Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Seasonal Spins on Op Art: Bulging Columns with a Twist!


Here is a fantastic way to keep Op art exciting and seasonal! Adding creative elements like eyes gives the project personality and makes it even more engaging. It’s great that you tweak your lessons to match the time of year and classroom vibe—it keeps the art fresh and fun for everyone! These are from a Halloween Art Class Challenge back in the early fall.  You could create this now by just changing up the color schemes. Read on down for  more details on how we created the lesson.

Op art (short for optical art) is a style of visual art that uses optical illusions to create the perception of movement, vibration, or depth, even though the artwork itself is static. It emerged in the 1960s and is closely associated with artists like Victor Vasarely and Bridget Riley.

Key Features of Op Art:

  1. Geometric Shapes: Op art often uses precise, repeated patterns made up of lines, shapes, and grids.
  2. Contrast: High-contrast black-and-white designs are common, but some Op art incorporates vibrant colors.
  3. Illusion of Movement: The patterns trick the eye, making static images appear to move, warp, or pulse.
  4. Perspective Play: Some works create an illusion of three-dimensionality on a flat surface.
  5. Mathematical Precision: The designs are carefully calculated to achieve the desired optical effects.

Examples of Op Art Techniques:

  • Moiré Patterns: Overlapping lines or grids create a rippling effect.
  • Figure-Ground Ambiguity: The eye shifts between different interpretations of the image (foreground vs. background).
  • Warping Effects: Lines or shapes appear to curve or bulge, creating a sense of depth or distortion.

Purpose of Op Art:

Op art challenges viewers to engage with the artwork on a sensory and intellectual level, exploring how perception can be manipulated. It was part of the broader movement of modern art that sought to break from traditional representation.

Bulging Columns: How To...
By Lost Sock Art Teacher

  1. Start with a "Home" base line
    Draw several horizontal lines spaced evenly across the page.

  2. Add vertical lines
    Draw evenly spaced vertical lines between the horizontal ones. Keep them straight to form a grid.

  3. Create upward curves
    Between the vertical lines, draw curved lines that bulge upward. Begin from the "Home" base line.

  4. Repeat curves across the grid
    Ensure all upward curves follow the same direction and connect to the next "Home" base line, creating a consistent pattern.

  5. Add downward curves
    On the next row, draw curves that bulge downward, completing the "column" effect.

  6. Shade for depth
    Use shading to add a 3D effect. Shade the bulging sections darker on the edges and lighter in the middle.

Alternative Design: Bulging Spiral

  1. Place a dot in the center of the page as your "Home" point.
  2. Draw curves radiating outward from the dot.
  3. Fill the space between each spiral with more bulging curves.









Thank you so much for stopping by and exploring this creative Op art project with us! We’d love to hear if you’ve tried this lesson or added your own unique twists. Share your ideas and let us know how it turned out—we’re always inspired by the creativity of others. Happy creating! 1969
 

Monday, December 2, 2024

Artome Art Show: Celebrating Creativity and Jeff Koons Inspiration


















 



Exciting news for our Lower School community! The Artome Art Show is here, showcasing the incredible artistic talents of our 1st and 2nd nine-week students. This vibrant event highlights the creativity and hard work of our budding artists while giving families a chance to bring their children’s masterpieces home as professionally framed art pieces.

Here are all the details you need to know to participate:

Online Art Show Dates

📅 December 2 - December 10
🖼️ Pre-ordering is essential to ensure your art arrives before Winter Break.

Physical Art Show Details

📅 Date: December 10
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
📍 Location: Lower School Commons

Purchasing Information

  • Cost: $35 per framed piece (plus sales tax and processing fee)
  • Payment: Online purchases are credit/debit card only.
  • How to Buy: Scan the QR code or visit the provided link to access the online art show.

Bringing your child’s framed art home not only preserves a cherished memory but also supports their creative journey. Framing is the perfect way to honor their hard work and provide a special keepsake for years to come.

Art Inspiration: Jeff Koons and Balloon Dogs

This semester, students found inspiration in the works of contemporary artist Jeff Koons, especially his iconic Balloon Dog sculptures. These whimsical, shiny creations represent joy, playfulness, and imagination—qualities our young artists have embraced in their projects. Just like Koons, they’ve explored how art can take everyday objects or ideas and transform them into something extraordinary.

Come celebrate our students and their incredible creativity at the Artome Art Show. Whether online or in person, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Don’t forget—pre-ordering ends on December 10, so act fast to secure your framed masterpiece.

🎨 See you at the show! 1969 and Guest Blogger - Mrs. Hicks

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Crafting Culinary Memories: A Handmade Wreath for Two Talented Chefs


What’s more special than creating something meaningful to celebrate shared experiences and achievements? For two exceptional chefs who trained at the renowned Louisiana Culinary Institute and honed their skills at the Masters Golf Tournament, a handmade wreath serves as a perfect tribute to their culinary journey.

This unique wreath isn’t just a decoration—it’s a celebration of passion, dedication, and shared milestones. Each detail is thoughtfully crafted to weave their story, from their roots at the Louisiana Culinary Institute to the unforgettable moments they shared at the Masters.

Why a Wreath?

A wreath symbolizes unity and celebration, making it the ideal keepsake to honor their shared experiences. With its circular form representing endless creativity and success, the wreath becomes a lasting reminder of their remarkable culinary journey.

Design Elements Inspired by Their Journey

  • Culinary Touches: You could incorporate miniature utensils, chef’s hats, or even small food-themed accents like faux herbs, vegetables, or wine corks to honor their craft. You can see below just what I chose to add. I kept it simple but meaningful!
  • Masters Golf Flair: A nod to the Masters Tournament with items sent to us in the food package we ordered last spring and hints of Augusta National’s iconic menu items.
  • Personalization: You could add name tags, a mini Louisiana state outline, or the Louisiana Culinary Institute logo to make it uniquely theirs. You can see below what I chose to embellish this wreath with for them!

Making the Memory Together

1969, chose to get her "Art On". This way the 2 Chefs can enjoy the wreath this season. The beauty of crafting a handmade wreath lies in the process. Gather ribbons, greenery, and personalized ornaments, and let your creativity flow as you relive memories of culinary school, laugh about Masters stories, and dream about future adventures.  1969 was just glad to provide the 2 chefs something for this season!

Where to Display It

Whether hung on a kitchen wall, displayed in a dining room, or used as a seasonal front door accent, this wreath will always remind them of their incredible journey together.

A handmade wreath is more than just a decoration—it’s a heartfelt way to commemorate milestones and create a meaningful memory. For two talented chefs with a shared story as rich as their culinary creations, it’s the perfect tribute to their inspiring journey.

🎄 Let this wreath celebrate not just where they’ve been, but all the incredible places they’re yet to go.












We have blogged on wreaths before and you can see the link below:

Crafting handmade gifts for loved ones is a beautiful way to express care, thoughtfulness, and creativity. Here’s why it’s so special:

1. It’s Personal and Unique

A handmade gift isn’t just an object—it’s a reflection of your relationship with the recipient. Every detail, from the colors to the materials, can be tailored to their preferences, making the gift one-of-a-kind.

2. Time Equals Love

When you make something by hand, you’re giving the gift of your time and effort. It’s a tangible way to show how much you value someone, as you’ve invested energy into creating something just for them.

3. It’s Meaningful

Handmade gifts often carry stories, whether it’s the process of making them or the intention behind the design. They become keepsakes filled with emotional value, reminding the recipient of your love and thoughtfulness.

4. It’s Creative and Fun

Crafting gifts allows you to express your creativity and experiment with different ideas. It’s as rewarding for you as it is for the recipient—a process filled with joy and satisfaction.

5. It’s a Sustainable Choice

Creating handmade gifts often means using resources wisely or even repurposing materials, making it an eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced items.

6. It’s About Connection

Handmade gifts build connections. Whether it’s a knitted scarf, a personalized photo book, or a hand-painted ornament, the effort behind the gift deepens your bond and creates a lasting memory.

Making something by hand transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, infusing every piece with love and thought. Crafting gifts isn’t just about giving an item—it’s about giving a part of yourself, and that’s what makes it so special. ❤️


Thanks for stopping by and a Happy December 1st! 1969

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Talking Turkey with Elements of Art


As Thanksgiving approached, our classroom was filled with vibrant creativity and lively discussions about art. To celebrate the season, we explored the elements of art through a fun, quick, and colorful lesson: drawing turkeys! The medium? Markers—a perfect choice for bold, eye-catching designs.

The Process

Students began by reviewing the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, value, space, and form. We talked about how these elements are the building blocks of any artwork. Then, the challenge was set: create a unique turkey using at least three elements of art in intentional ways.

Each student approached the project with their own vision:

  • Some used lines to create intricate feather patterns, giving their turkeys a sense of rhythm and movement.
  • Others played with color, blending warm autumn hues or using complementary colors for contrast.
  • Texture was simulated with detailed marks to make feathers feel soft and fluffy, while some explored space by creating overlapping elements to give their turkeys depth.

The use of markers encouraged bold and decisive choices, helping students focus on clarity and confidence in their designs.

End-of-Class Critique

The highlight of the lesson was our critique session. After the drawings were complete, each artist had a chance to share their work with the class. They explained which elements of art they used and why:

  • “I used curvy lines in the feathers to make them look like they’re swaying in the wind.”
  • “I wanted my turkey to stand out, so I chose bright colors for the body and darker colors for the background.”
  • “The overlapping feathers were my way of showing space, like how real turkeys’ feathers layer on top of each other.”

This reflection not only encouraged thoughtful communication but also allowed students to learn from one another’s artistic decisions.

Why We Loved This Lesson

This turkey-themed project was the perfect way to wind down before the holiday break. It combined art-making with critical thinking and gave students a chance to celebrate their creativity with their peers. Plus, the bright and colorful turkeys now add a festive flair to their portfolios!

Happy Thanksgiving from our art room to yours! 1969

How do you use the elements of art in your own projects? We'd love to hear about your creative process! Drop a comment below.