Figure Template and Giveaway Results

Hello everyone!  Before I announce the results to the giveaway I wanted to show you this little guy.

It's a figure template that artists use to help draw the body in different poses.

Now you can buy a plastic version at art supply stores but I thought I'd show you how easy it is to make one. 

Let's get started.










MATERIALS REQUIRED:
- paper, pencil and eraser
- my template pattern, optional
- black marker
- cereal box
- scissors
- press or hole punch, or an awl, or even a sharp pencil
- paper brads

PROCEDURE:



Now you can use my pattern if you want or you can make your own.  With older kids I would have them make their own.  When I start a figure pattern I first draw a vertical line on the paper.  This helps me gauge the size of the figure.  I then start sketching the head and body.  Then I start on the arms and legs.

When I have it the way I want I trace around the body parts with a black marker. I then put a piece of paper on top of the one I outlined in marker.  Hold them up to a window if needed and trace the figure shapes onto the new page in pencil.  I choose which arm and leg parts I like the best and trace around those.  Using scissors cut out the shapes you traced in pencil.

Now trace your paper shapes onto a cereal box or lightweight cardboard (chipboard).  For the arms and legs you DO NOT need to turn the pattern over for the second set.  Cut out.

With a new pattern I place the cardboard shapes into position and mark where I need the holes.  Play with the positions a bit before you mark the hole.  The ones you need to watch is the shoulder joint and the hip joint.  It might look great in the first position you put it in but then as you move it you realize it's in the wrong place.  Use your punch, an awl, or even a sharp pencil to poke your hole.  If you used my pattern just follow the dots.

Put your figure together using paper brads for the joints.

Your template is now ready to go.





For drawing place the template on top of paper and trace out positions.

If it moves too freely before you can finish tracing you can just use a little tape to tack it into position.

Another neat thing you can try is using it as a splatter resist.  Place on top of paper in position you want and then splatter paint on top.

Then carefully remove the template and you have your image.  Blot the template figure with a kleenex and then try again in another position.

You'll find lots of different positions to try.



 

So now onto the giveaway results for "Art Lab for Kids" by Susan Schwake.  I had a total 209 entries and by random draw the winner is:





Here are your random numbers:

79

Timestamp: 2012-08-24 16:29:30 UTC


which works out to be Lila who left me this comment:

Thanks for all your helpful pictures. Yes, quietly I thought about getting back to school today to set up a new art room in a new school with whatever supplies there is. Thanks for this resource and for sharing. That is what I do too! When I find a good source, I tend to use it all the time and don't want to give it up. Thanks for blogging about it.


Thanks everyone for entering.  I can't believe all the nice comments I've been receiving! I would love to answer you all back but then I wouldn't have any time for art.  I read every one of them and they make this all worth while!

Take care everyone and I'll see you next week.