Camp Watkinez: Art Week

Last weekend, we decided to change Space Week to Art Week.  Eh, with kids, you gotta be flexible, right?  This was inspired by a trip to the Wyland art gallery in San Diego, so I decided to run with it.  Anything to encourage creativity in my kid!

Now that the holiday is over, we decided to focus on the house again.  We worked on four art styles, mainly to decorate the Brodster's new room.  Since the baby will be moving into Brody's old room, I really wanted to make his new room a big deal.  With so much attention for the new Watkinez, we want to show Brody that this is a special time for him as well.  He's going to be a big brother, so he is getting a bigger room! 

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Art of Building

Patrick bought the Brodster a huge box of mixed Legos.  Not a set with instructions, just Lego blocks.  Since The Lego Movie, Brody has been wanting to be a master builder.  At the time, we only had sets for him, the type that tell you what to make and how to build them.  Master Builders do NOT follow instructions!  Now, with fresh new colors and pieces, Brody is able to build anything his imagination may create.  Building is totally an art and every kid should be encouraged to delve into this type of craft.

Art of Painting

It's about time for Color Me Mine!  Man, we have put this off for too long, especially for this kid.  Color Me Mine is a great place where you can paint your own pottery piece. They fire it and call you when it is ready for pick-up (most pieces take about 7 days at our location).  All their paints are non-toxic, lead free, and are food-safe.

We also painting four square canvases for the Brodster's room, inspired by his favorite cartoon show, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!  We kept it fairly simple: black backgrounds, circles with masks.  Once he's moved into his room, we'll hang them up!

Art of Photography

Photography is an art form that I wish was taught to kids more often.  I would've loved learning about it when I was a kid!  With my very limited talent in the medium, the Brodster and I decided to add photographs of the turtles to his walls.  He told me what his vision was, and posed the figurines exactly how he wanted.  He would look through the camera to see if he needed to change it, or if that was good to go.  I explained how I was focusing the lens and how to take the photo. 

We plan on printing each image poster sized (16x20) with Walgreens one-hour photo.  It's right around the corner from us and it helps make fun summer projects a whole lot easier.  I know I'm super impatient when it comes to things that I am creating, so I'm sure a 6-year old is as well.  So now all kinds of wall art is ready for the Brodster's room! 

What do you think of his work?

Art of Film

Second movie of the summer: Earth to Echo!

We had so much going on this week, so we made our way to our favorite movie theater on Thursday (instead of Friday) to watch the new sci-fi kid flick.  There should really be more kid adventure movies like this.  I grew up with movies like Home Alone, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and The Sandlot and I wish there were more for the Brodster (though I am totally fine having him watch the classics.  Every kid should).  And hey, this is still with the art theme, right?  Films are art!

Many reviews are comparing Earth to Echo as this generation's E.T. and I would have to agree.  It follows a similar formula: A group of children make an amazing discovery and quickly realize they are the only ones that can save their new found friend.  Grown ups just don't understand!  You instantly root for the three best friends of the story, each one charming in their own way.  There is an incredible sense of wonder throughout the whole movie, from the moment they find Echo until the very end of their journey.

What makes it "this generation" is the use of current technology.  We see the story through a hand held camcorder, a GoPro, eyeglasses with a camera in them (where did these kids get that kind of cash?), and various smartphones.  Now I have always been okay with the found footage technique in films, which in this case, is used much like Cloverfield.  However, if you're not a fan of that kind of style, you may want to watch it on DVD.

I loved it.  I can't help but compare it to 2011's Super 8, which I was a fan of as well, but the simple nature Earth to Echo of the story was perfect for my 6-year old.  While Super 8 is clearly a critic favorite (82% on rotten tomatoes, while Earth to Echo receives a 48%), I would have to wait a couple of years for my kid to watch it.  Super 8 is much more intense and downright scary sometimes (some scenes reminded me of 2007's The Host), while Earth to Echo is truly a film for all ages.