Throwing pots. Cutting glass. Supporting young artists and writers. Things have been busy at Uncle Dave’s Art Studio. Since I opened in November, things have really taken off. It’s the highlight of my day to see people in the studio explore their own creativity and often be surprised at their own success. But not …
When you think about kids drawing, what do you think about? Is it cute little figures with legs coming directly out of heads? Is it stray marks outside the lines in a coloring book? Is it a unique family portrait one of your children drew and has a special place in your heart? Whatever your …
Drawing Develops Writers from Preschool to High School Read More »
Let’s start today with an exercise. Take a minute to close your eyes and just think about the word art. What comes to mind? It is great masterpieces by Monet and Van Gogh? Is it that popular print you wish you could get a hold of for your living room wall? Is the latest piece …
Theo Van Gogh, greatest patron of his brother Vincent, often complained about his older brother for one reason: his paints cost too much. Vincent Van Gogh painted in thick layers of paint, a classic style called impasto, and because of that Vincent went through paint at an alarming speed. Parents of young children may be …
Not everyday you see an oversized pencil. ✏️ Well I’m the crafty guy and wanted to make something unusual. So I got a $6 wooden fence post at my neighborhood lumber yard. (no commercial endorsement here) grabbed my powered saw and whittled a pencil out. Painted it all pretty and viola! A giant pencil.
Outside Art in the Last Days of Summer August is upon us. Summer is coming to an end, and school will be back in session before you know it. The end of summer is the perfect time to get some last fun art experiences in, but that doesn’t mean your child needs to sit at …
If you asked just about any person on the street if reading aloud was good for kids, they would probably say yes. We all know there are linguistic and cognitive benefits to reading to your child. But reading to your child doesn’t have to be passive for them. It’s actually quite easy to engage and …
Ten Tips for Involving Non-readers in Reading Time Read More »
2017 has been bittersweet for me, and fast. It seems like it was only yesterday when I knelt down in the middle of Pittsburgh to ask my girlfriend’s hand in marriage. I proposed on December 31 at 11:59 to spend my last minute of the last day of the year to my last love of …
I had the opportunity to be a shepherd in a living nativity. At first when I signed up I was just an extra, a fill in. I was the guy who would give either Joseph, or a wise man a break. I was also an assistant director. But when I showed up and did my …
It’s been a rough few weeks here at Uncle Dave’s Books. I lost my Mother to cancer. I know she is now pain free. My Mom was very proud of what I have accomplished. My mom was a very artsy woman herself. She liked to cross stich, quilt, paint and many other crafty things. She …