"Why are you icing the cardboard?"

Hubby was sure that what I was doing must be for a good reason, but it did look odd. I had out a mixing bowl, a knife and what looked like icing was being slathered onto pieces of cardboard.

"Well, we're doing art here in the afternoon ... " and I didn't even get to finish the rest. He'd guessed.

"You're doing Fresco!"

"Yes, and I need to prepare now so the plaster is dry enough to work on later."

"Oh .... I've always wanted to learn how to do that!"

So, I prepared an extra piece so the children can show him how it's all done and he can create his own at some other time.

This year we've been using ARTistic Pursuits as a guide to our art lessons, as recommended by a dear friend, Miss Maccy Pants.

This is only our fourth lesson, but we're all really enjoying it. The children have a read-aloud about an artist, then they practice a technique to reinforce the focus of the lesson. Above is the practical page from which we were working today.

So, back to my pieces of cardboard - which are just cut up boxes to around A4 size. I mixed up some Selly's Spakfilla to nice spreadable consistency then spread over the cardboard. The hardest part of this was making sure that there were no lumps, then spreading it smoothly with the knife. Leave to dry and lightly sand back.

Next, draw on your picture lightly with an HB pencil, then paint with watercolour.

Here's what the children created today, with emphasis being on drawing people showing movement and/or emotion:

Maestro -

Indiana Jones was crossing a bridge when he fell in with a killer python (and Indiana doesn't like snakes, so he's showing he's scared!). He's hat fell on top of the python.

Mariposa -

This is me, in the bathroom, brushing my teeth with a red toothbrush before I go to bed.

and a 'guest artist', aged 4 -

This boy is embarrased because he found out he has too many toys and doesn't know where to put them all!

.... too cute!!!!