Sharing the LOVE!

My starry night creation

About a month ago, I attended a painting night for the alumnae of my high school. It was a fundraiser for an organization that brings art to people who would not ordinarily have access to such activities. The person "instructing" us, Sarah, runs the organization called Art For All People. (If you have a minute or two, please check out the great work that her organization does.) She took us step by step through the process of creating our own painting. Although I was nervous and very unsure of my ability to follow her simple directions, I was impressed with the outcome. The subtle similarities and delicate differences in each of the canvases were pretty amazing. I was brave enough to share my painting (Look to the right!) and I hope my friend doesn't mind me sharing her work as well! (Scroll down to the bottom for our picture. I will also share my second painting completed through a fundraiser for this organization.)

I was inspired by her story and what her organization does. My creative spirit was sparked and the students (and you) reaped the benefits!! I hoped you enjoyed our creations to speed a little LOVE at Valentine's Day!

Here are a couple examples of the Valentine's Day paintings that the students did. The students painted with minimal assistance. (We were using acrylic paints so we offered a little help to keep everyone clean.) The students chose either the word LOVE or a heart shape as their main focus. The word or shape was "written" with painters tape. The students used white, purple, and white to cover the canvas with valentine colors.

To add some color contrast, a small red heart decoration was added as well the work love to the heart painting. (Mrs. B added this detailing to complete the picture.)

The students LOVED the activity and many thought they were 'real artists' because they were using a paint pallet and canvas. We hope you enjoy our online gallery!

Here was my second painting attempt. I am pretty pleased with this one, but I REALLY love the starry night one. I proudly display the starry night painting in the classroom. I hope that you display your child's LOVE painting with pride as well!

~Melanie

Two of the over 50 attendees at the Starry painting night!