Anna Atkins
With this art box, kids can travel back in time to learn about the invention of photography and the pioneering botanical art of Anna Atkins (1799-1871).
To start, kids will see how Atkins’ scientific curiosity led her to draw illustrations and eventually capture images of plants through the cyanotype process, one of the earliest forms of photography. Then young artists will try out several different printing methods to create their own botanical art! They’ll print with art supplies like bubble wrap and faux leaves, but they’ll also be encouraged to go outside and find natural items to use in their printing. And, in the technique lesson, they’ll learn how to layout and process cyanotype prints just like Atkins did so many years ago!
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Flowers and Leaves Printmaking
With this hands-on approach to printmaking, kids will create two pieces of floral artwork. They'll start with a torn-paper background to mimic Atkins' cyanotypes. Then they'll print flowers using bubble wrap, faux leaves, and nail sticks.Login to Watch Video
Paint Pour Beach with Seashells
This seascape comes together without a paintbrush. Children will pour the paint instead! As they pour, they'll swirl together beautiful shades of blue. Plus, the bottom of the seascape is made from real sand! Hand-drawn seashells inspired by Anna Atkins are the final touch.Login to Watch Video
Printing Techniques
The printing process Atkins used in the 1800s is still used today, and kids get an opportunity to practice it in this technique lesson! They'll go on a nature hunt and use the items they find to make sun prints. They'll also learn two other paint-based printing techniques.Login to Watch Video
Imprinted Botanical Clay Pot
In this project, young artists will print on a new medium: clay! First, they'll search outside for small items with interesting textures and lines. Then they'll print them into the clay, shape it into a pot, and paint it once it's dry.Login to Watch Video
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