J.J. is learning art from graphic designer Bob Barnes this year at HeartLife.  They started with a review of drawing and shading techniques and have now moved into using different media, including paint and construction paper.  Here's one of his first assignments of the year: a self-portrait.

 Here's a quick sketch they did in class (of J.J.'s tennis shoe):

His assignments are now getting incredibly specific, much like they would be for a real-world graphic artist.  I don't remember what the directions were for this one, other than they had to use an exact-o knife to create negative space using black-on-white.

 
For this next one, the directions were to make something that is recognizable as a bird using only triangles, circles, and half-circles.  They were only allowed to use the 7 basic colors.  It was very interesting seeing what type of birds each of them chose (they did several sketches before landing on one design to paint).  Most all of them were birds in flight, but from different perspectives (directly above, from the side) and with very different wing positions.

Can you tell what type of bird this is?

I think for this week, J.J. is working on an elephant - similar to the bird assignment, but with more shape and color options.  We'll let you know how it turns out.  :-)

Last week, Katherine's choir conducted an elementary music camp for kids ages 7 to 12 as a fundraiser for their trip to Disneyland in the spring.  They had almost 60 kids attend, including Gracely Joy!  The kids performed along with the other MHS choirs at their Fall Concert last night.

The MHS A Choir performed three numbers from Broadway musicals, including "Goodnight, My Someone" from the music man.  Katherine sang the solo for this number.

 

Here's another one of Grace's numbers.  Actually, all the MHS choirs sang together for this one.  The kids just crack me up - how to get their hands to stay in non-awkward places and stay focused!  Guess we all had to start somewhere, right?

Katherine's choir sang Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Mis as well as this number, "A House is Not a Home."  Enjoy!

I Know the Truth and Gimme Gimme

Katherine has been working with her voice teacher on several songs, and took the initiative to audition for two different event at her school this week.  The first, "I Know the Truth," is from the musical Aida.  It wasn't her favorite song, but since she's been working on it, I thought it would be a good challenge for her to perform it in front of an audience.  This was sung during her final choir concert of the year.

Someday, I hope she'll perform the Italian piece she's learning.  In the meantime, here's one of her favorites, - a song she first worked on for an audition last summer.  Corbett did a production of Thoroughly Modern Millie from which this song is taken.  She was not in that production, so I'm glad she had a chance to perform it here at the Milwaukie Academy of the Art Spring Showcase.  She laments the applause at the end saying, "If they knew how hard it was to hold that note for so long they might listen instead of clapping."

MAA Fine Arts Fair Solo

From what I understand, quite a few people auditioned for the solos, so Katherine was thrilled when she got the part.  This performance was for the MAA Fine Arts Fair.  On Friday, her dance class performed at an assembly and the dance team coach asked her to try out for next year.  Is it OK to brag like this?  Did I mention she's doing a great job learning how to drive?  So proud of my little girl who is growing up so fast. 

Here's the almost-complete room.  I think we will put Nana-B's settee and matching chair in here and move one of the lazy-boys downstairs.

Words I Would Say

Katherine sang at a benefit concert for a beautiful family with 7 children who suddenly and unexpectedly lost their father two months ago to cancer. Please pray for the Alleger family - they have a long, hard road ahead of them. Thankfully, they have God and a loving community to help them through this difficult time.

Living Room "Space-lift"

Two weeks ago, Sharon Hocking came to help us change our living room area into something more comfortable and functional (and pretty) for our family.    Needless to say, I am THRILLED with the results.  Without having to invest much in purchases (so far, only the coffee table/bench), our living room is now used more because it just works for us better.  Let me know if you're interested in hiring Sharon, because it is well worth the money for her expert eye, practical ideas and gentle advice.

Picture red curtains and some colorful pillows in dark, warm tones - those will be coming next! 

"After"                                                                   "Before"