PINspirations: Utilizing the Elements to Create Art.

Often, when I paint with with watercolor I tend to create very loose and expressive painting. I am fascinated by the way the colors intermingle and mix "all-by-themselves." I use my own discretion to choose the basic placement and saturation of various colors, but allow nature to take over after that. Typically I paint in a controlled indoor location with average temperatures and very little wind. But it occurs to me now, that I may benefit from allowing a little more input from the elements.

While pinning, I came a cross a few different images that rely quite heavily on the elements to  create art. I believe all of these could be used in the art classroom for any age-group. At the very basic level, these would make wonderful experimentation. With a little more thought (from older students) these techniques could be utilized to create very unique pieces of art.

http://maryandpatch.blogspot.com/2011/06/when-summer-is-back-quand-les-beaux.html

1. The Sun: Although using the sun to create prints is nothing new, the process often requires special papers and sometimes an involved developing process. Because I love the look of sun prints of leaves and other items found in nature, I have been searching for a more affordable alternative. I think (I hope) I have one. Although I have yet to test the method myself...the images at Mary & Patch are very intriguing and the directions are easy to comprehend. I can't wait to try it!

http://www.timknowles.co.uk/Work/TreeDrawings/CircularWeepingWillow/tabid/266/Default.aspx

2. The Wind: I don't think I ever would have thought of this if not for stumbling upon this image on Pinterest. It is the artwork of Tim Knowles. This method reminds be of a seismograph...only instead of measuring an earthquake, it measures the amount of wind during a period of time. I wonder what other ways one could utilize wind to create art?

http://www.missallisonart.com/1/post/2012/08/coloring-with-rain-drops.html

3. The Rain: This type of  project seems like it is commonly used to entertain toddlers and young children...but I think it could also be successful with older children and adolescence. There are many variables to consider; dry or wet paint? a light drizzle or heavy downpour? lay the painting flat, at an angle or completely vertical?