Cosmic Art In Action - Getting Started

Summary

Monica and Tyler Aiello, artists collaborating with NASA, introduce 'Art and the Cosmic Connection,' a curriculum linking art and science. They demonstrate using pastels to create planetary art, explaining the use of various tools like gummy erasers and blending sticks. The artists encourage selecting inspiring NASA images, experimenting with pastel marks, blending, and not fearing mistakes. They emphasize the fun and messiness of the creative process, promising further demonstrations on planetary features and material usage.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Monica and Tyler Aiello are artists collaborating with NASA to explore the intersection of art and science.
• 🌌 They have developed a curriculum called 'Art and the Cosmic Connection' for NASA's educational programs.
• 📚 The curriculum uses art to teach about the surfaces of planets, moons, and other celestial bodies.
• 🖍️ Pastels are the primary medium for this art project, along with other tools like gummy erasers and blending sticks.
• 🧽 Baby wipes are essential for cleaning hands during the art process to avoid smudging the artwork.
• 🖼️ The artists suggest starting with an inspiring image from NASA to overcome 'blank canvas syndrome'.
• 🎨 Pastels come in various sizes and can be used to create different marks and lines by applying different pressures.
• 🖊️ Gummy erasers and kneaded erasers are useful for creating textures and removing pastel pigment.
• 🖼️ Blending is a key technique in pastel artwork, and it's easy to correct mistakes.
• 🖼️ Hairspray or fixative spray can be used to isolate layers of pastel, allowing for additional work on top.
• 👐 The Aiellos encourage using fingers for blending, embracing the mess as part of the creative process.

Q & A

Who are Monica and Tyler Aiello?

Monica and Tyler Aiello are artists who have had the opportunity to work closely with NASA and the scientific community to explore the connections between art and science.

What is the name of the curriculum they have been working on?

The curriculum they have been working on is called 'Art and the Cosmic Connection'.

What is the purpose of the 'Art and the Cosmic Connection' curriculum?

The purpose of the 'Art and the Cosmic Connection' curriculum is to use the elements of art to learn about the surfaces of planets, moons, and small bodies of our solar system.

What materials are they using for the art project in the script?

The main materials they are using for the art project are pastels of different sizes, shades, and colors, as well as pencils.

What other tools are mentioned for blending and removing pastels?

Other tools mentioned for blending and removing pastels include gummy erasers, Qtips, a traditional blending stick, paper towels or toilet paper, and baby wipes.

What is 'blank canvas syndrome' and how do they suggest overcoming it?

'Blank canvas syndrome' is the feeling of being overwhelmed by a blank page when starting an artwork. They suggest overcoming it by picking an image that inspires you from NASA images and choosing whether to work in color or black and white.

What are the different marks you can make with pastels according to Tyler?

With pastels, you can make different marks using the broad side, the sharp corner side, or the tip of the pastel. Varying the pressure and twisting the pastel allows for different line qualities and values.

How can you blend pastels according to the script?

Pastels can be blended by using tools like gummy erasers, blending sticks, or even your fingers. They are easy to blend out and go back over with other colors.

What is the advantage of using hairspray or spray fix with pastels?

Using hairspray or spray fix with pastels isolates a layer of pastel, allowing you to continue working on top without mixing colors unintentionally.

What role do gummy erasers play in creating pastel art?

Gummy erasers are effective for removing areas of pastel pigment and for creating interesting textures in pastel art.

What is the most wonderful aspect of pastels according to Monica?

According to Monica, the most wonderful aspect of pastels is their beautiful pigment load which gives amazing colors.