by Robert Zondag
Crayons aren’t just for preschoolers anymore! Why not use that box of old broken crayons to create beautiful works of art. More and more artists are using the medium to discover its versatility and ease-of-use. And so can your home school students. Best of all, it’s easy on a limited budget.
What is a crayon? A crayon is a stick of colored wax. They are relatively easy to work with, non-toxic, and come in a wide variety of colors. As most people know, the world's largest manufacturer of wax crayons is Binney & Smith Inc., the manufacturer of Crayola® brand crayons. Crayola© crayons were the first crayons targeted for children. They were invented by two cousins, Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith. The first box of eight Crayola© crayons was sold in 1903 for just one nickel.
Starting your project is easy no matter what the age of your student, in fact, the older the student, the better. First, have your student research how crayons are used by artists and what type of results the artist achieves. The internet provides some great websites for artists who use crayon as their choice of medium. As always, parental supervision is recommended for younger children to ensure that they are viewing age appropriate material.
To begin the artwork, a stronger paper is recommended so that your child can add multiple layers of color wax on the sheet with ripping or making a hole. Also, a paper with more “tooth” is recommended. Tooth is the surface of paper. The more tooth a paper has the rougher it feels when you run your fingers across it. A paper with more “tooth” will allow more of the color wax to be applied to the sheet. You may visit your local art supply store and choose some heavier weight, toothier paper.
Have your student sketch several compositions on pieces of drawing paper. Once he or she identifies the best sketch or composition, have your student transfer the drawing to the heavier weight paper. He or she can then begin the process of layering the crayons on the paper. The more layers the more the effect. Subtle hue changes will occur in the colors. Texture will be developed. This project is all about exploration. Encourage discovery of this familiar medium. Your student will be surprised at the end result of adding layers of color wax.
As always, happy teaching!
The following is a short list of artists to review:
www.themastercrayonartist.com
www.jeffreyrobert.com
www.tionamarco.com
As an artist, Robert H. Zondag has turned his passion into teaching children and adults to both create and enjoy the visual arts. He continues to act as a catalyst and consultant for administrators, educators and parents to design and assess art education programs. As a Regional Program Director for Young Rembrandts, Robert works with various districts, community education programs, private institutions, and home educators to incorporate successful drawing courses into schools, early education programs, and summer enrichment sessions.
Robert is available for consultation with your home schooling group or to speak at state or local conventions and meetings.
Robert H. Zondag
Regional Program Director
Young Rembrandts
729 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
Robert.Zondag@youngrembrandts.com
http://youngrembrandts.com/emetro-wwis/
612.382.6745
651.292.1582 (fax)
Crayons aren’t just for preschoolers anymore! Why not use that box of old broken crayons to create beautiful works of art. More and more artists are using the medium to discover its versatility and ease-of-use. And so can your home school students. Best of all, it’s easy on a limited budget.
What is a crayon? A crayon is a stick of colored wax. They are relatively easy to work with, non-toxic, and come in a wide variety of colors. As most people know, the world's largest manufacturer of wax crayons is Binney & Smith Inc., the manufacturer of Crayola® brand crayons. Crayola© crayons were the first crayons targeted for children. They were invented by two cousins, Edwin Binney and C. Harold Smith. The first box of eight Crayola© crayons was sold in 1903 for just one nickel.
Starting your project is easy no matter what the age of your student, in fact, the older the student, the better. First, have your student research how crayons are used by artists and what type of results the artist achieves. The internet provides some great websites for artists who use crayon as their choice of medium. As always, parental supervision is recommended for younger children to ensure that they are viewing age appropriate material.
To begin the artwork, a stronger paper is recommended so that your child can add multiple layers of color wax on the sheet with ripping or making a hole. Also, a paper with more “tooth” is recommended. Tooth is the surface of paper. The more tooth a paper has the rougher it feels when you run your fingers across it. A paper with more “tooth” will allow more of the color wax to be applied to the sheet. You may visit your local art supply store and choose some heavier weight, toothier paper.
Have your student sketch several compositions on pieces of drawing paper. Once he or she identifies the best sketch or composition, have your student transfer the drawing to the heavier weight paper. He or she can then begin the process of layering the crayons on the paper. The more layers the more the effect. Subtle hue changes will occur in the colors. Texture will be developed. This project is all about exploration. Encourage discovery of this familiar medium. Your student will be surprised at the end result of adding layers of color wax.
As always, happy teaching!
The following is a short list of artists to review:
www.themastercrayonartist.com
www.jeffreyrobert.com
www.tionamarco.com
As an artist, Robert H. Zondag has turned his passion into teaching children and adults to both create and enjoy the visual arts. He continues to act as a catalyst and consultant for administrators, educators and parents to design and assess art education programs. As a Regional Program Director for Young Rembrandts, Robert works with various districts, community education programs, private institutions, and home educators to incorporate successful drawing courses into schools, early education programs, and summer enrichment sessions.
Robert is available for consultation with your home schooling group or to speak at state or local conventions and meetings.
Robert H. Zondag
Regional Program Director
Young Rembrandts
729 Summit Ave
St. Paul MN 55105
Robert.Zondag@youngrembrandts.com
http://youngrembrandts.com/emetro-wwis/
612.382.6745
651.292.1582 (fax)
