Exploring Highlights from Week 2 of Animal Studies Camp at IPSF

The Art of Animal Studies Week 2 Camp Recap at IPSF: Throughout days 5-7 of the camp, students engaged with air dry clay and tempera paint. We created coilpot designs that incorporated animal features. On the first day, we emphasized the "do's and don'ts" of building, mixing, and stacking clay. Artists practiced proper clay techniques before starting their final projects. Students then crafted their main pieces, applying the skills and insights acquired from the previous day.

Finally, all artists painted their designs with tempera paint (about 95% completed, awaiting refinements and cleanup). Students learned proper paint mixing techniques, such as starting with lighter colors before mixing with darker ones, ensuring a dry and clean brush for all paint applications, and using tiny brushes to fill in hard-to-reach spots (similar to flossing teeth or using q-tips in an ear).

During days 8-9 of camp, students chose their favorite animals to create a 3-D book-nook representing the animal’s natural habitat, including ground details and background. To encourage students to select unique animals beyond just cats and dogs, two nature/animal books from The Artist Lab were provided for inspiration.

The goal was for each student to focus on different animals, challenging artists not to replicate one another. Using oil pastels, artists filled their paper backgrounds with solid colors, applying and blending pastels boldly. Later, we constructed our soil, grass, dirt, ponds, or water "floors" with clay. Using ample slip, students ensured their clay floors were secure, preparing for paint application next week.