High School Art 1 Geometric Tape Paintings

This past week our Art 1 High School students created some fantastic acrylic paintings of different sizes using painter's tape. First they used painter's tape to create a design on the canvas. Then they painted over and around the tape with fun colors and designs. After it was dry they removed the tape. Some students chose to paint in the taped off areas once the tape was removed. I love their designs! In addition, a few of our Art 1 students chose to display/sell their tape paintings at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. We were invited by the Gallery to participate in their rotating high school art area. The Grace Preparatory High School art display and sale will be going on there beginning November 1 until December 15, 2018. New Braunfels Art League Gallery is located at 349 West San Antonio Street in downtown New Braunfels.

(Click on the photos to see closer.) 

High School Art 2 & 3 Abstract Expressionist Paintings

After learning about Jackson Pollock and Abstract Expressionism our Grace Prep High School Art 2 and Art 3 students had fun creating their own paintings in that style! They turned out great! In addition, a many of our Art 2 and Art 3 students chose to display/sell their expressionism paintings at the New Braunfels Art League Gallery. We were invited by the Gallery to participate in their rotating high school art area. The Grace Preparatory High School art display and sale will be going on there beginning November 1 until December 15, 2018. New Braunfels Art League Gallery is located at 349 West San Antonio Street in downtown New Braunfels. 

(Click on photos to see up close.)

Middle School Chinoiserie

This last week in Middle School Art we learned about the European imitation of Chinese art and ceramics which began in the 18th century. It is called Chinoiserie (pronounced "Sheen-wa-zuree") which based on the French word for Chinese. One form of Chinoiserie is the monochromatic decorative plates you might see in someone's home. They are frequently done in blue and will have a repetitive design around the edge and a decorative scene or motif in the middle.  The students got to decorate their own plate sized piece of paper. It was fun seeing what they came up with! 

(Click on photos to see artwork more closely.)

Middle School Art - Aboriginal Dot Paintings

In the Middle School Art classes we began our trip around the world looking at art from different cultures and countries. Our first project was based on our look at the dot paintings produced by the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. Students used acrylic paints to make their own dot painting. So colorful and unique!

(Click on the photos to see more closely.)

High School Art 1 - Autumn Leaf Prints

The colder weather we have had this week got us inspired in the High School Art 1 classes with our autumn leaf prints. First students painted a background and then used their painted leaves to produce a nice composition. Acrylic paints were used for this project. 

Aren't they beautiful? 

(Click on pictures to see up close.)

High School Art 2/3 - Postage Stamps

Over the past several weeks, in High School Art 2/3 students have been creating their personal postage stamp. We learned about the American folk artist, Grandma Moses, who began her painting career in her 70's (which shows you're never too old to start something new!). One of her paintings was featured on a United States postage stamp. We also looked at other postage stamps for inspiration. They had to include their name or initials and how much they wanted their stamp to be so they got to practice lettering. I love what each student came up with for their stamp!

(Click on each picture to see their artwork more closely.)

Inspirational Art Moment - Love is in the Bin

Recently, a painting entitled "Girl with Balloon", was sold at Sotheby's Auction House in London for $1.4 million. However, as soon as the gavel came down on the sale, a paper shredder carefully hidden inside the frame went into action leaving about half of the painting hanging and shredded from the bottom of the frame. Onlookers were stunned as the painting was quickly carried out. Who was the artist? He is an anonymous, but becoming increasingly well-known "street artist, vandal, political activist, film director" and prankster who lives in England. He calls himself Bansky. Worth noting is the fact that the buyer of the painting, which is now called "Love is in the Bin", has decided to keep it. A representative from Sotheby's has even said that the artwork may be even more valuable now because nothing like what happened has ever occurred during auction. This is a great example of life in Christ. One minute life seems to be going great and the next minute something happens that leaves us feeling torn up and dejected; perhaps even feeling worthless and with the sudden urge to just get out of the room. In John chapter 16 Jesus tells His disciples that in this life we will have trouble but to take heart! He has overcome the world! Romans 8:28 promises that in "all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Our value does not decrease or change just because of what we are going through. A torn $20 bill is still worth $20. In fact, BECAUSE of what we are going through, we can be considered MORE valuable! We are now able to comfort and encourage others who might be going through the something similar! Be encourage today to keep your chin up, keep your eyes on the One who was torn for us, and to keep on keeping on. You are not alone. "Love is in the Bin" with us!

High School Art 1 Color/Balance Designs

Over the last few weeks in the High School Art 1 classes we have been learning about the Elements of Art and the Principles of Design. For this project we combined a study of one of the Elements, Color, and one of the Principles, Balance. Students had to create a design that was repeated in each of the four corners of their paper to create symmetrical balance. Then four different color schemes had to be represented in each of the corners: monochromatic, cool colors, warm colors, and complementary colors. This was a pretty challenging assignment but the students definitely rose to the occasion with their creativity! (Click on the pictures to see their designs more closely.) 

Comal County Fair Art Winner

Several of our Grace Preparatory art students entered artwork or photographs at the 2018 Comal County Fair during the last week of September. While, personally I think all of our talented students should have won something, I'm happy to share that Victoria Abell won a First Place Ribbon for her self portrait! Congratulations Tori! (:-D)

(Click on the picture to see her artwork close-up.) 

Middle School Identity Collages

In Middle School Art this past week we talked about mixed media and collage and because Ephesians 2:10 (our theme verse) says that we are each a masterpiece created by God, we made Identity Collages that illustrated each of our uniqueness and creativity! I think this is one of my favorite projects so far! The Grace Prep students are truly a joy to have in the Art Classes!

(Click on the photos to see closer.)