Nature Art Challenge: DAY SIX!

Ever since my neighbor tipped me off to the shiny rocks near the mailroom, I’ve been itching to get over there and check it out! So, for today’s challenge, I decided to pay a visit to the mailroom (though I didn’t actually venture inside to check the mail). My neighbor was absolutely correct! The ground was covered with sparkling rocks (at least whenever the sun decided to make a brief appearance!)

Here is the result of my explorations, dedicated to the keen observations of my neighbor: 

On my way back, I decided to check on my installation from Day Three. Although most of the shells had vacated their mushroom bed, nature seemed to have been kind to my work over the last couple of days. Here’s an updated picture: 

Only one day remaining in this month’s challenge! If you haven’t given environmental art a try over these last 6 days, give it a shot tomorrow! Take a little walk. If something happens to catch your eye, take a few minutes to explore that object further…see what you can create!

‘Til tomorrow…happy explorations!

DAY TWO: Nature Art Challenge!

Beautiful, glorious rain–today marked almost an entire day of rejuvenation, as the incredibly thirst Austin land finally got the first REAL drink it has had in months!

To celebrate, I decided to use the resulting mud as a source for today’s challenge! I wanted to explore the connection between water and life.

To create my work for the day, I found a nice little puddle, and through drawing lines in the mud, transformed the puddle into the trunk of a tree. It was an interesting process–trying to coax the water out of the puddle and into my tree!

Here is my resulting work:

As a side note, I also enjoyed a lovely little walk in the rain…and took several pictures in the process. As I was nearing the end of my walk, I noticed a strange foam coming out of bark of a very large tree. Do any of you environmentalists out there know the cause for these bubbles?:

Here is one possible explanation, based on my initial attempts to research the problem: Spittlebugs. These little guys secrete a frothy substance to protect themselves from getting washed away by forceful streams of water or being eaten by other predators. This foamy nest is made of “watery waste; air, which is blown through abdominal openings to make bubbles; and a glandular secretion.” When rain begins to wash away their nest, they produce more bubbles to restore it. Although Spittlebugs feed from plants, they are relatively harmless–occasionally stunting the growth of the plant or causing some deformation.

Sounds like my observations from my walk might be Spittlebug related…However, if anyone else knows what’s up, I’m all ears!

‘Til tomorrow..Happy Explorations!

 

Artist in the Environment- Linda Gordon!

Today, thanks to her comment on my blog, I was able to acquaint myself with the work of artist, Linda Gordon. Her processes and works as an artist in the environment are inspirational and speak of her relationship with the earth and our relationship with the natural environment. In addition to being an active exhibiting artist, Gordon started Essential Nature, a program that focuses on connecting with the landscape through creative activity. If you have a moment, you should read more about this program as well. It is an excellent means through which artful, creative explorations in nature can be encouraged in local communities! These ideas are easily transferable into school settings as well.

"Celebrating Green Spaces"

She writes, “I like to involve people in my work and the art walks are a natural development from my habitual practice. They are a way of sharing my skills and experience, deepening a sense of belonging and inspiring and opening out new possibilities for others.” Check out the website for Essential Nature to read about her “walking art workshops”–a wonderful way to encourage creative encounters with the natural environment.

"Through"

I definitely enjoyed my initial perusal of Linda Gordon’s works and look forward to discovering more about her artful explorations in the natural environment!

Till later, happy browsing!

Artist/Naturalist Beatrix Potter

When I think of what an Environmental Artist, or Nature Artist should be, I’ll tell you who doesn’t come to mind–Beatrix Potter. However, she definitely fits the description of an artist who was deeply inspired by nature.

Although she is best known for her illustrated children’s books, Beatrix spent a good portion of her childhood outdoors, where she sketched and painted any animals she could find. She also loved to paint mushrooms. She and her brother often collected and caught things, which she would take to her room to sketch and study.

Later in life, Beatrix became widely respected as an expert on fungi and lichens, making many new discoveries about lichens. In addition to her book illustrations, she painted landscapes and over 270 watercolors paintings of mushrooms.

Her work as an artist and naturalist lends itself to numerous lessons in environmental art, creative writing, nature sketching, and environmental education. For example, the creation of her well known “Peter Rabbit” character could inspire a similar art lesson, in which students choose a plant or animal to study through sketching, and then morph into a fictitious character.

Just an idea.. For more on the life of Beatrix Potter, check out this awesome website!

The Amazing Leaf Art Of Kazuo Akasaki!

This evening I happened upon the beautiful work of Japanese artist Kazuo Akasaki, who “paints” incredible images using nothing but fallen leaves. After looking at his images, my mind began racing with possibilities for explorational learning art projects. Here are a few of his beautiful works for your viewing pleasure:

Enjoy!