Weighted Line Drawings

LET IT SAG

Can you give a drawing the illusion of weight

simply by bending your lines?

smallSHOP artists explore the possibilities of line

in this playful drawing exercise.

First, we drew a cute critter ...

... Then used line to make him a cozy, bouncy bed.

It's enough to make you want to 

curl up

and 

sink in

to a pretty, 

pillowy line.

Keep Creating!

always,

smallSHOP

Fancy Pants Animals

ANIMAL HEAD + HUMAN CLOTHES =

FURRY FASHIONISTA FUN

Create a funny hybrid creature

with a flair for fashion!

We came up with these adorable crazy critters by working in a series:

First, we made collage magic-

we combed fashion and sports magazines 

searching for the perfect outfit to match our animal's head...

INSTANT CHARISMA!

Next, we used our collage as the basis for a fine tuned sketch

Finally, we showed off our drawing skills 

by adding lots of detail and intricate pen and ink line work.

The result -

A whimsically surreal character with 

LOTS of personality!

Who wouldn't love these refined furry friends?

Have Fun!

Always,

smallSHOP

A smallSHOP Vignette

A smallSHOP Vignette. 

A sampling of artwork created by smallSHOP artists

ranging in age from 4-7 years old. 

Animals top off the party.

We are always trying to come up with good party ideas. 

This weekend smallSHOP rocked a 

Hollywood Hills Block Party and 

had the kiddos making these. 

We got the idea from House to Home UK (thanks!) 

and they turned out great. 

The kids love making them. 

The parents love looking at them. 

And you can actually use them. 

If you feel like making them, go for it!

If you don't feel like setting it up and cleaning up, 

call smallSHOP, we will come and do it for you!

Have a creative day!

Always, 

Sage and smallSHOP

Pretty Little Pet

We asked our student's to print a photo of their pet 

or the pet that they might want. 

We spent time sketching and figuring out how to draw each animal. 

Once they felt confident, they were asked to 

lightly sketch in pencil on a wood block. 

Using pencil, gouache (a thicker watercolor) and 

colored pencils we had them show fur and 

the shades of the color in the fur. 

We are so impressed by their work. 

The above artwork is by 1st and 2nd graders!

Oh! smallSHOP kids make us so proud!

Try your own. 

Use wood the wood grain is just beautiful. 

Always, 

Sage and smallSHOP

smallSHOP Artist Christina Tonges

smallSHOP Artist Christina Tonges is not only an incredible teacher,
she is an accomplished artist.
Please check out the wonderful shout out she got on Please Note Paper 
(please click here to be linked).
We are so happy that she is part of our team.

Here are few of my favorite works of art by Christina.

To view more of her art and choose your favorites, please check out her Etsy shop. 

And please share with your little artists, it is exciting to see your teacher in a new environment and I am sure that they would love to see her art.

And remember we teach adults too! So if you are feeling creative and want a supportive little shadow helping you along the way, please give a call and we will be that shadow. www.smallshopathome.com.

Have a wonderful day and keep creating.

Best Wishes,
Sage and smallSHOP

Animals on Parade...

 

Plush to Paint

smallSHOP kids collage + stitch

1. An idea

2. A stencil design

3. Cut out shapes 

4. Add details in paper

5. Poke holes

6. Stitch with colored embroidery thread

7. Add text

8. Sign and share

Collage Me Please

Jason Laferrera has taken a media of maps and repurposed them to represent this fab fox: Virginia Red Fox.

I am a sucker for a cute bird and this little Tennessee Mockingbird is so sweet.

And this unique nautical paper cut illustration. It was hand drawn and painted on water color paper Michelle Tavares.

The technique of collage is exciting and many artists push the boundaries with the materials they choose to use. Long gone are the days of only Henri Matisse and the limitations of a simple flat color palette and basic shapes. Although I do love Matisse and believe that introducing young artists to his work is important, I try to balance my collage instruction with some contemporary artists. I find myself drawn to artists like Jason Laferrera and Michelle Tavares. Our students find their creativity and fine motor skills exercised by using different textures and mediums in the art of collage.