Exploring Culture Through Art: The African Mask Collage Project

Students Discover the Meaning, Symbolism, and Creativity Behind Traditional African Masks

In this week’s class, our students are exploring the rich cultural tradition of African masks, which connect art, spirituality, and community. African masks provide a tangible form for invisible spirits, often represented as human figures, animals, or imaginative combinations of both.

As noted by Culture & Traditions – African Masks (DMA.org), these spirits—deities, ancestors, and nature spirits that inhabit streams, rivers, rocks, and other natural elements—interact with people both by invitation and by their own will.

To connect with this tradition in a hands-on way, students began with sketches and then moved on to constructing their own collage masks using pre-cut cardboard pieces. This process encourages them to experiment with composition, shape, and texture while thinking about how visual design can express emotion and meaning.

Through this creative journey, students are not only learning artistic techniques but also gaining a deeper appreciation for how traditional African art reflects cultural values, spiritual beliefs, and the relationship between the visible and invisible worlds. Each finished mask becomes a unique interpretation that celebrates imagination, craftsmanship, and respect for cultural heritage.

Student Spotlight: Finished Abstract Art Project!

This week, our young artists proudly completed a multi-session abstract art project that combined planning, sculpture, and painting into one thoughtful and expressive work.

The project was inspired by the concept of abstract art—also known as nonobjective or nonrepresentational art—which focuses not on realistic images, but on the expressive use of form, color, line, tone, and texture. Students were encouraged to explore creativity freely, using visual elements to evoke feeling and movement rather than depict recognizable objects.

📝 In the first class, each student began by sketching and planning their design. They considered composition, shapes, and how to divide their space into "fields" that would later hold different color areas. This step helped them approach their abstract ideas with intention and structure.

👐 In the second session, students moved on to “drawing” with clay—an exciting, hands-on technique where they used air-dry clay on woodboard. After applying glue across the surface, they sculpted raised patterns, lines, and shapes directly onto the board. This added a tactile, dimensional quality to their work and allowed them to think in terms of space and form.

🎨 Finally, in the third class, they brought their textured compositions to life using acrylic paint. Students carefully filled each field with color, using tints, contrast, and layering to create visual interest. The combination of texture and bold color made for striking and individual results.

We’re incredibly proud of the effort and imagination each student showed in this project. It was a wonderful exercise in abstract thinking, hands-on making, and visual storytelling—great job to all!

Little Ashcan Weekly Spotlight: Exploring Line Through Drawing and Clay

This week in Little Ashcan, our students began an exciting two-part project focused on the artistic element of line. They explored how line can be used both in two-dimensional design and three-dimensional form—starting with sketches and moving into clay.

Part 1: Practicing Line with Clay

Students began by using air-dry clay to explore how lines can exist in three-dimensional form. They practiced shaping different types of lines—curved, straight, zigzag, and looped—and arranging them into abstract compositions. This activity helped them understand how line can define form, create texture, and guide visual movement.

Part 2: Sketching with Colored Pencil

After working with clay, students transitioned to colored pencil sketching. Using their clay practice as inspiration, they created abstract line drawings on paper, thinking about how to organize space and create visual rhythm. These drawings will serve as the planning stage for next week’s final project, where they’ll return to clay and complete their compositions with acrylic paint and gel medium.

This week’s focus helped students connect materials with intention, as they learned how both drawing and sculpture use line to communicate movement, structure, and expression.

First Fall Session Project – Exploring Dots Through Watercolor & Gouache

As the fall session begins at Ashcan Studio, our Little Ashcan students are starting their creative journey with a project focused on one of the most fundamental elements in art: the dot.

This project is inspired by the work of Joan Miró (1893–1983), the influential Spanish modernist known for his use of playful forms, bold color, and abstract symbolism. Miró’s artistic language — full of dots, lines, and organic shapes — encourages young artists to think beyond realism and explore the expressive power of simple visual elements.

To begin, students sketched their compositions on watercolor paper, learning to consider placement, rhythm, and visual balance. Then, using both watercolor and gouache, they explored layering techniques, brush control, and how color interacts across a composition. The process not only introduces technical skills but also fosters patience, observation, and thoughtful decision-making.

While it may seem simple, this project lays the foundation for more complex ideas. Students learn how repetition can create movement, how color can guide the viewer’s eye, and how even small choices can build a strong composition.

As we move forward this session, the goal is not just to create finished pieces, but to develop a strong understanding of materials and artistic thinking. We’re excited to see how each child’s unique vision comes to life in future projects.

🖌️ Exploring Realism and Abstraction Through Insect Art

In art, there are many ways to see and represent the world around us. Two powerful approaches are realism and abstraction.

Realism in the arts is the attempt to represent subject matter truthfully — focusing on accurate, detailed, and lifelike depictions, while avoiding artificial effects or imaginary elements. On the other hand, abstraction invites artists to interpret their subjects more freely, using expressive brushstrokes, bold shapes, and imaginative forms to convey mood, movement, or meaning.

🐞 Project Overview: Insects in Two Styles

In this project, our students explore both styles — realism and abstraction — by studying insects up close and interpreting them in two distinct ways.

Using real insect specimens and a kaleidoscope camera, students examine magnified images of insects, focusing on textures, colors, and fine details. The goal is to train their eyes to observe the often-overlooked intricacies in nature — the veins of a butterfly’s wings, the symmetry of a beetle’s shell, or the delicate fuzz on a moth's body.

✏️ Step 1: Realism Drawing

Students begin by sketching an insect of their choice individually, focusing on realistic details. They’re encouraged to take their time and carefully study the specimen, capturing its structure and form with accuracy and attention to detail.

🎨 Step 2: Group Abstract Painting

Next, students collaborate in small groups to create a second version of their insect — but this time, they reinterpret it abstractly. Using expressive brushstrokes, simplified shapes, and vibrant acrylic colors, they create imaginative and stylized depictions inspired by their original drawings. The shift from realism to abstraction encourages creative risk-taking and group collaboration.

🎨 Materials Used:

  • Canvas

  • Acrylic Paint

  • Kaleidoscope Camera for magnified reference

  • Real Insect Specimens for observation

  • Drawing Pencils and Brushes

Realism vs. Abstraction: A Week of Creative Discovery at Little Ashcan

In this week’s Little Ashcan Creative Minds class, our young artists took on an exciting and thoughtful project exploring the contrast between Realism and Abstraction — two major approaches in visual art.

We began by discussing the core ideas behind each style. Realism focuses on representing a subject as truthfully and accurately as possible, capturing fine details and avoiding exaggeration. Abstraction, in contrast, encourages creative interpretation, using expressive shapes, lines, and colors to suggest a subject rather than depict it exactly.

To apply these concepts, each student used a 3D camera to take detailed close-up photos of animals. This hands-on experience helped them observe textures, patterns, and features they might not have noticed otherwise. From there, they created two pieces of art:

  1. A realistic painting based on their individual photo, with close attention to detail.

  2. A collaborative abstract artwork of the same animal, created in a group setting with more expressive techniques.

This project challenged students to balance observation with imagination — developing both technical and conceptual skills. It also introduced them to the idea that there’s more than one way to represent the world through art.

Materials used: Canvas, acrylic paint, pencil, and 3D camera.

We’re incredibly proud of the work our students created this week. Not only did they learn to see more closely, but they also discovered how to interpret what they see in their own unique way. We look forward to more exciting projects ahead in the Creative Minds program.

Project Spotlight: Study of Fish — Observing Like a Painter

At Little Ashcan, our young artists recently explored the art of still life through a focused project titled Study of Fish, inspired by Dutch painter Isaac van Duynen, known for his detailed paintings of fish and banquet scenes.

Using acrylic on canvas, students worked from real or model fish to explore proportion, light, shadow, and surface detail. The project emphasized observation over imagination, encouraging students to slow down and focus on the nuances of their subject — from the shimmer of a fish scale to the curve of a fin.

Through this process, students developed essential skills in:

  • Composition and layout

  • Acrylic painting techniques

  • Capturing texture and depth

  • Visual analysis and precision

Beyond technical growth, Study of Fish offered students a chance to connect with the long tradition of still life painting and build confidence in their own ability to represent the world around them.

The results are beautiful, thoughtful, and full of character — each canvas a reflection of both discipline and creativity. We look forward to showcasing their work in our upcoming student gallery!

Exploring the Diverse Shapes of Vegetables: Continuing Our Observational Painting Journey

At Ashcan Studio of Art, our students are continuing their exciting exploration of observational painting with a focus on the diverse shapes of vegetables. Using a combination of watercolor and colored pencils, they are practicing detailed observation and refining their skills in layering color and texture.

Inspiration from Mary Whyte

Our project draws inspiration from the renowned watercolor artist Mary Whyte. Known for her naturalistic approach, Mary Whyte embraces the spontaneity of watercolor, creating works characterized by expressive brush strokes and fluid shifts in color. Her paintings are celebrated for their beautiful sense of depth and brightness, achieved by using more pigment than water, which highlights the rough textures of her subjects with clarity.

By studying Whyte’s technique, our students learn to appreciate the balance between control and freedom in watercolor painting. This encourages them to experiment with expressive brushwork while maintaining careful observation.

Project Overview

The core of this project is to capture the unique forms of vegetables—both whole and cut—through detailed drawing. Students begin by carefully sketching the intricate shapes and textures of their vegetable subjects. Once the drawing is complete, they add layers of watercolor paint and colored pencil to bring color, depth, and vibrancy to their work.

This exercise helps students develop their observational skills and learn how to use mixed media effectively to create rich, realistic artwork.

Materials Used

  • Fresh vegetables (whole and cut)

  • Color Pencil for detailed drawing

  • Watercolor paints or watercolor pencils for adding color and texture

Learning in Progress

As students continue to practice, they are gaining confidence in their ability to see and translate subtle details and textures onto paper. The combination of pencil and watercolor encourages a dynamic approach, where fine details meet fluid, vibrant color. This ongoing project not only sharpens their technical skills but also deepens their appreciation for the natural beauty found in everyday objects.

We look forward to seeing the continued growth and creativity of our students as they develop their own unique artistic voices through this rewarding study of vegetables!

Learning from the Masters: Carolyn Brady-Inspired Watercolor Project

Exploring Hyperrealism through Strawberries at Little Ashcan

At Little Ashcan, we believe that even the simplest objects can spark deep creativity—and this week, our students are proving just that! Inspired by the incredible work of hyperrealist watercolor artist Carolyn Brady, our young artists are diving into a project that brings everyday beauty into sharp focus.

Carolyn Brady was known for transforming ordinary table settings, fruits, flowers, and silverware into luminous, highly detailed watercolor paintings. Her artwork stands out for its rich colors, sharp contrasts, and delicate attention to detail. Although her subjects were often simple, her ability to observe and recreate them with precision made her work truly extraordinary.

Project Focus: Strawberries in Detail
In this project, our students are exploring the unique shapes and textures of strawberries—both whole and sliced. Each student begins with a detailed observational drawing using pencil, taking their time to notice the curves, seeds, and shadows that make each strawberry unique.

Once their sketches are complete, they begin adding color using watercolor paint or watercolor pencils. This stage encourages them to experiment with layering, blending, and adjusting tones, echoing Brady’s approach to building vibrancy and dimension in her work.

What Students Are Learning:

  • Observational drawing skills

  • Hyperrealistic rendering techniques

  • Color layering and watercolor control

  • Patience and attention to detail

This project not only helps develop technical skill, but it also invites our students to slow down, observe closely, and appreciate the artistry in everyday life—just like Carolyn Brady did.

Stay tuned for highlights from this beautiful project, and be sure to check out our Fall 2025 classes for more inspiring experiences like this one!

Study of Weather Conditions: Acrylic On Canvas

Observing the Sky: Little Ashcan Students Explore the Study of Weather Conditions through Acrylic Painting Inspired by J. M. W. Turner

In this exciting project, our Little Ashcan students are learning how to turn the skies into art—drawing inspiration from legendary landscape painter J. M. W. Turner, whose work captured the emotional power of nature through light, movement, and weather.

Turner was known for painting dramatic skies, glowing sunsets, and stormy seas. His ability to use color and texture to express atmosphere makes him the perfect artist to study when learning how to observe and paint the natural world.

For this project, students are drawing from observation, focusing on various weather conditions—from soft clouds to heavy rain and even thunderous skies. They are encouraged to think critically about how different weather affects the colors, textures, and mood of the landscape around them.

What Students Are Learning:

  • How to observe and interpret natural light and atmosphere

  • Techniques in acrylic painting, including blending, layering, and texture

  • How to express emotion and story through weather and environment

  • A deeper appreciation for how artists like Turner captured nature

Through this project, students are not only building technical painting skills—they’re also learning to express their own perspective and emotions through the weather they see and feel. We can’t wait to share the skies they create!

Summer in Session: Plant with Root

Observing, Painting, Growing: A Look into Our Summer Gouache Class

At Little Ashcan Studio, the summer session is in full bloom—and so are our students' artworks! With longer class times and a slower pace, our young artists are diving deeper into the details, and this week, their focus has been rooted in nature—literally.

One of our dedicated students spent the week carefully observing and painting a plant with its roots exposed. This wasn’t just any ordinary still life; it was a study in structure, texture, and color using gouache, a medium known for its vibrant opacity and layering potential.

With extra time this session, students were able to truly explore gouache’s versatility—learning how to mix colors precisely, build layers, and bring out both the bold and subtle qualities of natural forms.

The painting process started with sketching from life, closely examining the plant’s leaves, stems, and the intricate root system. From there, students mixed earthy greens, browns, and soft background hues to create compositions that were both scientifically observant and artistically expressive. It was a blend of art and biology—learning how things grow while growing their own skills.

This summer, our studio is buzzing with focus and creativity. The extended class hours have allowed students to spend more time practicing, experimenting, and refining their techniques. Whether they're working on plants, portraits, or imaginative pieces, they're learning to see more carefully and express more confidently.

We can’t wait to see how their work continues to flourish throughout the season.

Stay rooted—and stay inspired!

Value: Observational Pastel Drawing

🖤🫖 Something’s steeping in the studio today! Our Little Ashcan student is exploring the art of seeing — drawing a charming teapot from observation using charcoal ✏️ on toned paper 📝.

With every smudge, highlight, and shadow 🌗, they’re learning how light dances on curved surfaces ✨, how form is built with value 🧊, and how focus turns the ordinary into something magical 🎩🎨.

With every careful line and smudge, they’re building their skills and confidence 💪🖌️ — one stroke at a time! Proud of the focus, patience, and artistic growth we see every day 💯🎯

Pattern and Unity: Mandala India (Culture)

Our little Ashcan superstar 🌟 is completely immersed in the art of Mandala 🌀 — a beautiful tradition from India 🇮🇳 that celebrates peace ☮️, balance ⚖️, and unity 🤝.

Instructor Example

There’s something truly magical ✨ about watching young minds 🧠 and tiny hands 🖐️ dive into the beauty of ancient traditions.

With a round wooden board 🪵 as their canvas, they carefully added layer upon layer 🖌️ of detail, each stroke filled with intention 💫 and wonder 🤩. It’s in these mindful moments 🧘‍♂️ that creativity blooms 🌸, culture is honored 🌍, and confidence is built 💪 — all through the power of art 🖼️❤️.

painting the impossible-Surrealism Painting

Inspired by last week’s wild ideas and dream sketches, they’ve transferred their surreal concepts onto canvas and are now diving into color, texture, and imagination! 🌈🖌️🖍️

From magical creatures 🐉 to floating cities in the sky 🌇☁️, their creativity is shining through every brushstroke. It’s amazing to see how they’re learning to turn their thoughts into art—and their imaginations into something real! ✨🧠❤️

We’re so proud to see them learning how to express their inner worlds through color, shape, and storytelling 💬🎨💖 Every brushstroke is a journey into their imagination, and we can’t wait to see how these surreal masterpieces unfold! 🧠🌟🖼️

They're learning how to let their imaginations lead the way—where fish fly, trees talk, and the sky can be any color they want 🐟🌳🌈. It's all about exploring the unexpected and expressing what can't always be said in words. 🗯️🎨❤️

Surrealism Painting is coming to life in the Ashcan studio

Our amazing little Ashcan artists are letting their imaginations run wild as they brainstorm and sketch their surrealist masterpieces 🧠💭🖼️.

Example of teacher.

With pencils in hand ✏️ and markers ready to bring bold ideas to life 🖍️, these young creatives are exploring the strange, the dreamy, and the unexpected.

With pencils ✏️ and markers 🖍️ in hand, they‘re busy brainstorming wild, imaginative ideas and sketching out their visions that bend reality and spark curiosity 🌪️🪐.Looking forward to their final painting!

Soft Pastel Technique-Dress Pattern

🧑‍🎨👩‍🎨Today, they’re working with soft pastels on toned paper, bringing to life the colorful patterns of a stunning dress.👗🌈💖

Example piece by instructor.

Every swirl of color and every little detail tells a story — and their imagination is shining through in every stroke!It’s so inspiring to see our young creatives exploring texture, color, and composition with such focus and joy 😍🎉 Their hands are full of pastels, their minds full of ideas, and their hearts full of art 💕🖌️

Capturing the colorful, beautiful patterns of a vibrant dress 👗🌈 — and they‘re doing an amazing job! 💕 From bold shapes to delicate details, each young artist is bringing their own imagination and energy to the page 🧠💡🖌️ Their hands may be messy, but their ideas are pure magic! 🌟🎉

3D Air Dry Clay Sculpture by Little Ashcan

🖌️ What began with brainstorming and bold marker sketches has now transformed into incredible 3D sculptures full of color, character, and creativity. 🧠✍️🎨

First, they mapped out their ideas on paper, exploring shapes, forms, and patterns. Then came the tin foil—bent, twisted, and molded into the foundation of their sculptures. But the real magic came with the air dry clay. Using a rainbow of colors and lots of imagination, each student brought their vision to life with thoughtful details and personal touches.

The real magic happened when they brought their creations to life using vibrant air dry clay 🎨👐. Each student carefully chose colors, crafted textures, and added unique patterns to express their ideas in 3D form. From concept to final sculpture, these young artists showed amazing focus, problem-solving, and artistic flair every step of the way.

This project wasn’t just about making something beautiful—it was about thinking like an artist: planning, building, experimenting, and expressing. We’re so proud of our young creators and the passion they poured into every piece! 💫👩‍🎨👨‍🎨

3D Sculpture Project WIP-Mexican folk art

The studio is buzzing with creativity as our Little Ashcan class dives into their latest mixed-media project!
Students are starting with bold, colorful marker sketches of animals and imaginative patterns — exploring how shapes, textures, and personalities come to life on paper.

In the Little Ashcan classroom, students are fully engaged in the hands-on process of transforming their creative ideas from 2D to 3D. After starting with colorful marker sketches of animals and imaginative patterns, the class moved on to the structural phase of the project using tin foil. This part of the lesson focuses on building the foundational forms that will later be developed into sculptural artworks.

As students wrap, twist, and mold the foil, they learn to think spatially and explore how simple materials can be used to create volume, balance, and shape. The tactile experience of working with tin foil encourages problem-solving, experimentation, and a deeper understanding of form and construction.

It’s a key step in the creative process that bridges drawing and sculpture, allowing students to see how their ideas can evolve and take physical shape. The classroom is alive with focused energy as students discover the potential of their own hands to bring art to life.

Students are diving into a vibrant and imaginative project inspired by Alebrijes: Fantastical Creatures of Mexico. These colorful, mythical creatures—often blending features of different animals—have sparked the students’ creativity as they design their own fantastical beings.

Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. These unique works of art were originatively created by Pedro Linares, these sculptures have become a staple element of Mexican Folk art. Carved from wood and painted with intricate patterns, Alebrijesoften depict hybrid creatures that combine various animal parts.

The Little Ashcan Beads Prject

🌱🎨Using canvas, beads, glue, and loads of imagination, they’re crafting stunning plant-inspired mosaic designs that reflect their unique perspectives and artistic voices.💚🌿🖌️

🌟🧑‍🎨Inspired by Val Laigo, students are going to use these n interesting materials to create this project. 🛠️🎨

Val Laigo is a mosaic artist born in Naguilian, La Union, Philippines in 1930. He graduated

Seattle University in 1954 and the University of Washington in 1964 with a masters of Fine Arts,

he worked as a fine artist for the Seattle Post- Intelligencer. He is known for his three panel mosaic

that sits on a hilltop in Dr. Jose Rizal Park in the Beacon Hill area of Seattle.

🧠💚From gluing each tiny bead to carefully arranging colors and shapes on canvas, they’re discovering how to build their plant-inspired mosaic designs piece by piece. 🌿🖌️

Stay tuned to see their amazing creations! 🖼️✨

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📧 Email: infolittleneck@ashcanart.com

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