March 2020 The Studiowith ART HIST RY KIDS
Mary Blair and the magic of color
Observe | Discuss | Discover | Create | Connect Mary Blair & The Studiowith The Magic of Color ART HIST RY KIDS
INTRODUCTION Creating new worlds– in vivid color Ever since she was a little girl, Mary Blair LOVED to create art. She decided at a young age that she would become an illustrator when she grew up... and that’s just what she did! Mary’s totally unique style and the masterful way she arranged many vibrant colors together in unexpected ways caught the eye of someone who would influence her art career in a very big way– Walt Disney.
We will hear all about the fascinating story behind how Mary Blair came to work with Walt Disney next week, and throughout the month. But as you look at her art this week, think about the way she is using color. Look at the colors that she puts next to each other and the impact they create.
You may recognize some of the art you see this month! Mary worked on films like Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, and Peter Pan, and she illustrated many children’s books.
Next week we’ll learn all about Mary Blair, and hear some fun stories about her life as an artist and her time working at Disney, but this week is YOURS. Spend some time looking at this month’s featured artwork, and to think about what you see. Have a fun chat about it... write your ideas on the mind-map page! It’s really important that you discover the art for yourself before we learn more.
“ Walt said that I knew about colors he had never heard of! –Mary Blair
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THE ART OF CONVERSATION
Concept art for It’s a Small World
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THE ART OF CONVERSATION
Concept art for Peter Pan
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Concept art for Alice in Wonderland
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Triple Elephants
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Concept art for Cinderella
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Art from her South America trip
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Concept art for Cinderella
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Illustration for "The Golden Book of Little Verses," 1953
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Concept art for Alice in Wonderland
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Concept art for Peter Pan
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THE ART OF CONVERSATION How to get your discussion started If your family is new to art appreciation, you can find a step-by-step guide to leading meaningful art discussions in the foundation section of our members’ area. Here are a few ideas to consider as you begin your discussion. Invite your kids to wonder about the art and to come up with their own ideas. Skip any questions that don’t inspire an engaged conversation.
“What do you see here?” “What makes you say that?” “Does this style of art remind you of anything?” “What kind of story is the artist telling in this painting?” “Are there feelings or emotions in this art? What are they?” “What kinds of colors do you see?” “What is the value of the colors? Are they light? Dark? Both? “What kind of mood do these colors create in the art?” “Where does your eye go first in this painting? Where does your eye go next? “What kinds of shapes do you see? Are they simple or complex?” “Is there a pattern or rhythm in this art? Where?” “What interests you most about this painting?” “What else can we find in the picture?” “Let’s brainstorm a few words that capture the essence of this painting.”
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THE ART OF CONVERSATION Mind Map! Make your conversation visual! As you discuss the art, note down some of the key words or ideas that come up! (You can also do this on a big sheet of butcher paper or a chalkboard.)
Mary Blair
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March Prep Sheet This month’s projects won’t require any special books or art supplies, but I’ve got some fun ideas you may want to prepare for ahead of time.
Your kids will be sketching and painting for most of the projects, so a simple sketchbook, pencils and erasers, and paints will come in handy. If you’d like to upgrade to a better quality paper for them to paint on, this would be a good month to do that. Watercolor paper is great, and you can use gouache or tempera paints on watercolor paper, too!
When you are looking at paper, think about whether or not you’d like it to have a texture. If you do, you’ll want cold pressed watercolor paper. If your kids like to paint on a smoother surface, look for hot pressed paper. Do your kids like large scale art? If so, pick up a roll of butcher paper for a mural project!
This month is all about color! Your kids can mix their own colors, but it might be fun to add a few extra tubes or tubs of paint to your art area.
Your kids might also enjoy using a permanent black ink pen for accents.
These books about Mary Blair are great! I’ll be reading this one in the Week 4 video at the end of the month. (Click the image to see more books.)
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NOW IT’S YOUR TURN...
Consider this: Using repetition in art.
Look back at the concept for It’s a Small World on page 2 of this guide, and then look at the images on this page– both of these were created by Mary Blair as well.
Notice how she’s taking very simple shapes and repeating them to create a really strong design. Your design can have this kind of repetition and For your art project this week, play with rhythm, too! Using repetition in this way will give your shapes and colors. Put them together in an architectural concept art a bold and iconic style, even interesting way to create a castle, a tree house, a though the shapes themselves may be very basic. cottage, or any other type of architectural structure.
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