Online Mixed Media: I AM HERE (10-13 yrs.)

This course skips Easter Weekend (April 15 - 17)

In this online course, we take concepts and themes from the I AM HERE exhibition to consider how the places around us influence who we are, and how we can leave our own unique mark in the world around us. 

This course encourages experimentation and exploration of artmaking tools, materials and formats both traditional and not so traditional. Young artists consider a variety of drawing, painting and printmaking techniques and build on their existing skills.  

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WEEKLY OUTLINE

Week 1: Panorama of My Surroundings

We will create artwork inspired by our own neighbourhoods. In the making of an artwork that combines collage, drawing, and 3D paper sculpture, we will explore drawing techniques relevant for depicting cityscapes and townscapes. Architectural drawing concepts such as elevation, perspective and isometric views will be introduced. 

Week 2: Secret Recipes 

The world of DIY artmaking will be explored through the use of secret recipes for printmaking projects, zines, and miniature bookworks. We will make prints and mini-books experimenting with materials that can be found in desk and kitchen drawers. 

Week 3: Self Portrait as a Time Capsule 

This week we will consider artworks created from the ephemera of artists’ daily lives. We will create a sealed time capsule message for the future times, using the techniques of drawing, collage and assemblage. Creative diaries will be explored. 

Week 4: Artist Multiples 

This week we will create a set of artist cards and multiples that celebrate our daily routines, habits and obsessions. Exploring drawing, painting and illustration techniques, we will work on developing our personal approaches to creating a series of small works, and will focus on formal consistency, design decisions, and thematic variations. 

Week 5: A Gathering of Kin 

This week we will create a drawing based on real life photographs of people dear to us. We will use visual strategies and transfer techniques which can help us bring the figures from the existing images and situations into a new and unexpected composition and imaginary scenario. 

Material List

• Sketchbook, 9 x 12 inches (or regular office paper)
• Cardstock white paper or heavier weight paper 8.5 x 11 inches: 10 sheets
• 1 sheet of fine drawing paper 12 by 18 or larger 
• Regular office paper, 8.5 x 11 inches: 4 sheets 
• Postcard size watercolour paper sheets: 10 sheets
• Construction paper: 6 sheets various colours
• Parchment paper 12 x 18 inches, several pieces (from the roll of baking parchment)
• Pencils HB and 4B, eraser and sharpener
• Fine liner pen or fine tip marker, black
• Ballpoint pen
• Sharpie marker, regular, black
• Colour marker set
• Box of chalk pastels: various colours
• Box of oil pastels: various colours
• Colour pencils: various colours
• Watercolour or gouache paint set, 6 or more colours
• Watercolour brush 
• Scissors and glue stick 
• Ruler
• Tape: masking tape and scotch tape

Additional materials to find and collect:

• Various small ephemera collected - receipts, small paper and foil packaging etc.
• Styrofoam plate or tray
• Paper clips, coins, toothpicks, marker and bottle caps -small objects from around the home
• Pieces of cardstock from cereal boxes
• Tin foil sheet, some from a kitchen roll
• Small container such as small tupperware, small box, bottle or canister to be used for a small artwork 
• Printed or photocopied photos of friends and/or family 
• Optional: needle, string or floss

Materials list by week will be introduced in 1st class. 

These are the recommended materials for this course. All sizes are approximate. On your first day of class, your instructor may recommend additional optional materials. Our Instructors will do their best to accommodate alternative materials whenever possible. 

Some suggested retailers for purchasing your art materials.