I know, I know, owls are so trendy these days. But I saw this example on Pinterest (artsmudge.com) and thought they were a perfect way for my second graders to graduate from the pinch pot to a more modeled form with texture and surface design (slab building is also in the curriculum, but I have something else up my sleeve for that one). Opening the kiln today was so exciting, because this little group of "hoot owls" (as my grandma used to say) were so full of personality. Looking at photos of real owls helped the students to create their own unique look while demonstrating some important sculptural techniques.
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| newly modeled owls |
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| glazing with underglazes |
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| class set ready for the clear glaze coat (applied by me for time reasons) |
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| waiting for firing |
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| what an adorable group of wise old owls! |
I've been debating making these with my kiddos. You've just made up my mind. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful results.
ReplyDeleteThese owls are beautiful.
Very nice! The owls' heads are very refined for 2nd grade work :). Do you use underglazes because they're cheaper? Or are they easier for the students? I always use Amaco Liquid Gloss glazes, although they are expensive. But, there is no need for a clear coat!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I used underglazes on these because I had some left over that I wanted to use up, and since these were so small it was just right. I typically use Blick glazes and have been really happy with them. I have to choose the most affordable glazes when ordering forr a school of 900+. One thing I do like about underglazes is that they are a bit thicker and less drippy for painting different colors or designs, whereas the regular glazes are better for me for larger area coverage.
ReplyDeletevery cool. i like the terracotta clay.
ReplyDeletei also dig the use of the styrofoam egg cartons for glazes. my paint trays are a little to shallow. do you keep the glazes in there and cover them with shrink wrap for a couple days?
Thanks Don - these were underglazes, and the foam egg trays will keep them nicely if you just add a few drops of water at the end of the day, no plastic wrap required.
Deletethank you for the tip:)
DeleteThese are really nice. VEry nice.
ReplyDeleteMy 3rd Graders loved this project! Thanks for such a great post.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it went well!
ReplyDeleteThese look deceptivley simple! WOrking out the process in my head. I'm thinking egg shape, start like a pinch pot, work with owl on the thumb to for head & ears, finally add details?
ReplyDeleteYes, we start like a pinch pot - roll a sphere and put your thumb in, then lengthen into more of an oval (squeeze slightly with whole hand), then form the neck and ears and use tools at that point for the details.
DeleteThanks for sharing. I ran across your blog on Pinterest. We just made this type of owl in Art Club and I wanted to share that I had linked back to you. http://2soulsisters.blogspot.com/2017/02/art-club-clay-owls-and-one-r2d2.html
ReplyDeleteWhat did you use to make the impression for the eyes?
ReplyDeleteWe used marker caps for the large circle and small wooden sticks for the smaller ones
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