Most days when I pick up my first-grader from school and ask how the day was, the response I get back ranges from a tired grunt to a simple “good.”
Last Friday, I got an energetic, “It was GREAT!”
My son went on to describe a guest children’s book writer and illustrator, Rosemary Wells, who visited their classroom. “She showed us all of the materials she uses for her drawings and told us all about her process,” he explained excitedly. “I think I can do it!” The only thing holding him back was not having the proper supplies. “The author says we can get them at any art supply store, so can we go to Sparrow…please!?” he added, racing through this request like he had been holding it in for hours in anticipation of school getting out.
Sparrow Art Supply’s owner, Beth Bluestein, worked patiently to understand the vision and help find materials that she thought would do the trick. We trekked home and got to work.
First step was the original figure drawing, completed (rather too quickly if you ask me) using our favorite marker set. Then, we carefully ripped and applied painter’s tape over the colored figure, covering it up so it would be protected from the next layers. The next step involved applying a thick and solid coat of black paint to the full sheet.
From there, we tested several brushes and techniques until happy with the right splatter outcome. My son then slowly and carefully applied three layers of different colored paints to the black to create a splattered and textured “night sky” effect on the page. This process lasted two days, with regular check-ins on the layers, reapplications, and waiting time.
After the final layer was dried and he had achieved the desired effect, our budding artist removed the tape to reveal his completed masterpiece.
“It’s not exactly what I had in mind, but I LOVE it.”
To Mrs. Flint, Principal Kravitz, Vermont Book Shop, and everyone else responsible for bringing guests into our public schools: Thank you for recognizing the inspirational value visitors like this bring to the classroom.
To Rosemary Wells: Thank you for opening the door and sharing your craft in a way that feels accessible and invigorating to a young mind.
From a grateful parent,
Christy
Do you have a story to share about life with young kids in Addison County? We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected].