I remember travelling to London from school to look at works of Art in the big London Galleries. In particular was Rene Magritte‘s art, featuring bowler hats and famous- to me at least- for appearing in the film The Thomas Crown Affair. I wanted to use the above painting as a basis for an art project with The Girls.
When we were looking at his work online, LBG made the excellent point that it looked “like he had cut out the shapes”. So that’s how we approached it.
In advance of the project, I gathered the bits and pieces, not that there are many:
- odds and ends of wrapping paper, or old kid’s art
- scissors
- glue
- backing paper
- markers
I cut out the odds and ends so that they were half the size of our A4 backing paper. I also showed The Girls how the process worked, then I pretty much left them to it.
First, you cut a shape from the wrapping paper (you can draw a shape for your children to cut out if this is easier): I found that simpler images worked best.
Next, you glue it in place. The easiest way is to glue the ‘negative image’ (ie: the paper from which you cut your shape) to one half of your backing paper, and then glue the image to the opposite half, ideally in the same position that the corresponding ‘negative’ is on the other side.
Then add detail with markers.
Our finished pieces, with apologies to Magritte:
thejennyevolution says
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Ali says
I love Magritte, he is a great artist to study with kids. I love your negative shape cupcakes. π
maggy, red ted art says
Oh how cute! I love that photo of your little own drawing!! And Magritte is a favourite of mine – brilliant for getting children interested in art!
Thank you so much for joining us on our Kids Get Arty journey!
Maggy
I must learn more about Magritte! What interesting art work. Thanks for taking part in Kids Get Arty!
I LOVE her expressions in these photos- she’s so into it! Magritte’s a great choice!
This is fabulous. So effective.
My tight-wad self also loves the fact that there’s no wastage – the offcut forms part of the art too!
Wonderful idea! thanks so much for sharing on Craft Schooling Sunday!
Oooh Magritte is one of my favourite – we tried an apple stamping on a self portrait that didn’t quite work out, must try again and get some decent pics!!
Thanks for sharing with The Sunday Showcase – hope to see you there this week!
Charlotte
makedoandfriend.com
Bless her! She looks so serious!!! And I love Magritte! Great one to explore with kids.. really need to get my socks on for the next Kids Get Arty! You are storming away!
Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!
Maggy & Alissa
I love Magritte’s art and what a brilliant idea for the kids to try.
Thanks fivegoblogging. I confess that it was very much a child-led idea, but it works well.