BP13_2009103_Web 2.0 Brushter

The concept of abstract art is difficult for young kids to understand. I, myself, sometimes have to force another style from my hand, and brush away those pretty lines. Practice is the only way to improve on the different abstract styles. There is often not enough time in the classroom to set up materials and have enough practice time before getting ready for the assignment.

According to the National Gallery of Art, “BRUSHter is an online painting machine for all ages” (2009). This is why I have looked into BRUSHter as the third Web 2.0 tool from NGAkids Art Zone (http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/brushster.htm). Not only does this “online painting machine” contain a variety of over forty brushes, it includes several added effects to blur, smudge, fragment, spread, and ripple the artwork (National Gallery of Art, 2009). It begins with a blank canvas in which the online artist can use any brush and any color. There is no need to worry about the mess or starting over with a different design. The undo and erase options are there to use at the students’ discretion. I have included a short video below showing the many options BRUSHter permits in brush size, effects, and color.

NGAkids Art Zone provides an online book titled Teaching Art Since 1950 by the National Gallery of Art in Washington (http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/artsince1950.pdf). This book includes the major artists and art that affected abstract expressionism from Jackson Pollock’s Lavender Mist to Elizabeth’s Murry’s Careless Love. The resources alone are great instruments for young artists interested in abstract work. Several Art History lessons can be learned through this tool.

Jackson Pollock

Number 1, 1950

(Lavender Mist), 1950

Oil, enamel, and aluminum on canvas,

2.210 x 2.997 m (87 x 118 in.)

Elizabeth Murray

Careless Love, 1995–1996

Oil on shaped canvas,

2.705 x 2.527 x 0.686 m

(1061/2 x 991/2 x 27 in.)

I am aware that the students must not only practice how to create abstract work through simulation in BRUSHter, but must use actual brushes and canvases in the art classroom. By simulation, students will better understand control and strokes and hopefully knowing more about their skills and limitations.

References

National Gallery of Art. (2009). NGA kids brushter. Retrieved October 18, 2009 from http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/brushster.htm

National Gallery of Art. (1999). Teaching art since 1950. Available from http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/artsince1950.pdf

Images from http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/artsince1950.pdf and http://www.nga.gov/kids/zone/brushster.htm