General Interest Hobbies

Astronomy is a fun topic to research, and kids need a little coaching in the research department when they’re young, say elementary to jr. high age. I like to see the reaction in the faces of this age group because the pictures are so compelling. There’s still a huge “oooh!” and “aahhh!” factor when they are either encouraged to draw what they’ve seen, or look up the visuals in an encyclopedia or online. Getting them to learn isn’t half as important as getting them to want to learn, and this a great avenue.

Many nights our family has stayed up to see some astronomical event like a comet or eclipse, even with school and work the next day. It’s fun to break out of the norm once and a while. The experience is even better when it becomes educational for kids the next day. Taking that extra step to research what you’ve seen together adds both depth and quality time.

Astronomy Topics to Look Up:

• Nebula

• Asteroids

• Milky Way

• Black holes

• Satellite

• Mars

• Venus

Once they’ve looked up the image of something, the younger ones may like to draw with color to convey it. As if your refrigerator didn’t have enough on it already! You may have better luck getting your older kids to make models with clay or paper mache. See if they can tell you why they think astronomical events happen the way they do.

You’re touching a wide variety of subjects when you do this:

• Research

• Art

• Science

• Reading

Astronomy really is one of many educational hobbies that foster deeper thought and amazement in the universe. Get involved with something educational for kids today, tomorrow depends on it.

Photo Credit: Velo Steve on flickr

Those of us residing in the great white north don’t think much about kite flying this time of year. But that may change … did you know you can fly kites indoors?

Indoor kite-flying national champion Paul De Bakker, 31, of Wilmington, N.C., demonstrates his skill.

In fact, indoor kite flying is a competitive endeavor with competitions held regionally and nationally. At the Camas Indoor Kite Festival in Washington last month, 300 people filled the gymnasium to watch fliers dance and move to keep colorful, ultra-light, high-tech kites in the air.

With tugs and pulls and twirls, each kite’s moves are carefully choreographed to music. Competitors are judged on choreography, execution and entertainment value.

Learn more about indoor kite flying here.

According to the USPS website, the 1993 Elvis stamp was the most popular stamp ever collected, with more than 124 million saved by 2006. “Stamp collecting continues as one of the world’s most popular educational hobbies that the entire family can enjoy,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter.

While it’s nice to delve into the history and seriousness of some of the issues on a stamp, it’s perfectly acceptable to be entertained by them as well. Some of the more popular stamps over the years:

• DC Comics Super Heroes, 2006
• Lucille Ball, 2001
• Marilyn Monroe, 1995
• Jim Henson: Muppets, 2005
• Bugs Bunny, 1997
• Legends of Baseball, 2000
• Summer Olympics, 1992

Take some time today to share the memories of these entertaining icons you may have stored up in a stamp. Philately brings us together over an album, or table cover to “remember when.” It’s quite possible that your kids have learned something in school they can share with you, or that you might have to straighten them out about! Maybe it’s time to “Shake, Rattle, and Roll.”

Take some time to enjoy educational hobbies with your children every day. They won’t forget the time you spend teaching them how to put together a collection or referring to it when you, or they, peak interest in a new stamp.

Philately goes unnoticed by many, but remains loved by those who see the beauty of a tiny moment, frozen in history.

Learn more about stamp collecting at http://www.usps.com or visit your local hobby store to find convenient equipment and supplies for storing your new or existing stamp collection.

Image Credit: the collector 2 by Lamerie on flickr

This easy to follow, how-to video shows how to measure, mix, and pour a silicone rubber mold for resin casting.

Over the years I have acquired an arsenal of tried and true tools for applying acrylic paint. One of my most versatile and indispensable is the airbrush. It has helped me to bridge the gap between acrylic and oil, allowing me to create smooth gradations and soft edges without blending wet-in-wet.

Early in my career, I was confronted with condescending remarks regarding airbrush use. I got the impression some artists felt that using this tool somehow constituted cheating. Do you use airbrush? This question fell into the same category as “Did you trace that?” Since those early years I have effectively concealed my airbrush use, and now I often am asked how I achieve such realism, detail, and softness with acrylics.

My philosophy in painting is quite simple. “The end justifies the means.” In this day and age, we have many tools to aid in the creative process. Among these are cameras, computers, projectors, etc. All of these tools can be useful in facilitating the process, but what is most important is the end result – creating a great painting that is uniquely yours inspired from within.

Most of my painting is done with brushes. Approximately five percent utilizes the airbrush. Nature is comprised of many textures, most of which are best rendered with a brush. Where I find the airbrush most useful is for underpainting and glazing. I lay in all of my shapes and forms with a brush and ultimately refine them with the airbrush. I will blend brush strokes, darken shadows, glaze in color, etc. Once the form has the correct color and value I will render the detail on top, usually with a brush. After this stage I may make further adjustments by lightly glazing with the airbrush. This type of use is virtually impossible to detect and helps immensely to speed up the painting process.

I also use the airbrush to render smooth blends in skies, water, and snow. It is great for creating mist and breath coming from an animal’s mouth. I also use a brush when painting these elements. Dry brushing can create similar effects and is great to use in combination with the airbrush. It helps to keep your painting from having a too-soft, over-rendered airbrush look.

One of the aspects of airbrushing I like the least is making a mask. I try to avoid doing so but inevitably end up having to. On occasion I will use liquid watercolor mask. Its downfall is it can be used only once. My preference is a thin sheet of acetate with a light coat of spray adhesive on one side. I cut partially through the film, being careful not to cut into my painting. I then remove it and bend the area until the film separates. The advantage of this type of mask is it can be reused and you also end up with two masks – one for the area inside and one for the area outside of the mask.

For me the airbrush is just another tool for applying paint. The majority of acrylic and opaque watercolor painters I know use one. It is not a magic wand that will transform a bad painting into a good one. As with all painting tools, it is only as good as the talent behind it.

I always say being an artist is a journey with no ultimate destination except to improve. It is crucial to challenge yourself, take risks, and step outside the proverbial box. I hope you all have a pleasant journey.

You can see more of my work on my website – www.danielsmithwildlife.com.

Written by Daniel Smith and reprinted with permission of ARTtalk.com and Iwata-Medea Co.