Eric's Monsters

So, I made these little books for Sarah's birthday party, and included monster stickers, so that everyone could go home and make their own monster books. Well, Eric got right on that task. He was so focused while creating his monsters and (of course) had stories to tell about all of them. He showed Sarah when she got home, and Brian when he got home. It's not often that he's proud of his artwork, and I was quite happy to see this happen, without any prompting from me. I love the random eyeball all by itself - he said that monster was invisible. And what about that last one - with the eye floating around the weird mouth? He kept laughing when he showed me how he placed everything. "It has an eyeball on its mouth, Mommy. And its bellybutton is right under its mouth! See?" Yes, yes, I see that.

Eric's Art

Sarah's the one who draws all the time, while Eric prefers to spend his time differently. In fact, he's shown such little interest that I purchased a book this winter, called The Write Start, in order to get some ideas about how to capture his attention. (It's a great book with lots of good ideas. Her blog is great too, although it isn't updated frequently.) But - very recently - he has surprised me with some artwork. I can't get over his little people - somehow they suit him so well. It takes so much effort on his part - I'm impressed by his persistence at this task that doesn't come naturally for him.

art table

I'm not sure who's more excited about our new art table - me or the kids. They've pulled out stencils, felt, ribbon, buttons and other materials that haven't been used in a long time because there wasn't a big workspace and things were tucked away. Sarah marked a bunch of projects in a forgotten book that we came across while re-organizing. Good timing, I'd say, with summer just a few days away . . .

Eric's Train Tracks

Unlike his sister, Eric doesn't spend a lot of time drawing (or coloring or scribbling or anything that remotely relates to holding a writing utensil in his hand). So - I've been trying to find activities that hold his interest and keep him engaged in this task, if only for a little while. While we were at the craft store, he found some train stickers he liked, and I suggested we go home and make some tracks for those trains. I drew the rails and he drew the ties, along with coloring the station, trees, a signal, and a tunnel. He stayed focused and was patient, and, for the most part, he was happy to take his time and do his best work. When he finally finished, he was proud of himself, and so was I.

My New Look

I asked Sarah if she'd be willing to draw a picture for my blog. As is usually the case when asked to draw, she was happy to oblige. For this one, she decided to draw both a house and a doghouse, along with the sun, a bird, some flowers, the sky, a tree, me and her, and our imaginary dog (who is bigger than us). Maybe Brian and Eric are doing something fun inside the house? I'll have to ask her about that one . . .

photography

We spent a good chunk of the last two days at Duke Gardens, and while we were there, I took some photos of fall leaves. I hope to use them for a display in the office, and while I think I got some good ones that will work for us, I'd love to know more about the art of photography. I'd love to be able to capture a moment, or a leaf, in just the right way.

drawing a flower

I spent three hours drawing this flower yesterday. Why? Because I took a class at NC Botanical Garden, called "Drawing for People Who Think They Can't Draw" and this was the subject I drew. For having very little faith in my ability to accomplish this task, I feel good about what I walked away with. Along with some good drawing tips and tricks, we learned about observing the small details and taking your time, both of which are qualities I value in my everyday life. It wasn't as much of a stretch as I thought it might have been. As for the drawing, maybe if I could figure out how to add some color . . .

la petite artiste

Sarah went to a summer art camp taught by her preschool teacher, and I'm quite late in sharing all of her hard work. They took field trips each day and found inspiration at the co-op grocery store, the library, in nature, and at the chocolate shop, where they were treated to popsicles. In the photo below, Sarah's wearing her popsicle shirt for that occasion!
(above) This was a cooperative project, and each day the kids donated some change to the Red Cross to benefit the relief efforts in Haiti. Sarah kept talking about the hurricane that happened there, and we kept clarifying that it was an earthquake. She felt really good about being able to help.
Sarah's showcase - information about herself included: My name is Sarah. I like nature. I like butterflies. I am going to Grady A. Brown. I like to go to Nana and Grandpop's. I like to visit Grandma and Grandpa. I like Ms. Nancy.
(inspired by Kandinsky)

(my favorite!! surprised?)

(inspired by Wegman)

(inspired by Warhol)

(inspired by Charleston rowhouses, used permanent markers and watercolors)

(inspired by Van Gogh's "Starry Night" - I think this was Sarah's favorite.)

(used pastels and watercolors)

two butterflies

The kids and I went to Duke Gardens the other day and we saw a butterfly, among other things. While I took a zillion photos of it, and Eric tried to feed his apple to some nearby turtles, Sarah sat down and drew the butterfly. I'm not sure which I like better, the real one or her drawing of it. Of course, I am a little biased. (Anyone want to clarify for me - is it a swallowtail?)

Sarah's Houses

Recently, Sarah has spent a lot of time making houses - like these. I love how she gets really intent on one thing. It reminds me of me. Brian likes to call it "being obsessed". I like to call it "being focused". In Sarah's case, I think I'll call it "being creative"!

Sarah and a Camera

Sarah likes to take pictures. And occasionally, even frequently, I'm impressed with what she sees through the lens. She provides a different perspective and I appreciate the opportunity to see life through her eyes. They may not all be in focus, but more often than not, the idea is clear. Some of her portfolio is seen here:

(portraits)

(everyday life)

a

(nature)

(abstract - only two this time!)

finger print art

Ed Emberley's Complete Funprint Drawing Book is great, and Sarah's focused attention takes my breath away in a "oh, she's growing up" kind of way. Thank you, Santa, for a great gift.

Potty Art

Sarah's new favorite thing to do while sitting on the toilet is to draw. She's occupied her time in a few ways over the years - looking at books, singing and talking to herself, and most recently, drawing. The pictures above are ones she drew while using the facilities. (I didn't think she'd appreciate me taking a picture of her while drawing, so here's the evidence instead.) I guess you could call her our "Pee-casso." (Sorry, I couldn't help myself!!)

Our House

Sarah drew our house today. She's pointing to the porch in the picture, and the green triangle on top of it is the playroom. Next to the bonus room is her room, with the attic and chimney at the very top of the page. (Mommy and Daddy and Eric don't have bedrooms, but it's her perspective, after all.) Below her room is the downstairs - she only drew the kitchen and family room, but she does have the kitchen table and family room sofas and table in there. I have no idea what the squiggly line represents. She's drawn the garage, driveway and road, as well as doors and windows. And finally, she drew the deck out back, almost as big as the rest of the house, with the table and herb planter. And, my favorite, she always includes the sun and the sky.