God’s Creation and The Tools of the Trade

Elizabeth's Painted Lady (age 8)

Anna's Painted Lady (age4)

Elizabeth's Milkweed (age 9)

Elizabeth's Insects (age 8)

I would like to share with you the way I learned to draw in art school. We weren't taught to look for shapes in an object so that we could draw it from our memories. We were taught to draw real objects – from life or photographs. Sure we roughed-in the basic shape with a quick outline, but then we drew and looked – looked and drew. This kind of drawing has a sketchy quality or looseness about it – an expressive style that’s freeing for both the artist and the observer. The lines that are lightly drawn can be gone over later as the drawing is tightened-up (a great resource for a four-step style that produces finshed drawings this way  is Gene Frank's The Art of Pencil Drawing).

     This week as I was looking for some resources to help people in this area, I came across a video clip by a Larry Gluck http://thegluckmethod.com/html/freelesson/realplayer/lesson4.html (I can’t recommend the teen and adults series because I haven’t seen it, and I didn’t like the preveiw of the kids series - it looked a bit dumbed-down), but this little video segment explains exactly what I am talking about verses let’s say a Jan Brett approach http://www.janbrett.com/video/how_to_draw_a_chick.htm
. Comparing these two videos will hopefully show you the difference between the directed or guided approach that a lot of children are being taught, and the drawing from life approach that the Masters were taught.
    I’m not sure when the directed drawing approach to art became a science or so  widely accepted, but I think it is a disservice to many of our children. Little children are far more likely to develope a true artist's eye by drawing and sketching from life. If you have used a directed appraoch don't feel bad. Many children like this approach when they're younger because they are in the symbolic stage of art(4-8), but when they reach the realistic stage (around 9 or 10) they will desire to draw objects the way they really look. Yet, even very young children, as seen in the art above, will develop an artist's eye earlier by sketching from life.

     It is common practice for English children to begin nature journaling at the age of five and six. Your children can also! Would you like to really inspire your children? Listen with your kids to my interview with nature journalist Richard Bell from England. http://www.giftoffamilywriting.com/onlineworkshops.htm. I also have a wonderful workshop CD entitled Becoming God’s Naturalist with a characterization of Beatrix Potter. You can read about that CD here. http://www.giftoffamilywriting.com/Drawingfromlife!.htm.  Also Email me for our current newsletter with a wonderful article by Nancy Baetz on How I Teach My Children Art.

   We are going to try and get some video clips up this week to help you see the sketching I am talking about. I’m sorry that I don’t have that ready, but they will be coming soon. 

In the meantime here are some supplies we use for nature journaling.  

Our Basic Supply List for Nature Journaling

 
Paper – For finished drawings we use individual pieces of 110 lb. cover stock fastened to clipboards. The completed drawing or painting is stored in a binder inside plastic sleeves. With the pages protected, you don’t have to worry about ruining previous drawings.

Sketchbooks – Buy a couple of different sizes. Just about any brand will do. Notice that sketchbooks are made out of different kinds of textured papers—smooth or rough. After experimenting, use the kind that you like best.

Watercolor paper – You don’t have to use watercolor paper when you first start journaling, but if you decide to, buy a watercolor block. The paper will already be stretched so you don’t have to worry about buckling. I like to work on Strathmore Watercolor paper cold press. It is available in different sizes (9X12 is nice). We also paint on the 110 lb. cover stock. It holds up pretty well as long as your brush isn’t excessively wet. If you are going to do spot illustration you don’t have to worry about stretching your paper.

Pencils – Our favorite all purpose pencil is the Mirado Black Warrior or Ticonderoga No. 2 pencil which can be purchased by the package from Wal-Mart. They’re as good as any art pencil of the same number. Buy soft art pencils B, 2B, 4B, 6B and aqua or water soluble art pencils from an art or craft store. Experiment and see which ones you feel comfortable using.

Watercolor pencils – Derwent watercolor pencils are available at Michaels and Hobby Lobby. Experiment with water and a brush and see if you like them. I will often draw with these pencils dry. They are a little pricy, so buy some warm and cool colors and add to them as you go.

Erasers – Use plastic erasers by Staedtler which are available from Wal-Mart in packages of three. Plastic erasers remove pencil marks without hurting the paper. Kneaded erasers work well for picking up tone.

Paints – I like Prang 12 count paints for children ( little children can use Crayola). They offer a wide palette to mix from and are relatively inexpensive. I also purchased a set of Grumbacher watercolors for myself. These are not necessary if you are just starting out, but you can get them on sale at Michaels for $2.00 a tube or buy them on EBay.

Brushes – Purchase fine quality brushes of different widths and shapes for watercolor. Inferior brushes will ruin your efforts to control the paint. If you’re watching your budget, purchase a couple of sets of packaged brushes from Wal-Mart. They may have to be replaced periodically but they are much better than the brushes that come in the paint sets.

     Just as every child can write from what he knows, every child can draw from what he sees. Children who rarely pick up a pencil on their own can learn to express themselves creatively if they are exposed to the right environment – one that’s filled with the beauty of God’s Creation, the work of inspired artists, and the tools of the trade.

 

 

 

 Elizabeth's Larkspur  (age 11)

2:58 PM - Jul. 2, 2007 - post comment

I love it!!

I posted a picture of one of my drawings, cause Mom did that horrible one of the pot. The one I did was so much better.
I like what you have done with your blog. Looks sweet. I really like the colors.
I have a shading question for you, so the next time someone gets on the phone with you all, I want to ask you, ok??
As Always...
Love,
!!SUPERANGEL!! !!Amanda!!

SuperAngel - 8:46 AM - Jul. 4, 2007

Hello!

I do actually love your template.. It's very pretty... and the header is beautiful!!

Elizabeth is quite the artist! and I hear she is good at molding clay too! I can't wait to meet all of you! You are like family we've never met! ; )

I'll get right on thost stories...
and we attempted to take ragcurl pictures of A today but it was a complete failure! Send them, hopefully, tonight... but I bet you're losing faith im words about pictures! LOL

Love,
Jocelyn

Read my latest posts:
The Knife-Throwing-Goat-Maiden: http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/352242/
Stubborn as a goat: http://www.homesteadblogger.com/Jocelyndixon/61616/

Jocelyndixon - 2:52 PM - Jul. 5, 2007

Thank you so much

Jill, this is such wonderful. I linked it from my blog, as you have such valuable help, as always. Thank you for sharing with us!

whirlwind - 1:28 PM - Jul. 9, 2007

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Love the post Jill! I am so excited about the new Sketch with Me DVD - it is just beautiful and I love the music!

Heather-thepatchworkheart.com - 2:12 PM - Jul. 9, 2007

I'm Sorry!

Mrs. Novak, I am extremely sorry about my negligence of talking to you! (Really!) You have been so kind to me and I really do appreciate your efforts to include me in your magazines!

Yes, I would love to write for the Gazette about Caspian! But, I would like to know, what kind of essay are you looking for? Do you want me to write a poem, or do you want a descriptive report? An essay consisting of what I like about him, or-based on the picture I am thinking of (Which, by the way, do you want me to send also?)-go from the photo and describe him from that? I shall start writing anyway, to save time, but I would like to know your preferences--thank you!

Warmly, and with much Affection,

~Mariel~ (or you-know-who)

Mariel - 5:48 PM - Jul. 22, 2007

Mrs. Novak....

....you have very artistically talented children--those toad pictures were lovely!

Hope you get my first comment soon!

~Mariel~

Mariel - 5:56 PM - Jul. 22, 2007

About Larry Gluck & Mission: Renaissance

Larry Gluck is a world renowned educator. He developed The Gluck Method for Fine Art Training and founded Mission: Renaissance, the world's largest fine art program. I went to Mission: Renaissance and learned to draw from life in a gradient, step by step process. My daughter also attends Mission: Renaissance and has learned to draw from life, not using contour drawing but relating large shapes and really sketching. The link you have shows a segment of The Art of Drawing Series for Teen and Adults. The series for children do not have a video on their website. However the children series teach kids how to draw by first teaching them how to hold the pencil correctly, how to relate shapes and the use of pastels. As a parent I highly reccomend The Gluck Method.

Anonymous - 4:26 PM - Jul. 24, 2007

Hello!

I just needed to tell you... you need the Blogger Reflection Award. I can't believe no one has given it to you!

I love you a whole lot. ; )
Thanks for being a good friend to our family.

Love,
Jocelyn

Jocelyndixon - 10:08 PM - Jul. 26, 2007

Mrs. Novak?

When is the deadline date for the LWPG? I have the article, but I need to know the day my week ends, please? Thank you.

Love,

Mariel

Mariel - 8:34 AM - Jul. 28, 2007

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I might as well let you read it as I wasn't able to get it to you. But please excuse the bad grammar, I haven't edited it yet.

A Description of a Youth

With all respect and dignity I shall, to come to the point in the quickest and most abrupt manner, describe to you a youth. Ah, yes, a youth of an extremely furry appearance, rather large and pointed tools that I have heard of by the title 'ears'. A very long and fuzzy appendage known as a 'tail', with a raccoon-like coloring, adorns his backside; a long, slender, elegant body, typical of his kind, he possesses with pride. And oh! Such a face! Why, the beauty of his countenance, a face to remember--and his eyes; green they are, with a deep blue tint, give new meaning to the words "the innocence of youth".

Even so, an active and impulsive, yet diminutively formed character this young one has, a mischevious little scamp who appeals to the very tender and relenting part of our nature--the part that responds to the telegraphical message "pathetic". His weapon? Those deliciously "innocent" eyes. Stripes of black decorate those delicate features, and dark rings ornament his four strong legs. For such a small creature, he has a very demanding voice, as well.

A name is needed, a proud name for such a vibrant personality. Therefore, he was christened with the kingly title, 'Caspian'.

Even so, yet another mystery remains to be solved--we know who this youth is, and what he looks like, but we do not know what species he is, do we? Well, to be honest, your narrator would love to keep her secret a little longer, but as circumstances hold, she cannot. As such, she must reveal her hidden knowledge, so, if her readers have not already perceived, Caspian....is a kitten; an elegant, stately, kitten.

Monosyllabically, as usual,

~Your Author~

Love you, Mrs. Novak! (I'm REALLY REALLY sorry!!)

Mariel

Mariel - 3:07 PM - Jul. 29, 2007

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Hello! How are you? I gave you an award on my blog site. Come and see!

Warmly,

Mariel

Mariel - 3:59 PM - Jul. 29, 2007

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Thank you for sharing all this information! I love to draw and paint and have shared this with my children. It's wonderful to see the drawings done by your children. God bless!

moreofhim - 6:56 PM - Aug. 9, 2007

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Thanks for the great tips and reminders. I was an art student but graduated in 1997 so I'm a little rusty on the subject as far as teaching it is concerned. I will be helping 7 boys to learn to draw this school year and just love your blog. Hope you don't mind I'm adding you to my friends list to keep up on your posts. Oh, we have something else in common, too. I grew up in Illinois, part of my childhood in Ottawa (farm community) and part in Rockford (close to Wisconsin).

GAMama - 11:24 AM - Aug. 19, 2007

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Hi, Jill! I've missed you!!

Thanks for the great suggestions. I really do want to get my kids into nature journaling. I think it'd be such a wonderful way to learn appreciation of God's wonderful creation.
Do you journal in the winter? Do you take your paper outside, or wait until you are inside, to draw your winter finds?

Can't wait to catch up!
Blessings, Beckie

LittleEblingsAcademy - 1:38 PM - Aug. 20, 2007

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I stopped over from the heart of wisdom blogsite...I love the butterflies! My children and I take art lessons from a homeschool, grandmother who is an artist by trade...what a wonderful experience its been for all of us!! The watercolors are my favorite...i will keep poking around here for awhile...lovely site!!!

lori - 9:41 AM - Aug. 26, 2007

You've been given an award!

My precious Jill, pop on over to one of my blogs-- http://nannashomemaking.wordpress.com and receive your award. Bless you for being so special to me!

Hugs,
Cynthia Robin

cynthiarobin - 6:46 PM - Sep. 1, 2007

Well....

I came to scavenge a post for the Homesteading Carnival.
How are you?? I see you got your Sketch with Me video up!! That is great. Will have to take a peek at it. But right now we are in a parking lot with a wireless connection due to the fact that we have no phone line, and so no internet connection. Ergh!!
Well I am back to scavenging!!
As Always,
SuperAngel

SuperAngel - 8:42 PM - Sep. 2, 2007

Hello Jill!

Still love these pictures....
;)
Also still working through The Gift of Family Writing and the CDs you sent! I LOVE those!
So happy for you that Claire is home for a bit! Have a fantastic time! We've been thinking of you!
I've been meaning to call.... maybe after Claire's visit is over... I know they are always too short, if they are like ours with family!
Love and take care!
blessings,
Jacque

JacqueDixonSoulRestES - 9:36 PM - Sep. 5, 2007

Award

I have awarded you!

*GBY*
~Cornflower~

Cornflower - 6:20 PM - Sep. 17, 2007

hi

I'm new to your blog, but I've heard your name (writing curriculum).
I enjoyed this nature journaling post. Doing CM styled nature study is something we're working to establish as a habit.
I've linked to your nature journaling article on this page
http://www.squidoo.com/cmnaturestudy/#module3357813.

I really liked what you said about being still and thinking of one thing at a time. Yes! That's just what I've been realizing lately.

It took me a few times of reading what you've written here on the blog to see that the Jan Brett and Gluck videos are NOT what you recommend for drawing instruction. I am new to this issue -- drawing from life versus directed or guided approach. I had not considered the difference. So I guess you don't like the Draw Write Now books. They fit into directed/guided instruction, right?

I have an artist on my hands. I really need to learn all I can. She's 8 and has just started to show dissatisfaction with her artwork. I'd hate for her to stop.

And I watched your barn swallow video. Wow. What little cuties, and so sweet to sit there while you draw them. We were drawing deer at the zoo yesterday. It was a challenge because they kept moving about!

Jimmie - 9:51 PM - Sep. 27, 2007

PS

oops. One more thing. This entry and other nature related ones do not show up when I click on your Category link for nature journaling in sidebar. I guess you've not categorized the entries. Too bad because I so want to pore through each one. Those links make it so easy to look at just what I'm interested in. :-) Maybe when you get a moment you could categorize all your lovely posts. I've so enjoyed my time at your blog. Thanks!!

Jimmie - 9:54 PM - Sep. 27, 2007

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