Mask Making @ The Laboratory

This Saturday at The Laboratory Art Studio it was time to get out the sequins, glitter, tissue paper, gem stones and a bit of imagination - to design, make a create our own masks.

Using a wide range of materials children and adults of all ages enjoyed making some beautiful creations. Participants were encouraged to plan their designs, thinking about colour combinations, how the masks were going to be embellished and if there was a particular theme to their mask

Here's what we got up to....

We loved the details around Joshua's eyes on his mask

Brandon enjoyed making his sparkly sequin covered mask

Emmie carefully cut out a tissue paper bacground for her mask and then embellished this with glitter glue

We thought the symmetry and design on Zoe's mask was amazing

Adele used a range of mediums including sequins, gems, felt tips and paper cut outs to embellish her stunning mask

Great colour combination and patience made Nicky's mask a success

Have you seen the new superhero in town?

If you would like more information about art classes or workshops held at The Laboratory please email the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

Featured Artist - Lisa Horner

This month The Laboratory is delighted to be showing work by the very talented Lisa Horner.

Lisa is married with 2 children and 1 Grandson.  In 2008 she did an Access to Art course at South Essex College which led on to her doing two years at South Essex College doing Graphic Design then finishing her degree at Writtle School of Design in 2011 where she graduated with a 2.1 Honours.

The Laboratory presents Lisa Horner, `Blue to Green'

Lisa recently exhibited her Youth and Age posters at WOA Gallery, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

Installation view

She is showing images from her Final Major Project at Writtle School of Design, an illustrated book called ‘Blue to Green.  The theme is about ‘Nature-Deficit Disorder’ a phrase that was coined by Richard Louv in his book ‘Last Child in the Woods.’  She used various watercolour methods and photo collage in her illustrations for the book.  She also used colour symbology again, ranging from blue to represent sadness, through to middling turquoise to a happier cool green.

Sneaky peek of Lisa's illustrated book "Blue to Green'

Illustrations in watercolour from `Blue to Green'

The four other prints are from her second year FMP ‘Youth & Age Hama Bead Typography’

‘Young People Haven’t Know Any Different is a truism poster inspired by a conversation with her daughter and her boyfriend about the outlook of youth.

`Young People Haven't Known Any Different` Digital print of Hama Beads letters on  layout paper

‘When Your Green’ emphasises when you’re a bit green round the edges, a bit naive.  This quote by Ray Kroc, the entrepreneur behind McDonalds.

`When Your Green', Digital print of Hama Bead letters on layout paper

On ‘At 50’ the colours are softer; reflecting the more laid back, philosophical view a person often takes on as they age.  It also looks like embroidery, a craft affiliated with age.

`At 50', Digital print of Hama Bead letters on layout paper

On ‘Old & Moulded’ the colour is inspired by wine aging.  People may take on a more pronounced flavour as they become more defined.  Thoughtfulness may often precede action.  The receding quote “Age is a ...” is by Playwright Tom Stoppard, the most prominent quote is from an anonymous source.

`Old and Moulded', Digitial print of Hama Bead Letters on layout paper

If you like Lisa’s work and are interested in her designing anything ranging from  business cards, a logo, a poster or illustrating a children’s book, or perhaps collaborating with her on a project please contact her at suziecat23@o2.co.uk

Feel free to peruse her website at www.ljhcreative.co.uk

The Laboratory will be hosting Lisa's private view on Sunday 19th May between 2:00pm-4:00pm, find us Opposite the Green Centre, Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, Essex, SS16 4UH 

Disney Time!

The magic of Disney came to life this weekend at The Laboratory art studio in our weekend arts and crafts workshop. With soundtracks from our favourite Disney movies playing in the background - children and adults were inspired to create their own 3D piece of art work. The workshop primarily focused on drawing skills, with our budding artists selecting an image and then using one of several techniques to transfer the image to paper. These included upside down drawing, pencil measuring skills, tracing or the use of a light box. Once the image had been drawn it was outlined using a black sharpie pen and then coloured in bold and beautiful colours. The next task was to create a stunning background that would set off the Disney characters. Both these drawings were placed through the laminator to make the images rigid  A small box was then placed between the two images to create a 3D effect. 

I was impressed with the concentration and detail the children put into their work to create some really beautiful and clever pieces of work. 

We loved this sparkly Tinker-bell

Alongside the 3D wall art our budding artists also created bookmarks, necklaces and mobiles.

Here's what we got up to:

There's something for everyone at The Laboratory

Using a light box to transfer an image. We were impressed with the precision and time spent on this piece.
 There were a lot of dogs to transfer!

Alice in Wonderland plus a fabulous Disney bookmark

We think this beautiful pink Disney necklace is fantastic and would look great on this stunning princess in-front of her castle.

Mr Potatoe head goes strolling through the forest!

Woody and his friends go for a stroll under a clear blue sky

This Tinker-bell is all heart!

This Incredible's 3D art work is just simply incredible! Perfectly drawn and coloured in with a pop art inspired backdrop.

All of the images were drawn by the children and then outlined with a black sharpie pen. This piece looks like it has come straight from the movie, beautifully drawn and coloured in - and we loved the bookmark to! 

Have you seen our latest flyer? Check out what workshops we have coming up over the next couple of months and join  us at The Laboratory to Explore, Experiment and Create

Workshops @ The Laboratory

The Laboratory Art Studio based at Wat Tyler Country Park offers a wide and diverse range of workshops suitable for all ages and all abilities. Our workshops run between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm at the weekends and cost just £3:00 per person. 

Check out our programme for May and June, to book workshops email the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

 To give you an idea of what happens at The Laboratory here are some pictures from two of our recent workshops : Kite Making and Pottery

For our kite making workshop, children worked with adults to construct a basic frame using Withy Willow. Once the frame was build plastic was wrapped around the frame and then it was over to the children to decorate the kites using stickers, paint and embellishments ready for flying.

Carefully painting a stunning design on a handmade kite

Proudly showing of the final pieces

We just loved the intricacy in this kites design, we hope it flew well!

Some people chose to add ears, tails and tassels onto their kites

The Laboratory offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere where you can work with your children to create all kinds of arts and crafts. Children over the age of 8 can be left unassisted.
We just loved this beautiful beach scene which was painted fabulously! 

At the Laboratory you can create all sorts of wonderful pieces of work whilst chatting with your friends and family

Now let's go fly them kites!

 Pottery fun. One of our favourite workshops at The Laboratory is Pottery. We now have two potters wheels which offer children and adults of all ages (I think our youngest has been 2 years old) the opportunity to have a go at throwing a pot. With a little tuition and a little helping hand everyone is able to create a vase, bowl, plate etc that they can take home to paint. And whilst you are waiting for your turn on the wheel, we will show you how to make a pinch pot, a small animal sculpture and coiling with clay.

A helping hand offered on the potters wheel

Moulding the clay into a smooth shape ready to create a beautiful pot

Even adults enjoy having a go at throwing a pot on our wheels

The Laboratory offers a relaxed a clam atmosphere that is suitable for all ages and all abilities, Why not join us and explore, experiment and create!

Creating pinch pots whilst waiting to go on the potters wheel

 For more information email Lisa at the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

Art Classes - Explore, Experiment and Create

Over the past few weeks, adults attending The Laboratory's evening classes have been exploring the use of modroc on canvas to create a unique 3D piece of work. 

Looking at work by artists such as Niki De Saint Phalle, Klimt, Lowry, Kandinsky and Norval Morrisseau, learners drew their inspiration, added a bit of imagination, a touch of acrylic paint and then set to work.

At The Laboratory we aim to provide learners with the opportunity to experiment, explore and create using a wide and diverse range of materials and techniques. 

Adult classes currently run on a Thursday evening 7:00pm-9:00pm and cost £8 per person. 

Due to demand we will shortly be opening up an additional class on a Tuesday evening 7:00pm-9:00pm, if you would like more information on adult or children's art classes - or would like to book a space please contact Lisa on the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk

 These are some of the finished Mod Roc paintings, these will be displayed at The Laboratory in April

This tree looks fabulous breeching the boundary of the canvas, inspired by the work of Norval Morrisseau.

Canvas inspired by the colours of Lowry

Beautiful line work in spired by Klimt's detail

We love the layering of colours on the "seaweed"form and the mouth watering doughnut

Canvas inspired by Niki de Saint Phalle, excellent use of complementary colours

Working on colour studies

Understanding the use of negative space

St Patrick's Day Art

Today, The Laboratory at Wat Tyler Country Park celebrated St Patrick's day in style with some very talented individuals.

The task for today was to embrace Irish culture and create a unique flag, wreath and dancing Leprechaun using papercraft techniques. With a selection of the very best in Irish music playing in the background we got to work...

One of our favourite pieces created today. Great design work  on this beautiful Irish  papercraft flag.

Irish papercraft flag

 These flags were created by joining the green, white and orange rectangles together using lolly sticks and double sided tape. This provided additional strength to the flag and enhanced the movement when waved. A design is added to the panels using paper, felt tips and cut outs. Finally a bell is secured to the flag post to give our flags a unique jingle when in motion.

Examples of our Irish themed wreaths

 Our Irish wreaths utilised the qualities of tissue paper to create a range of interesting effects. Tissue paper could be scrunched, have shapes cut out such as shamrocks and flowers, or be wrapped around the centre circle to decorate the wreath. To complete the design embellishments such as glitter glue, sequins, buttons and feathers were added to the wreaths.

Our dancing leprechaun

 Our dancing Leprechauns provided the opportunity to relax and enjoy using colouring in skills. The limbs were secured using small split pins which then allowed the Leprechaun to dance along to the music playing.

Busy St Patrick's day at The Laboratory

The Laboratory provides a space where you can create art and craft items together with your children

All ages enjoy creating and making at The Laboratory

Spongebob goes Irish for the day, in this stunning flag design.

We actively encourage visitors to explore their creative skills when visiting the  studio. 

We love  these drawings that  were inspired by "King" by  featured artist Sharon Stone.

King by Sharon Stone - part of The Figure of Eight collective exhibition at The Laboratory

To find out about our workshops, art classes or works for sale at The Laboratory, please email the_laboratory@hotmail.co.uk