In an effort to make understanding color theory easier, I have created a color theory reference poster for sale at my site, www.teachartathome.com.  You can also get a sketch journal with the poster on the cover to take on sketching outings!

This poster is a great help when using my art curriculum, The Phonics of Drawing CD.

Color Theory Poster (11" x 17")

Color Theory Sketch Journal

I have added some fun, free art projects on the Masterpiece Art Instruction website:

Printmaking with Pasta

Printmaking is just plain creative fun (no drawing!) and what could be more fun than printing with spaghetti? Try this easy project with household items and tempera paint and learn some basic printmaking techniques.

Ages 6 and up.

Animal Pop-Up Books

Let's draw animals on white paper and create "pop-up" pages in a booklet. Add some information about each one and you have a Nature Study project for animal lovers!

Ages 8 and up.

When we consider that so many creative people in history, like Thomas Edison, would probably been diagnosed as having Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, we realize that artistic expression can open up a wonderful new world to young “active-minded” students. (I hate negative labels!)

If you have one of these precious children but think that they could never learn to draw, think again!

(Read the rest of this article at http://www.teachartathome.com/ADHD.htm )

Looking for some free art projects to try, with full-color, step-by-step instructions? Check out all of the free stuff at Masterpiece Art Instruction.

Here are some of the free lessons and projects you'll find:

Pastel Pears 

Fashion Design Project

Salt Clay Mosaics

When I see all of the beautiful colors of autumn, I want to wrap it up and save it somehow, which is exactly what we do in our home.  Each fall, we go leaf collecting, being very careful to procure only the most brilliant colors we can find. Then we take them home and preserve their beauty right away by waxing them!  These lovely leaves are then scattered on our Thanksgiving table when all of the trees are bare.

Waxed Fall Leaves

Supplies:

• Fall Leaves (best if taken off the tree and not off the ground)
• Iron
• Newspaper
• Disposable foam plates
• Liquid floor wax (from the supermarket)
• Blow dryer

Directions:

1. Iron the leaves flat between 2 sheets of newspaper.  Use a medium heat level.
2. Lay 2 layers of newspaper all over a large table.
3. Pour some floor wax into a foam plate.
4. Dip each leaf (both sides) into the wax.  Let drip a little.
5. Lay each one to dry on newspaper.  Use a blow dryer to speed up the process.
6. You may want to give them a second coat.  This will make them like smooth leather!