Thiebaud's Tempting Treats

One of the hardest things to get art students to understand is that the process of creating art is far more important than the finished result. That being said, there are days when I really love my job all the more because the kids end up with absolutely gorgeous results. Today was one of those days and this was one of those kind of lessons that are a perfect fit for kids.

Wayne Thiebaud is best known for his dessert paintings and honestly what kid doesn't love dessert? This lesson presents an opportunity for kids to engage in fantasy, creativity, and wish fulfillment- all without a tummy ache or trip to the dentist.

Be forewarned, however, this lesson may result in overwhelming urges to visit Baskin Robbins or Coldstone Creamery!

We started off by watching this video about Thiebaud I found on YouTube and posted over at Artist of the Week for kids. After this we looked at individual pieces and discussed the shapes that the artist used to create all these goodies. From oval to cylinder and triangle to wedge. How to layer scoops on an ice cream cone, or half-circle sundae dish, or how to frost the cupcake, or add meringue and layers to pies, or even how to represent a slice taken out.

The kids were given free reign as to how many treats could be in their pieces, as well as their size and arrangement. We did discuss how artists use their space and that even though the individual objects may be small, there are enough of them in varied sizes to fill the space. We also discussed how artists tend not to leave backgrounds white or just plain but somehow tie then into the foreground. I am so very pleased at the results.

Most of these pieces were completed in tempera paint but a couple were done with this technique-color with washable marker and then use a Q-tip dipped in water to spread the pigment around. The result is a watercolor look without the hassle of watercolor paint and brushes.