I had a great time with HLC again last evening as we continued our 8th grade art lessons. We've been studying shape and specifically how shapes interact with space. This time around we decided to incorporate some home improvements (or at least decor upgrades) into our lesson curriculum. A recent furniture minimization exercise had left us with some surplus wood supplies lying around the house and the opportunity to craft some hobo-chic, upcycled wall decorations was simply too good to pass up.

Knowing that my wife is a big fan of Gerber daisies, we decided to create a wall hanging highlighting her favorite flower. First, we wrestled the big patio planter full of daisies into the house, positioned them on our kitchen counter (I should have know that might leave a mess) and then we began sketching our subject matter. This gave us a chance to talk a little bit about perspective and how to altering your position to the subject could affect not only the shape but the light as well.

Then we got to break out the power tools. A quick trip to the garage and we were sanding the 30 years of shellac off an old wood panel from an aging armour. Next we began prepping it for painting. A primer coat was all we had time for but it was just enough to have us chomping at the bit for next week's lesson.

We're looking forward to the chance to refine of our sketches and transition them into a simpler, graphic style that will translate well to the medium which at this point looks like will include acrylic paint and a lot hand-distressing. Stay tuned, this one's gonna be a winner. And hopefully completion will coincide with mom's birthday. Shh, don't tell.