An ART Explosion!

This week we made   ART 

Explosion 

  Books! 

 

Also called Squash Books (because they are 'squashed' closed), these little art objects fit in the palm of your hand.

About 4 by 4 inches, the books are tied closed with a cord or ribbon.  When opened, they EXPLODE with bold, exciting ABSTRCT ART!

We started first by creating a large piece of colorful abstract art. First we used black Sharpies to outline a few basic shapes and areas in which to paint our colors. 

Then we worked with both liquid and pan watercolors to add color to our abstract artwork. We also added color to larger areas, filling in the entire painting with color. 

After the paintings dried, we added additional details using metallic Sharpies and glitter pens. We also added splattered paint, just for fun! (Yes, abstract art is not only fun to look at, it's fun to make!!!)

Once the artwork is finished and dry, it's time to cut it up! The artwork is cut into twelve 3-3/4 by 3-3/4 inch squares.

(Since our artwork was created on 12 x 18 inch paper, we ended up with leftover strips that we made into bonus book marks!)

Next, the artist chooses her favorite square to glue to the front (or the top) of the book. 

Then the interior structure of the book is created from three 8 by 8 inch pieces of black paper.  Here's a video showing how the book is folded, constructed, and attached to the covers.

Now four of the abstract art squares are glued to the inside of the book and the rest of the squares are cut diagonally and glued to the remaining triangular shaped spaces. 

The last square can be cut and glued to the back of the book and the artist signs it!

Take at look at our original post, Exploding ART Books, for more great 

                             ART EXPLOSIONS!