We're having a blast as we continue to learn about printmaking.  This week, we explored stencils, masks and creating contrast.  Students made a mask and used it to block areas of their gelatin prints.  The younger students created fish; while the older students had more freedom with subject matter.  They all did a fantastic job.  Here are a few examples:

This image shows the student's mask at the top and the print below.  After printing, the masks were beautiful too!

 Another wonderful print by an older student.  I love the complementary colors!

 This print was done by an elementary student.  Didn't she do a fantastic job of suggesting the dolphins' movement as they swim!

These are two more fantastic examples of elementary prints.

Summit art started in a fun and colorful way.  On our first day of class, we began an exploration of printmaking, creating monoprints using gelatin plates.  Gelatin plates are so much fun to use and easy to make at home.  If you want to make one, the recipe is very simple.  You just need two ingredients, unflavored gelatin (you can pick up a small box of Knox at the grocery store) and a small bottle of glycerin (found in many pharmacies), and a plastic or aluminum container (the size and shape that you wish your plate to be).  Because we needed so many plates, I had to buy in bulk.

To make one plate, mix 6 tablespoons of gelatin into 1 1/2 cups of glycerin.  Then add 1 1/2 cups of boiling water.  Stir to dissolve the gelatin completely and pour into a shallow pan to set.  Place in the refrigerator for about 8 hours.  When it is set, use a butter knife to loosen the sides and carefully lift out the gelatin plate.  You are now ready to print.

Below are a few photos of student prints.  I love the painterly look of monoprints!  We will be using our prints as backgrounds in future art projects.  If you make some prints at home, they are great to use as cards, gift wrap, collage or to draw on top of with ink.  And the wonderful thing about these gelatin plates is they will not mold.  When storing them, you do not have to refrigerate them.  I've found that they do break down with use; but, all you have to to do is clean the plate with a wipe, crumble it up into a microwavable container, melt it back down in the microwave and reset it in the refrigerator.  You can also buy manufactured gelatin plates called Gelli Plates, http://www.amazon.com/GelliArts-Gel-Printing-Plate-x10/dp/B00CLALEJI; but, they are rather expensive.  I say, "why buy when you can make your own?!"

As you can see from the photos, it was a really fun and messy day. 

I can't wait to see how the students transform these as we learn about stencils, masks, relief printmaking and collage in the weeks ahead.  I feel so blessed to be able to share my love of art with these amazingly creative, homeschool students.
 

Summit Art classes started August 28th, and this term, I am blessed with a record number of amazing students.  I cannot wait to see what these young artists create and to show their work to you.  Look for images and updates in the coming weeks.  Our first project is creating an art journal.  The photo (sorry it is blurry - I have a sick camera) shows my Summit journal, which is the prototype for the project.  Everyone's journal will look different and will display the unique creativity and personality of its maker.

I've had a wonderful time teaching art camp at the Praise Center this week.  Below are some of our fun projects.  The 2 Art Donnas will have another camp in Dacula at Harbins Community Baptist Church on June 23rd-25th from 9:00am -12:00 pm.  It is for ages 6-12.  The cost is $65 per student.  Email me at donnaguntharp@gmail.com for more information and to register.

sea horse paintings

fish prints

fish prints turned into windsocks

excited and proud artists

painting koi in a pond

koi bowls

May's Praise Painting Workshop:  Owls!!!!!!!

We hope you can join us on May 30th for our next Praise Painting Workshop. It will be at the Praise Center from 6:30-9:00 pm. Ladies may attend alone or in honor of Mother's Day, you may bring a child (6 years old or older) to paint with you. Ladies will paint a 12 x 16 canvas; children will paint a 12 x 12 that coordinates with their adult's 12 x16. Below is the example that I painted with my 8 year old daughter. The cost is $25 for an adult and $10 per child. You may bring more than one child and have a line of owls or a smaller owl on each side. The possibilities are endless. You will have lots of color and placement options and may incorporate a verse or saying that is meaningful to you. As always, we will provide the materials, instruction and encouragement so you can explore your creativity and make a one of a kind painting. To register, please message or email Donna Guntharp or Donna Coffman. Hope to see you there!!!!!!

April's Praise Painting Workshop was delightful, and I love everyone's beautiful paintings.  It was a great night of fellowship and creativity.  I hope you can join us in May.

Please join us on April 25th from 6:30-9:00 pm for our monthly Praise Painting Workshop. This month, we are laying the paint on thick and learning numerous ways to create texture in a floral, still life painting. We will teach fine art techniques, provide all the materials and give lots of options and encouragement to help you express your creativity and create your very own, unique work of art. It will be loads of artsy fun! Please share this invitation with your friends because everyone is invited. $25 per person. Please RSVP to one of the Donnas.