With school about to start, some lazy days were needed. One of the simplest ways to enjoy some down time is to get "artzy"! Here are the steps for creating a chalk art project. No two projects will every look exactly alike as different colors of paper and chalk, different amounts of "layering," and different types of smearing will determine the outcome. I did this technique with an art class, and the results were so varied that it looked like each person had done an completely different assignment!
Get scrapbook paper or any other textured paper. I used Bazzill Basics Paper in earthtones. Deep, dark colors offer a more intense background while lighter, brighter colors tend to result in a softer look.
Chalks are a must. I have an old set of pastels. I haven't tried it, but I bet sidwalk chalk would do just fine....
Old and broken are even better!
Cover your work surface with paper. This is a messy project!
Choose three colors for your background. I usually prefer at least two deep shades and one a tad brighter. However, i like to save my really bright and light colors to add highlight later so these stay in the box for now!
Here I have chosen brown paper with green, blue, and mauve chalks for my background. Black paper is an awesome background slate as well.
Choose three colors for your background. I usually prefer at least two deep shades and one a tad brighter. However, i like to save my really bright and light colors to add highlight later so these stay in the box for now!
Here I have chosen brown paper with green, blue, and mauve chalks for my background. Black paper is an awesome background slate as well.
Begin to "paint" the background by making random strokes of the chalks. I usually lay mine on their flat sides as if I were shading. When the chalk begins to create dust, DO NOT BLOW IT OFF. Lift the paper and gently tap it. You do not want chalk dust in your eyes!
Add all three colors.
Blend like a wild person!
This is messy business!
Layer on more color. Then come back and by using the sharp edge of the chalk, make random squiggles here and there. This adds dimension to the background. I'm zooming in so you can see a little better.
Get out the black and white chalks. You're about to do some damage!
Mark in your flowers. Any shape flower is fine.
Choose a color to add to your flower. Sometimes holding the work away from yourself and doing the old eye-squint will show you just what color you need. I thought mine needed a variation of one of my background colors.
Add some touches of the highlight color. I placaed my marks closer to the bottom of the flower and lightened it toward the edges because I wanted the white contrast next to the background.
Blend the color. Then layer on more of the white and the color. Next add stems and grass. I used black for this. Then I went over my black with random touches of green.
Choose a final highlight color and add it here and there. I like to think of the sunlight filtering on the flowers. Wherever that sunlight hits in my mind's eye is where the golden touches are placed. I even sprinkle a few touches in the background.
This is about it. Sometimes when I hold it up and look at it from a distance, I may add a little touch here or there. If I want shadow, I add a little dark color or blend in a little black. If I want light, I will touch it up with a highlight color or white. The more layers the better.
Chalks are a messy medium, so move this about carefully. I lightly mist mine with hair spray, and this helps a little. Hang up your work or put it in your art portfolio. Good job!
ART IS MEANT TO BE FUN! DO NOT MAKE WORK OUT OF THIS PROJECT. FLOW WITH IT AND E-N-J-O-Y!!
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