February 16, 2009

Lauren Art Fair

Lauren's school does an art fair every other year (sandwiching a science fair). This is especially interesting since the school does not have a formal art class. They also live by the ever popular (with everyone except me) rule that no-one wins or loses and everyone goes home with a blue ribbon weather they spend 5 minutes or 5 hours on their project (but that is a whole nother Oprah)




Lauren's first art fair was 2 years ago when she was 6 years old. She painted this



The rules were a little easier for second graders but she had to create her art, write about it and display it and go home with your blue ribbon.



This year, age 8 - 4th grade - stronger rules. I love the requirements based on the fact that they don't teach art in school (well, every now and then the class teacher introduces some art, Lauren brought home some shredded paper glued to paper, and a swirly dot art type thing once) anyway...this year she has to write a 12 paragraph synopsis of her creation - including "an explanation on how the elements of art were used to create it", the "two main principals of art used", and an explanation on "how the principals were used to organize the elements". She also has to account for any and all help given to create the piece, including spending an afternoon with her Aunt Anna (bless you Anna) so she could learn a little about what the heck she was doing before she set out to do it!!!

When she was six she chose a "big" project for a little girl with no art training. Now at 8 she chose an even BIGGER project for a little girl with no art training (except that of her amazing Aunt of course!!!)

Seeing that she would one day like to travel to space she picked a solar system picture off the net and is using it to model her painting. Her afternoon with Aunt Anna has done her wonders, I can't help her because I paint and draw like a 4 year old (seriously) but here is what she has so far!

Touching up Earth

Mixing colors


Completed Earth


Completed Saturn


The whole thing so far (she has to add all the stars etc. in the background still) but she is doing a great job.

Strangely, she has already written her 12 paragraphs - a smart girl can BS her way through anything, even when she hasn't even done the project yet...not necessarily a good skill to have or to learn but in this case - I blame the school.

14 comments:

jen@odbt said...

She has talent. That piece looks amazing for a 6 year old. Hope you have that framed somewhere. Her new piece is impressive. That's a lot of work the school makes them do. Whatever happened to the artist's interpretation? LOL.

Kim H. said...

Um, I pretty much think that girl has TALENT PERIOD. She is amazing, Terra. She definitely has a natural ability, no doubt.

She sounds very first born -- 12 paragraphs done before the artwork. I love it. :)

Kim H. said...

By the way, I keep forgetting to tell you that I love the hearts on your blog for VD. :) So tootie cute!

Alicia said...

Oh, it's so good! Way to go Lauren!

I really wish she would rub off on Cailey a little bit with her study habits!

Woman Interrupted said...

It's very advanced. I am really impressed! I love the dark shading on the Earth already.

Courtney said...

what a great artist. both are fabulous paintings. I can not believe at 6, Lauren is hands down 100% better at painting than me at 33.

fabulous!

Anonymous said...

thanks mom i've done great... i think

Lindsay said...

What an artist you have on your hands! I too draw like a 4 year old. Lauren's solar system looks awesome!

whoopsadasie said...

Wow...that is an amazing project she has there! She is going to be a famous artist someday!

I couldn't help her either...it would look like I did it with my big toe!! LOL!

Cheryl Lage said...

OH.MY.GOSH. I LOVE it! Her motivation is to be lauded (especially as I, like you, am not a fan of the "everybody gets a ribbon" mode)

She does well because she WANTS to do well, and I adore that. You are a great mama with a very talented girl. :)

Bonnie said...

I love the artwork! Lauren is doing a great job. Is Hailey wanting to do one too?

Jenni said...

It looks GREAT! Good for her!

12 paragraphs? Craziness...

the mama bird diaries said...

That's amazing. You must be so proud of her.

Jen @ tatertotsandjello.com said...

Hi Terra!

Great art work!! I have an award for you over at my place!

Jen