"It's what I love to do!"
Former elementary art teacher and Square 1 Art founder established in 2000.
Art Tip #15
We Accept 2-D Art
As beautiful and creative as relief artwork is, unfortunately, for our internal processes we can only accept 2-D artwork.
This is an example of art that has 3-D pieces glued to it (crayons). We we were unable to process this artwork.
Relief encompasses anything like buttons, glitter, wiggly
eyes, pipe cleaners, beans, seeds, shells, feathers. We do not recommend gluing any of these pieces to your Square 1 artwork.
~ Marty
Art Tip #14
What to Avoid...
when creating art for your easy to run school art fundraiser. If you avoid these common mistakes your artwork will turn out beautifully on any Square 1 Art product ordered.
- No white borders
- No signatures or words near the edges
- No word borders
- No unfinished art
- No pencil guidelines
- No colored pencils
- No photos
- No light watercolors
- No scribble drawing
- No tiny drawing
Art Tip #13
Add a Border!
Paint a color border around the edge of the Square 1 Art paper before young artists start their masterpiece. The border should be at least one inch wide.
This ensures that their art will take up the entire piece of paper with color extending to the edge.
Prevent young artists from drawing important details close to the edge by advising them to stay inside of the painted border. In return, their artwork will look beautiful on quality products that families will order as part of the Square 1 Art easy to run school fundraiser!
~ Marty
Art Tip #12
If you mess up, DRESS it up!
Teach young artists that there are no mistakes in art!
If they make an "error", teach them how they can make that become part of their art. Otherwise, if you let them, they will ask you over and over again for more paper to start over.
This is especially helpful when you are creating artwork for a Square 1 Art fundraiser. The amount of paper we send you is limited so please pass it out sparingly.
~ Marty
Art Tip #11
Signature Template
The Square 1 Art signature template is a guideline for children telling them where to sign their name on their art.
It is not required that the child's name appears in the box, however, it is preferred to ensure that it does not get cut off on custom products.
Download Signature Template
FYI: Signatures do not have to be printed backwards for them to show up correctly on the products.
~ Marty
Art Tip #10
Organize your Classroom Paint
A great way to store and organize your art classroom paint is in egg cartons. Ask parents to donate empty egg cartons to your classroom. You may use any type of carton, however, I find the Styrofoam kind works best to keep the paint from drying out.
Fill one carton up with different colors of paint for each table. The students at the table will share the paint. Teach students not to "double dip" or the colors get mixed up and will turn a muddy color.
Teach color mixing! You could start with the primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) in each egg carton. Instruct students to mix up the secondary and tertiary colors in the empty egg holders. How fun!~ Marty
Art Tip #9
Make your own Paint
Are you an Art Teacher on a budget? Use this handy dandy recipe to make your own paint for the classroom.
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup salt
- food coloring
Works great for finger paint!
Enjoy!
~ Marty
~ Marty
Art Tip #8
Show Signature/Title Cards
Use recycled business cards to create artwork title cards. Write the details of the art on the blank side and affix temporarily to the artwork.
*During WISH LIST weeks, I acquired boxes and boxes of business cards from parents.
Art Tip #7
Art Teacher Wish List
I would post a WISH LIST to students and parents in monthly newsletters from time to time. Today internet WISH LISTS are available!
Utilize any communication avenue possible to request items that may be added to your supplies.
Example:
“Dear Parents and Students, Fall is always a great time to do some house cleaning and if you come across any items on my “wish list” please send them to the art room or put in the front office
WISH BOX for ART."
Wishlist ideas
Paints, brushes, fabric, Styrofoam, Rubbermaid tubes, dishpans, canvas tarps, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, irons, ironing board, trays, cork boards, knick knacks for drawing shelf, costumes, business cards....ribbons, wrapping paper, cardboard tubes, etc. etc. etc.
~ Marty
Art Tip #6
“Art teacher, I’m finished! What can I do”
We often hear this phrase by younger artists after 20 minutes of class art time. And of course all 25 finish at different times.
I created a DRAWING DRAWER! I recycled business cards and placed simple art drawing ideas on the blank back of cards and placed them in the drawer. When children finished and I approved, they could go to the drawing drawer and pick an assignment.
It cracked me up because without instruction, the younger grades would cover their eyes and pick. Most couldn't wait to get back to the table to complete the assignment.
~ Marty
Emphasis Art
is a book by Robert D. Clements and Frank Wachowiak is a textbook that I used ALL THE TIME, as an art teacher.
It has terrific lessons and ideas for art specialists and classroom teachers as well. Lessons can be adapted to any grade levels.
Encourage risk-taking in art
Don't be afraid to "stretch the menu" of ideas with K through 5 students! They love and accept the challenge like champs that they are. Here's a phrase from the textbook that I use whether teaching students or decorating a room or bookshelf! Here goes!
"Something big, something small,
something short, something tall,
something dark next to something light,
helps to make your _ look right."
Add appropriate word on the blank line.
(paintings, drawings, rooms, bookshelf items, design, underglaze designs on clay pieces, sculptures, etc.)
In the case of Square 1 Art...
"Helps to make your artwork right"!
Kids will start reciting it as you go through lessons with them.
As students work on their art for the school art fundraiser, remember to tell them to "bump the edges"!
Not everything should be centered in the middle of a page.
Refer to paintings by Henri Matisse (a favorite of mine) and other famous artists! Point out how the details run off the page.
~ Marty
Art Tip #4
Stock up on art books. Keep a box at each art room table. You will be teaching many different learning levels, therefore, many students will finish up art assignments at different times. Should some students finish early instruct them to look through books or work on art dittos to keep them occupied while the other students at their table finish without distraction.Art Tip #3
Boost student self-esteem easily and creatively by
removing one sticker from each student's squickers during the Square 1 Art school art fundraiser. Create a
Great Wall of Squickers
Art Tip #2
"If finished artwork can be seen clearly across the room artwork results will be AWESOME!"
~ Marty
Art Tip #1
"Think COLORFUL!!!Color till your hands hurt if using crayons. Crayon can look like oils if you color with your paper placed on top of a pad of newspaper.
As an art teacher, I made crayon mats for kids by masking taping edges of a newspaper section. Store them in a milk crate near your art supplies! Try it, kids love it!" ~ Marty
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