Nature & Art Class (Ages 5 yo +)
DESCRIPTION: Nature & Art is designed for age 5 years and older and encourages learners to interact with nature in a creative way, searching for art and beauty, and developing a sense of awe and appreciation for the inspiration found from our natural world. Art work will be created after visiting the outdoors, studying artists whose focus is the natural world, and combining found materials from nature (sticks, leaves, shells, etc.) with traditional art mediums. Elements of art (line, shape, color, texture, space, form) and principles of design (repetition, movement, balance, contrast, unity, emphasis) will be reviewed as art work is created. Students will reflect, journal, engage in discussion, strengthen critical thinking skills, and develop their creativity and imagination in the process.
All art materials are supplied, and materials or objects from nature will be collected together outdoors, or independently before our meeting in the case of a Zoom class. Students must come dressed in old clothes or have an art smock / apron.
SAMPLE 4-WK SYLLABUS:
CLASS 1: After learning about the artwork of British artist, Andy Goldsworthy, students will go outside on a nature hunt! They will gather natural objects such as sticks, leaves, shells, etc., and return to their work area and begin arranging them in a creative way. Objects will be glued down to mixed media cardboard and shared with the entire class.
CLASS 2: Students will explore poster prints of flower paintings made by American Artist Georgia O'Keeffe, analyzing her style. They will bring a flower of choice to class, and use watercolor paints and sharpie markers to make a work of art in a similar style.
CLASS 3: Students will begin class outdoors, observing cyclical patterns on surfaces on a walk. They will collect petals, small rocks and leaves to bring back to their work area. Students will be introduced to the concept of a "mandala" then, and create one of their own, using the collected objects.
CLASS 4: Students will use air dry clay and press flowers, leaves, twigs, and more into it to make intricate, painted impressions. Once imprints are dry, they will be hung and made into a mobile or wind chimes.
* Class content may vary slightly as I incorporate student input and learn student preferences.
* Any work not completed during class may be completed for homework and brought to next class to share, though it is not a requirement. Creative work made outside of class is welcome to be shared, always!
CLASS DURATION: 1 hr. 15 min, with time for discussion/sharing & cleanup
LOCATION: Private & small group instruction will take place in my home studio located in Russett Green area of Laurel, MD 20724. If you have a space you can offer to host, please message me at nadiaj@nadiajart.com to set it up. Thank you kindly!
COST: Cost is written PER SESSION. For in person classes, price includes cost of art materials. If you are selecting an online/ZOOM class, you will be responsible for the additional cost of materials. Material List & places to purchase will be supplied.
SCHEDULE: After purchase, I will reach out to you personally regarding scheduling. Please feel free to email directly as well with any inquiries or preferences at nadiaj@nadiajart.com.
CANCELLATION: If class is cancelled by student or instructor due to any unforeseen circumstances, class will be rescheduled at another suitable time. Refunds will not be given as materials are purchased and lesson planning has been completed at time of registration.
NOTE: Please note that in public, group classes, social distance will be maintained. In any class, all students MUST wear masks, as well as any accompanying adult. Thank you!