Taking a clue from the book, I painted the modernist bridge against the anachronist Red lighthouse. My contemporary approach in the lighthouse art painting is a delightful, refreshing and compelling contrast to the historic lighthouse.
The Art Guild of Orange Park is partnering with St. Johns Day School for an exhibit at their new Performing Arts Center. See breathtaking art by artists from local artists. Orange Park, Florida now through January 6, 2025.
I selected my painting of the Little Red Lighthouse, or Jeffrey’s Hook Lighthouse, as it reflects the power of children to create change.
Made famous by the children’s book The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge by Hildegarde W. Swift and Lynd Ward, the story inspired hundreds of children to write letters that saved the lighthouse.
Today, it stands as the last lighthouse on the Hudson River and the only remaining one in Manhattan. A tribute to the power of youth.
A meet and greet for students begins on October 28 at 2 pm and concludes at 4 pm with parents joining in on the discussion.
Lily Brown’s Painting by Angela Johnson and EB Lewis is a positive and uplifting book that younger children will enjoy. This book highlights the creativity, strengths and love of a delightful African American girl. Lily has a zest for life, adores her family and especially her baby brother.
Lilly is a compassionate and kind girl with an active imagination. She explores the world through her art.
Children and their families will create a watercolor painting of the stars from the book, Lily Brown’s Painting.
While there is a reference to art by Van gogh, Lily also finds inspiration and appreciation in everyday occurrences and elevates them to imaginative heights. There are no limits to her creativity. Lily becomes one with her art often immersing herself in the paintings.
I love that the author, Angela Johnson shares center stage with the illustrator. There is a nice foreword by the artist, EB Lewis, about his creative progress.
Check out my website for lesson plans for this book and other art workshops.
On my first visit to Paris, I stayed at the Hotel de la Tulipe, a wonderful inn located near the Eiffel Tower. I traveled with a group of artists headed to Monet ‘s Garden in Giverny, France.
Grab, your flip flops and imagination. Explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco District through the eyes of a child in this delightful coloring book.
During my stay at the hotel, I befriended the Inn Keeper who told me about his creative and compassionate 5 year old. It seems his son wanted to make signs so tourists would not get lost in Paris. He showed me photos of the drawings.
The next day, I gave the Inn Keeper a copy of my Art Deco coloring book, “Splash and Color,” for his son. The following day much to my surprise, he told me his son had almost finished the coloring book and was researching the Internet to see what the actual buildings looked like.
Children have an insatiable curiosity. I’m glad my coloring book inspired this young Parisian.
Explore my a new website to see this coloring book, creative lesson plans and art.
When faced with a new project, it’s common to seek subject matter experts for guidance. When I began the task of illustrating my Miami Beach Art Deco coloring book, I sought the advice of my five year old grandson. As I worked on my thumbnail sketches, he noted, “Grammy, books have spines.” This was the first of his insightful remarks.
Life guard towers in Miami Beach capture the whimsical spirit of the city.
When I came back with my drawings he observed, “You don’t have any people in it. You need to draw some kids doing fun things.” “Well, I do see people walking their dogs…” “Yes, what about a parachute…this sky looks empty.” “I don’t see parachutes at South Beach but I do see parasails.” “What’s that?” he inquired. Not sure that I could explain it, I drew a sketch. “Cool!” he replied. “I guess I could draw some clouds in the sky,” I offered.
“I want to draw on this robot.” I decided to include dashed lines for tracing instead of making it a static object. “This building needs something.” “I did leave out some windows,” I explained. So much for my first edit…
I literally went back to the drawing board and returned with the changes he suggested. “Where’s the parachute?” he insisted. “Well, I drew clouds instead.” He wasn’t impressed and maybe a bit disappointed. Still, he said it was much better than before.
“These kids need helmets on their heads. They could get hurt!” “But they look so much cooler without the helmets,” I protested. “These kids need helmets!” “Alright,” I agreed.
“What should I do about the front of the book? I’ve seen a mermaid on a building I could draw.” “No, because people will think it is just for girls.”
My Miami Beach Art Deco coloring book is a fun educational tool with interactive activities and drawings of the Art Deco Building in the Miami Beach Art Deco District.
“What should the ages be for the coloring book?” “Four to nine year olds. Little kids ‘scribble and scrabble’ and I’ve seen nine year olds color.”
“What should I call it?” “Teen Coloring book.” “Do you know what a teen is?” “No!”
“Well, I’m not calling it that.” I decided on “Splash and Color” without telling him. My ego had taken enough beatings.
A few weeks later, I returned with what I hoped would be the final edit. “Good job, Grammy. I am proud of you,” he beamed. “Wow! Thanks, grandson.” Now to get it printed I thought…
As I read the publisher’s guidelines, I breathed a sigh of relief. My grandson had prepared me well.
On my first visit to Paris, I stayed at the Hotel de la Tulipe, a wonderful inn located near the Eiffel Tower. I traveled with a group of artists headed to Monet ‘s Garden in Giverny, France.
Grab, your flip flops and imagination. Explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco District through the eyes of a child in this delightful coloring book.
During my stay at the hotel, I befriended the Inn Keeper who told me about his creative and compassionate 5 year old. It seems his son wanted to make signs so tourists would not get lost in Paris. He showed me photos of the drawings.
The next day, I gave the Inn Keeper a copy of my Art Deco coloring book, “Splash and Color,” for his son. The following day much to my surprise, he told me his son had almost finished the coloring book and was researching the Internet to see what the actual buildings looked like.
“Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. The illustrator uses several artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin for inspiration in the book, “Lily Brown’s Paintings.”
This book is as much about kindness as it about art. In the book, Lily Brown’s Paintings, children enjoy her playful and happy world. Lily’s interactions with the characters and her family are full of love and compassion.
A walk to school becomes an imaginative journey with the trees coming alive and bowing to Lily. Her painting of the corner market brings joy. Lily explores and sees the world through her art. The illustrations by E.B. Lewis in the book are vivid and colorful. They bring the book to life.
The illustrator uses several artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin for inspiration. This is a great book to use to introduce children to art history on a level they can comprehend. It is a useful tool help children prepare for an outing to a museum.
To learn more about the creation of the art in the book, check out the link on Lily Brown’s Paintings.
Multicultural Art 4 Kids 