CMOM Productions: HeArt for Art

My youngest son has a huge heart for art.  Although both of my boys love to draw, M has a passion for creating and trying new projects.  One of his favorite recent creations can be seen in the photos.  We came up with this one because his fabulous Art teacher had it pinned on Pinterest. All we needed were art pastels (not chalk), a plastic bin (big enough for paper), cardstock, water, a place to dry your paper, and a craft stick.  Pastels sealing spray is suggested, but optional.  If you get the opportunity, give it a try.  A black silhouette of your favorite image is great addition to glue on after the paper is dry.  Frame it for yourself or as a great gift!  I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Step 1:  Fill your container with water.

Step 2:  Use a craft stick to shave off flakes of pastels in various colors

Tip:  Where it sits in the water is where it will show up on the paper

Step 3:  Place your paper into the water face down

Step 4:  Carefully remove your paper

Step 5:  Place it somewhere to dry (if you have empty space, shave off more pastels onto the blank spots)

Step 6:  Once it dries, put a black silhouette image on it or enjoy as is.
*Spray it with pastel sealer if you desire.

On Another Note:

I've recently run out of photo storage on my blog.  The decision to remove old photos currently in place or switch over to my website blog is being weighed at this time.  I do not wish to purchase more "space."  As a result, the next few blog postings may not have photos to accompany them.  My plate is full with Christmas happenings, so I've resolved to make the decision after the holidays.

Van Gogh Draws Me In

Laying in bed longer than normal just resting and being lazy doesn't happen very often in my home.  A rare moment like this happened less than a week ago, when Grampa & Pamm took my boys out for breakfast.  In this unusually quiet and peaceful time, my eyes focused on the painting, okay a poster reproduction, that hangs on our wall.  "The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night," by Vincent Van Gogh is my favorite among the 3  beautiful paintings in  the "Starry Night" series by this amazing artist.   

As I gazed upon the details, I absorbed the colors while my body relaxed and my mind settled.  Then I began to have deeper thoughts of the painting and it's artist.  What was it that drew Van Gogh to paint?  Was it fame or money?  Did he look for recognition?  What about the many other artists of that time?  I highly doubt it.  I can't imagine Van Gogh painting while thoughts of monetary value flashed before his eyes.  Can you?  My heart and mind tell me that art was a part of him.  I believe that his unexplainable desire to paint, fueled this talented man and many others.

Sometimes I feel as though music and writing are such a strong part of me that I could not shut them off if I wanted to.  Even when I find myself frustrated and I shove it aside for a time, it is a boomerang that comes flying back to me without fail. 

What fuels you?  Is it about that potential paycheck?  Do you paint, write, sing, or dream with your mind, heart, & soul?  Is it all about the passion and love for your craft?

A Bloggers Soundtrack: 

 "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)" by Don McLean

Various Artists have recorded and performed this song.  Just to name a few;  Josh Groban, Julie Andrews, & Garth Brooks.

*****

Remembering those we lost on 9/11, the heartache we all felt, and the feeling of patriotic support from family, friends, & complete strangers.  God bless us and may we never forget.