18 | November | 2014 | Mama Cormier

….my kindergarten class just finished their Picasso portraits

After discussing faces and the different parts and how to draw them I introduced Pablo Picasso to my kindergarten class. We talked about the difference between reality painting and abstract painting and how Picasso could do both. I had photographs of some of Picasso’s abstract portrait paintings and then I drew an oval shape and divided it with a vertical line down the centre. I encouraged the children to use curvy or zigzag lines and to add more than one.

The next part was the fun part. They could draw as many eyes, noses and mouths as they wanted. They could use any colour for skin and hair. Each child was given a black Sharpie to draw a shape for the face, the lines within the shape and then all the facial features that they wanted to add. When they were done with that they took crayons and coloured in their Picasso faces and some of them coloured the background as well. I was amazed at the detail that they added. They really took the time to examine some of Picasso’s portraits and you could see how they tried to incorporate some of his design details in their own work. I think they’re fabulous. You be the judge.

….6 more weeks before the end of the year

Thanks Cee for four more great questions.

On a vacation what you would require in any place that you sleep?

I require at least two pillows, a clean bathroom with a hot shower, and a desk to write from.

Music or silence while working?

More and more I find I like to work in complete silence, especially late at night. During the day I don’t mind a bit of music when I’m doing chores. It helps elevate my mood when I’m working on something I’d rather not do.

If you were to move and your home came fully furnished with everything you ever wanted, list at least three things from your old house you wish to retain?

I would want to retain all our musical instruments, all my art work and my antique blanket box. These are the things that add character to our home.

What’s your least favorite mode of transportation?

My least favourite mode of transportation is a speed boat. I’m fine with larger boats, ferries and sailboats but I’ve never understood the thrill of bouncing over waves in a speed boat.

Bonus question: What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I’m grateful for time spent with my oldest daughter, her partner J and her nephew A. We spent an afternoon at the museum and then we all went to one of my oldest teaching colleagues and best friends for supper.

I know I’ve had a good weekend when I can finish a piece of art. Last week I did the last of the assignments for my on-line class, Table Top Drawing and Painting. I’ll post those pieces later in the week.

This week I’m looking forward to some normalcy. I can continue to organize the library. Everything is finally coming into place. The last of the additions arrived today and will be installed this week. I’ve finally deleted boxes of damaged and old books from the computer and processed half of the new books that I purchased during the book fair.

On Thursday my husband and I are going to the theatre to see The Book of Mormons. I’m really looking forward to that. It’s not often that we get out to see a live show.

Cheers!