Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Watercolor Sky Paintings

Objective: This lesson guides students' creativity through atmospheric science and artistic fluid dynamics. By exploring themes ranging from cosmic galaxies to seasonal sunsets, students will learn to manipulate the unpredictable nature of watercolor to simulate light, weather, and depth. The ultimate goal is for students to move beyond basic coloring and begin using water as a tool, mastering the delicate balance of pigment and moisture to capture the fleeting beauty of the natural world across different times and places.

Themes:

Galaxy Night Sky: Focus on layering. Start with light pinks and blues, then layer deep Indanthrone Blue or Black around the edges while the paper is damp to create that "glow."
Four Seasons Sky:
- Winter: Use "cool" tones (cobalt, violet) and leave "white space" for snow.
- Autumn: Use "warm" tones (ochre, burnt orange) with crisp, dry-brush details for falling leaves.
Sunset Across the Globe: Focus on atmospheric perspective. A sunset in the desert will have sharper, warmer edges than a misty sunset over a London cityscape.

Create/- Artwork Rubric:

Planning and Sketch: Planning a draft in your sketchbook, then lightly sketch on a final 7.5"X11" watercolor paper.
Theme: Clear, creative theme (e.g., specific season/time). Colors and mood perfectly match the location.pick a theme from the following:

Galaxy Night Sky

Four Seasons Sky

Sunset Across the Globe

Composition: Perfectly follows the 2/3 sky and 1/3 land ratio. The sky feels vast and atmospheric.
Landscape Features: Includes detailed elements (mountains, trees, or houses) that serve as strong anchors to the sky.

Wet-on-Wet technique: Masterful soft blends in the sky. No "cauliflower" marks. Colors flow seamlessly.
Wet-on-Dry technique: Landscape features have crisp, sharp edges. No bleeding into the sky.
Pick one or use all from the following applications:

Salt Application: Salt was applied at the perfect "satin" stage. Created clear, beautiful, crystalline textures (stars/snow).

Splatter application: Splatter is intentional and varied in size. Controlled placement enhances the theme (e.g., Milky Way, glowing distant stars, or snow.

Theme examples:

Galaxy Night Sky:

Sunset Sky

4-season

Link: Realistic Watercolor Sky

Snowy weather
One class of trying Watercolor Techniques

1. Watch watercolor do and don'ts

2. Following this YouTube video and working on your sketchbooks. Use masking tape to divide the one-page space into 12 rectangles

Salt Application:

Splatter Application

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Plate Tableware: Slab and Mold Ceramics

Rubric;

1. Theme and sketch:

Plate effectively and creatively expresses the chosen theme (Sea/Air/Land, Pattern, Floral, Nature, or Fruit). The design is original and balanced. Detailed sketch included.

2. Slab Forming & Mold Use:

The plate has consistent thickness, a smooth surface, and a well-defined, clean rim. It is clearly and successfully formed using a mold.

3. Additions:

At least one dimensional addition (pop-up, layered clay) is securely attached, well-sculpted, and enhances the overall theme and design.

4. Subtractions:

Creative and precise use of a subtractive technique (carving, sgraffito, cutouts) is detailed and integral to the design theme.

5. Feet or Plate Rim

4 (or 3) stable feet are securely attached, identical in size, and perfectly level, OR a well-defined and level footed rim is built, ensuring the plate does not wobble.

6. Glaze: Apply underglaze and gloss glaze:

Underglaze and gloss glaze are applied neatly, covering all intended areas. Color choice enhances the design. Fired glaze is free of major flaws.

7. Craftsmanship:

All elements show excellent care and attention to detail. Plate is clean, finished thoroughly, and ready for use (post-firing).

Steps:

1. Planning and Theme Development (Initial Sketch)

Action: Students choose one theme and create a detailed sketch showing the plate's shape, the layout of the decoration, the placement of the pop-up elements, and the location of the feet.
Focus: How will the chosen theme be expressed through pattern, texture, and image?

2. Creating the Slab

Action: Roll out a large, even slab of clay (approximately 1/4 inch thick) using a rolling pin and guide sticks or a slab roller.
Focus: Consistency in thickness is critical for even drying and firing.

3. Subtract and form the plate to a desired shape according to your theme

4. Forming the Plate on the Mold

Action: Gently lift the slab, place it over a thick sponge, and carefully press the clay into the mold's shape, smoothing out all wrinkles and tears.
Action: Trim the excess clay around the edges to define the plate's rim. Let the clay firm up to the leather-hard stage while on the mold. Secure the shape on a wooden board with paper towels

5. Adding the Pop-Up Decorations

Action: Score and slip pre-made, sculpted, or layered pop-up additions (e.g., a small wing for an air theme, a berry cluster for a fruit theme) onto the designated areas on the rim or plate surface.
Focus: Secure attachment using proper scoring and slipping is essential to prevent pieces from falling off during firing.

6. Finishing and Glazing

Action: Use a sponge and/or chamois to smooth the edges and surface. Carve or stamp your signature/initials onto the bottom.
Action: Allow the plate to dry completely to the bone-dry stage for bisque firing. Apply glaze according to the plan.

1. Theme and sketch:

Sea Animal Floral, Nature, or Fruit