been unable to secure tickets.  Her family was going, and they were super excited about it.  So first thing in the morning (Monday)....she brought me this sweet gift from the museum!!  HOW FUN!!  It is always nice (and encouraging) to be thought of in artsy situations.  

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Express

Artists produce work for a variety of reasons.  There are times they create to display skill, make money, fulfill others' visions, work through ideas for future pieces, etc.  Some of these reasons are "detached" from the heart, emotion, and passions of the artist. The work possess value/merit, and is very much a part of every artist's journey.  However, there is something powerful & compelling about work that comes from the depths of one's experiences.  When an artists creates from that raw and present place of where they are, amazing things can come to fruition. A person struggling with loss can imbue their work with the pain & confusion that comes with such emotion.  The work may take on a style, color palette, and compositional construct that is different from the "normal" for that artist. This may allow the viewer to connect with a work in a way that might not have happened if the artist wouldn't have allowed themselves to create out of that "place".  That is an amazing gift.  The artist can express/communicate emotions in a way that resonates with others like little else can. We are able to to meet the viewer where they are, and share our humanity.

Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.  Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For, "Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.  They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:8-11

I'll admit that my art is rarely angry, depressing, or full of angst.  It isn't who I am.  I've always been a more positive personality that can find/see the good in almost anyone/any situation. For me to create "angry" art in order to reach new viewers would be unauthentic.  Even during times of struggle in my life there is always hope in my work. 

 We have a hope/peace that passes all understanding.  This is not to say that we can't wrestle with loss, anger, pain, confusion, or frustration. I know many who love the Lord with all their heart, and they battle with depression, anxiety, and other struggles.   I have not made it through life this far without my share of such things. However, I know that I'm wired differently, and these struggles do not over take me.  I've always found myself holding onto the peace that only God can provide.  So if I can speak hope, love, and encouragement to those around me...I will.   I don't want to fall into the trap of negativity that our world seems to be elevating/promoting...even when I am struggling with "life".  I want to be able to be a light in the darkness for the believer and nonbeliever.   I want to be able to speak life & truth to people that so desperately need it.  I want to express it with my all & all.  

Watercolor Pencil Still Life: Cezanne Inspired

 I had not used watercolor pencils with my 3rd graders, and was excited to have them create with a new (to them) medium!  We watched a short video about Paul Cezanne & his still life work to kick the lesson off.  I then gave them the watercolor pencils and 90 lbs wet media paper.  I did not allow them to draw with regular pencil first.  They were a bit scared to start, but then were totally into it!  Most of them did get to the point of painting by the end of class.  Next class time I passed their work back out and asked them to take a good look at their art.  I asked them to identify 3 things they like & 3 things they would like to improve.  I passed the watercolor pencil back out, and allowed them 20 min. to make the changes they felt their work needed.  They used the rest of the time to paint. 

Bobs on a Coaster

I bet you all didn't know you NEEDED to see Bob Ross plushies riding a coaster at Kings Island, but here it is for your enjoyment!!  Sometimes we need to embrace the silly in life!!! ha ha 

Picasso Portraits With Sargent Paint Sticks

We are working on a unit of portraiture, and today learned about Picasso! 

I had the students first draw lightly with pencil. We then discussed color, and how it can transform a work & how it impacts the mood/emotion of a picture.  We had recently used Sargent Art Paint Sticks on another project, and I thought it would be perfect for this lesson as well.  If you have not used paint sticks (there are several brands)....they are WONDERFUL!  I really do like Sargent's version (I've tried a few!).  The kids really enjoyed creating their portraits, and it was so fun to hear them giggle as the worked!  I may do another post of them....I still have two more classes. 

If you have any questions about Paint Sticks....let me know!! 

 

DO YOU NEED A LAUGH/SMILE??

This was the first video I ever uploaded to my original YouTube Channel.  This cute baby is going to be 10 at the end of June!!  I will say, the video ALWAYS...ALWAYS makes me smile!! So if you've had a rough day, things don't seem to be going right....take a moment and laugh along with Eli!

(If you are wondering what he is laughing at...I was trying to hit a fly with a kitchen towel! At the end you see him try to get the fly too!)

 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: ALL

"I DID MY BEST!"

This phrase has been uttered by my students too often over the past few years.  At first, I didn't think much of it.  Then I started noticing it was used almost like a defense mechanism or an excuse.  I would start talking to them about their art work and the areas that needed their attention...."I DID MY BEST!"  I would try to continue talking to them, and they would cut me off again.... "I DID MY BEST!".  

Excuse me? 

I always expect my students to do their best.  Why would they do anything less than?  However, we know there are times that we try to get away with less than our best. Art takes all that we are.  Sometimes though, we just don't have it all to give. 

 For from him and through him and for him are all things. 

To him be the glory forever! Amen.

Romans 11:36

Are you giving your all in all to God? Our relationship with the Lord is not only on Sunday mornings & Wednesday nights.  It is not only when we are praying or reading his Word.  I believe the division most make between the secular and sacred is wrong.  In all that we do we should be living our lives for the Lord.  The relationships we have or are building should not be devoid of who we are as believers.  The work that we do should be done as one who wants to honor God in all that they do. Our lives should be informed by our faith. When we create, when we love, when we go about our days...all of it is from him, through him, and for him.  

What can you say about your life in regards to your all in all?  I DID MY BEST?  Great.  Is there more that you need to do?  Does your whole life reflect your relationship with God? Are there areas that you still draw a line between secular and sacred?  Go to God and ask him to show you what it would look like for your all in all.  

More Beautiful Circle Weavings!

 I have been so incredibly impressed by my 3rd graders this year!! Their circle weavings have been AMAZING!!!  Here are a handful that finished their backgrounds completely.  There are so many ways that you can "finish" the background/looms for circle weavings.  I like having my students create patterns in the background and color them (using marker) with the colors they used in their weaving.  I do this after they are done weaving...because you never know how big they will be, and I'd hate for students to work extremely hard on the background and then cover it up with the weaving.  This method has "morphed" over the years.  I was first introduced to this project 24 yrs ago when it was a part of the first curriculum we used in Metro Nashville Public Schools.  It has changed for the better over the years, and is one of my favorite lessons.  

Paint Sticks & Collage

 Today my students created a character using paint sticks ( Sargent Art ) & collage.  Since we've been back in person, I've really tried to do projects that use supplies we just weren't able to use during virtual.  They LOVE the paint sticks.  I had them create a "character" and simple background using the paint sticks.  They could use food items, objects around home or school, or even clothing items.  I told them not to make the face though.  We would be creating the face and any additional items using collage.  I think their pictures turned out super cute.  

One of the reasons I had them use collage for the face is because my students sometime struggle cutting out circular objects.  I believe part of this is because they no long use scissors in the classroom to do cut & match activities like they use to do. (like matching words or placing vocabulary in a sentence)  That coupled with the fact that many do not do crafty/arty things at home as much as they once did....we have some struggles in the scissor skills department!! 

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Worth The Risk

Do you take risks in your art?  Do you ever think, "That might work?!", and then go for it?   I tend to be a bit more conservative when I'm creating.  I struggle with the idea of doing something that could completely undo the hours I've already invested into something.  The problem with "playing it safe" is that you continue to do the things you've always done.  There is no "new".  There is no breakthrough. Honestly, what is there to be afraid of in taking risks?  What is the worst that can happen?  You might have to fix your mistake or possibly start over.  I think we focus too often on the possibility of failure instead of embracing the opportunity for progress & success.  Don't you think it is worth the risk?  

 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water. ”Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14: 28-31

The story of Peter walking on water often seems to focus on the fact that he sank. We talk about his doubt or how he took his eyes off the Lord.  All true.  However, how many of us would have even tried to step foot on the water in the first place?  We quickly point out Peter's lack of faith, but struggle to see our own.  God prompts us to talk to someone, give financially, use our time for act of service or ministry, and the first thing we do is take a risk assessment of the situation we are presented with us. 

"They might not want to hear what I have to say or I might say the wrong thing. I don't have the money to give right now or it will put a strain on the plans I have for the money.  Someone else would do a better job serving in that roll, and I just don't have the time."

We can make excuses much better than we can quote scripture...and that's a problem! 

(I'm speaking to myself here!)

When God calls us to do something...it is always worth the risk. What good is it to claim we have faith if we never put it into action?  It is kind of like the china in the cabinet that never gets used.  Sure, it is pretty, but it never serve the purpose for which it was designed. That is kind of sad, don't you think?  

Where can you put your faith in action, and trust God to be God?  Is there something that has been on your heart?  What is holding you back? It is worth the risk to trust the Lord with it....with everything! 

4th Grade Weavings

 Here are some of this year's 4th grade weavings.  I want to be honest with you....this was not my favorite year of weaving with the 4th graders.  Not because of the students or their work, but because of the looms.  I had ordered pre-notched looms, and I guess I typed in the wrong thing and did not notice.  I never...NEVER....get these thin looms.  I like to get the ones that are 9 inches wide.  I hate fussing with sending things back...so I decided I'd just use them.  I felt like I had more issues with the smaller looms.  One of which was it seemed much easier to hour class & it was more noticeable. If you like them...GREAT!  For me though...I'll be ordering the 9 inch wide next year!!!!  

1 Point Perspective Using Kleki

This week we worked on 1 Point Perspective using www.kleki.com !  I did this with my online students. I tend to get more work turned in using the kleki site, so whenever possible....we use it!! 

It was interesting doing a tried and true paper, pencil, and ruler lesson. The kids really enjoyed it though.

  

Here is the video of my instruction! 

Art 2 Art Game

 

If you love Apples to Apples, Art 2 Art is for you!! This game is easy for a variety of ages to play, and provides exposure to a variety of art, artists, and vocabulary.  

If you are interested in buying Art 2 Art, check out https://moxieboxart.com/ for more information!

My kids are 6, 9, and 12 years old....and truly enjoyed the game 

(They were mad when I told them it was time fore bed!) 

Art With Mr. E 6th Annual Summer Workshop

 Please forgive the late notice, there were many details that had to fall into place for this summer's workshop.  We will be returning to Cumberland University's Fine Arts Building this summer (We were there last summer for our modified one day summer workshop!!). 

We have a great group of teachers every summer that love to laugh, learn, and share!  We've had teachers from 7 different states, 5 area counties, and Pre-K - 12 attend!  We go through a ton of projects during our time that can be modified up or down depending on what grade level you teach.  At the end I'll give you a certificate for 18 hours of professional development, but you will need to be responsible to see if your school district will accept it or not.  The cost is $125.  E-mail me if you would like to sign up!  We try to keep our numbers no more than 20 educators so we can get to know one another.

  [We will be abiding by Cumberland's Covid protocol/policies as part of being allowed to use their space.  More information on that when you request a form to sign up!]

Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Underneath

Gesso is used to help prepare a surface for painting.  The proper paper is necessary for watercolor to be done optimally.  Solid paper mache starts with the appropriate paper and adhesive. Weaving needs to have a loom that will hold the warp in place.  Often we see a finished work of art, and we do not consider the beginnings.  What is underneath is as important as the beauty we see on the surface.  Without the right foundation, a work of art can fall apart, degrade over time, or not even come to fruition in the first place. 

Truly my soul finds rest in God;

    my salvation comes from him.

2 

Truly he is my rock and my salvation;

 he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 62: 1-2 

It is an amazing life changing experience when someone begins a personal relationship with the Lord. However, as with all relationships, you must go underneath the surface to see the time and effort it takes to develop.   Knowing God to the point where he is not only your salvation, but your rest, fortress, and rock requires time praying, in the Word, fellowship with other believers, meditating, and praise is a process.  As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we see & experience his faithfulness.  We come to realize that he is always with us & loving us.  We can say no matter the storms we face...that we are unshaken because we know our God.