Friday, April 29, 2016

American Gothic...Eldon, IA



 American Gothic by Grant Wood, 1930



April 16, 2016 I visited the American Gothic House Center in Eldon, IA. I was fortunate enough to view the exterior of the house that inspired Grant Wood to paint American Gothic, one of the most recognized paintings in the world! While there, I was able to tour the adjacent American Gothic House Center which showcases Grant Wood's life and the history of the house. What a wonderful place, only two hours from my home. 





Since visiting Eldon two weeks ago, I have been inspired to paint that historical window myself.  I have taught art everyday for 20 years, but I am very rusty with my own personal skill. This is literally the first non school related picture I have painted in over 10 years. I found it to be a real challenge, making me admire Grant Wood all the more. After thinking about it, I decided to paint a sunset, full moon view of the house. I love color, and I felt like I needed to incorporate color into my painting. I also wanted the window to be the main focal point of my composition with the full moon as an accent.
 Overall, that Saturday afternoon day trip was very inspirational for me. From the moment I pulled in and actually saw the house, my eyes teared up. It was extremely powerful for me to stand in the same place that Grant Wood stood when he sketched that very house in 1930. I am thankful for the experience.

My sketch...
 

My painting...








Thursday, April 14, 2016

Preparing for our Jack Gantos visit...





Monday, April 18, 2016 Jack Gantos will be visiting Churchill Jr. High!



"JACK GANTOS has written books for readers of all ages, from picture books and middle-grade fiction to novels for young adults and adults. His works include Hole in My Life, a memoir that won the Michael L. Printz and Robert F. Sibert honors; Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key, a National Book Award Finalist, Joey Pigza Loses Control, a Newbery Honor book, and Dead End in Norvelt, the 2012 Newbery Award Winner, and the Scott O’Dell Award Winner for Best Historic Fiction."
Churchill 7th grade art students have been working hard this week creating projects based on the book Dead End In Norvelt by Jack Gantos. Every middle school student received a signed copy of Dead End In Norvelt by Mr. Gantos and they are very excited about meeting him on Monday!












Tuesday, April 12, 2016