31 Days of Children's Books Inspired by Artists- DAY 3: O'Keeffe

Title: Georgia in Hawaii: When Georgia Painted what she Pleased
Estimated time: 30 minutes-1 hour, plus 24 hour dry time
Project: Pinch pot flowers
About the artist: (1887-1986) Georgia O'Keeffe grew up Wisconsin where she helped out on the family's farm. Georgia knew from a young age that she wanted to grow up to be an artist. She loved using bright colors and curvy lines. You can see this in her close up paintings of flowers. After moving to New Mexico O'Keeffe started painting dessert scenery and skulls.
Summary: Read Georgia in Hawaii, then study her work. Follow this lesson to create an artwork inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe. 
Objectives: Identify the elements of art (line, shape, form, space, value, texture and color), Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes, Understand the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.

Supplies: 

• Air Dry Clay (We used crayola air dry clay, but you can use homemade doughs if you would like. Salt dough would be a great dough.)
• Clay tools- Toothpick, sponge and hands
• Paint- Watercolor and acrylics work well

Light Iris: 1924, Jinson Weed: 1936, The Calla Lillies on Pink: 1928

 

Are the flowers far away/small or close up/large? Can you see the whole flower? What part of the flower do you see? What colors do you see? Which one is your favorite?

Georgia O'Keeffe Pinch pot flower:

1. Break off a ball of air dry clay, just enough to fill the palm of your hand.
2. Start by rolling into firm ball.
3. Push your thumb into the center to create a hole.
   
4. Pinch the clay between your thumb and pointer finger all the way around. A small bowl shape will start to form. You can start ruffling the edges to make it look more like petals.
   
5. Carefully decorate the inside of your flower. Add dots for center to make anthers. You can add a lesson about parts of a flower for this step and incorporate some biology. Add some curvy lines with a toothpick to separate the petals.
   
6. Let flower pinch pot dry for 24 hours.
7. After your pot has completely dried you can PAINT it!
   
8. Voila!  A Flower pinch pot inspired by Georgia O'Keefe.

These images are suitable for children, please be aware when doing a search for artists you may find imagery that is not age appropriate.
31 Days of Children's Books Inspired by Artists