Exploring Nature Through Clay: A Colorful Adventure!

Hey there, art enthusiasts! Today this blog post, we're diving into an exciting art adventure where we'll use clay, real plants, and vibrant crayon colors and watercolor to create something truly magical!

Objectives:

• Explore basic clay techniques and vocabulary
• Use real plants to make impressions in clay
• Express creativity through crayons, oil pastels, and watercolor
• Align with National Standards for Visual Arts Education

Material’s Needed:

 

1. Clay
2. Real plants (leaves, flowers)
3. Rolling pins
4. Slab Roller
5. Crayons
6. Oil pastels
7. Watercolor paints
8. Paintbrushes
9. Water cups
10. Paper towels

Step 1: Getting to Know Our Materials Start by introducing the materials we'll be using. What does clay feel like? How about the real plants? Let's explore and talk about our tools!

Step 2: Rolling Out the Clay Take a piece of clay and use a rolling pin to flatten it into a slab. Talk about what a 'slab' is in the world of clay. Rolling pin is a good way to start then transition to the slab roller process.

Step 3: Nature's Imprint Now, the fun part! Gently press real plants onto the clay to make unique impressions. Let's see what kind of patterns we can create! Caly will have to dry and be put in the kiln at 04 firing.

Step 4: Adding Color Once our imprints are ready on the bisqued clay pieces, grab some crayons and oil pastels. Add vibrant colors to highlight the plant impressions. What colors represent our imagination best?

Step 5: Watercolor Magic Now, let's bring our backgrounds to life with watercolors! Experiment with different hues and watch the colors blend together like magic.

Step 6: Let It Dry Place your artwork in a safe spot to dry. You can spray with polyurethane to seal the colors. While waiting, discuss what each artist enjoyed most about the process.

Connecting with National Standards:

• Create: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
• Respond: Understand and evaluate the diverse characteristics of art forms.
• Connect: Relate artistic ideas and works to personal meaning and external contexts.

What an incredible journey we've had with clay, plants, and colors! By learning these basic techniques, we're taking a step forward in our artistic exploration. Stay tuned for more art adventures ahead!

We have blogged on a version of this lesson before:

https://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2016/11/textured-clay-wall-hangings-maclay.html

1969 – Huge thanks to Cathy Hicks for letting us share her lesson!