Today was the last art camp of the summer. It was a beautiful summer day, and in keeping with a summertime theme we made tropical underwater eggshell mosaic canvases. First step was to paint their canvases an ocean blue. I explained to them what makes a good composition and they brainstormed what kinds of fish or other creatures they would draw. The students then drew out their ocean creatures on paper and colored them with markers. They planned out their colors using markers so that they knew what colors to paint their eggshells.
We have obviously eaten a lot of eggs in my household which turned out to be very beneficial. They each received their own carton of eggs. This part was tricky because it was kind of a guessing game as to how many eggs to paint of each color. I just love that the cartons also served as holders for the eggs after they were painted! We set them outside in the sun to dry while we ate lunch.
With bellies full and hands ready to tackle the next stage, the kids started glopping on their glue and pressing down their eggshells in their penciled in designs. This part was very fun for them, but also very sticky.
It was fun to see it all come together in a beautiful mosaic of color on their canvases. Some of them also chose to add shells, spanish moss for seaweed, and thin layer of blue glitter to add a little shimmer. Some chose to keep it simple.
I loved the way they turned out and love the way the colors pop on this clown fish against the ocean backdrop. I am so thankful for all the enthusiasm that kids have when they create. It really is contagious. I love their imaginations and the freedom they give themselves within the realms of art. I enjoy watching their personalities come out in their work and, in the end, I love seeing their faces light up in satisfaction as they look at their art and see what they have created. What a joy they are, and what a great day!
