SNAPSHOTS

Eric Gibbons

We all hate to throw away old paintbrushes, but here’s another option. The works you see here were made from brushes I’ve saved up over the years.

First, my seven- to twelve-year-old students choose a brush and trace it onto sketch paper. Then we talk about the possibilities. Students are instructed to use one of the prompts below to transform their brush. Having some sketches on hand may be helpful.

Prompts

1. You as a future artist, paint splotches and all.
2. A paintbrush muse to inspire your creative spirit.
3. A paintbrush portrait of a famous artist.
4. A monster to blame when your art doesn’t go as planned.

Eric Gibbons is an art teacher at Vernon Malone College and Career Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a contributing editor to SchoolArts. lovsart@gmail.com, www.artedguru.com