Are you creative? Do you love to draw or paint? Do you like to explore new media? Explore the Visual Arts mediums of Chalk, Carbon, Pgment and experiment with pencils, pens, chalk, ink, charcoal, dyes, and etc. on canvas, paper, glass, wood, metal or textiles.

Exploring 4-H

Exploring 4-H Visual Arts - Chalk, Carbon, Pigment

Spark Activity: Creative Clovers

Creating an art piece using chalk, carbon or pigment has so many possibilities! This is an activity that could be done by one person or by a group of artists. For your “canvas” you will need rocks of many sizes. Rocks with a flat side work best, but you can be creative with what you have available. Do some research online to get some ideas about how you might paint your rocks. This can be a fun way to try out a variety of techniques. You can use acrylic paint or permanent markers to create your artistic designs. A few suggestions are:

  • Paint abstract rocks using a combination of lines and shapes
  • Paint rocks that include an inspirational word or phrase
  • Paint rocks to resemble animals or flowers
  • Mandala painting is a technique using patterns of dots
  • Paint poured art creates a marbled effect

Now - to make them Creative Clovers, be sure to include a 4-leaf clover or the 4-H name somewhere on your rock. If you have space on the back, include contact information (like a website address) for your local 4-H office on the back of each rock. Coat your rocks with a clear sealer to preserve your artwork. Then, place the rocks around your neighborhood or town and encourage people in your community to find as many different “Creative Clovers” as they can. You can make this into a fun scavenger hunt which encourages people to explore your

4-H Project Levels and Goals
Beginner
  • Create, draw or paint with line and color
  • Interview a local artist (maybe your art teacher at school)
  • Create a portfolio and design idea book
Intermediate
  • Experiment with line, shape, color, texture and space
  • Experiment with various brushes and paint
  • Seek out a creative person you would like to learn more about
  • Arrange a club trip to a local art fair
Advanced
  • Enter your art in a local exhibition
  • Understand and apply media techniques and processes
  • Experiment with rhythm, unity, proportion, emphasis, and balance
  • Understand chalk / carbon / pigment in relation to history and culture
Put Your Project Into Action

Show Your Skills

  • Canvas painting
  • Wood sign painting
  • Free-hand sketches
  • Framed paintings
  • Compile and share a portfolio of your artwork

Service and Leadership

  • Lead an art lesson at a retirement home
  • Volunteer at a local art event
  • Paint a mural in your community
  • Organize and implement a project workshop for local youth
  • Volunteer to serve on a local art council
  • Mentor a younger 4-H member in visual arts

Entrepreneurship

  • Sell your artwork at craft shows or online
  • Design and sell artwork with your local school mascot or club logo (be certain to follow any copyright policies)
  • Technology Connection
  • Digital manipulation
  • Virtual art museum tours

Connecting with a Mentor

  • Staff or docents at local art museums
  • School / community college art teachers
  • High school / community college art club members
  • Local artists

Events

  • County 4-H show / state fair
  • County fair
  • Art fairs
  • Art shows
  • Events sponsored by art museums
Careers
art
  • Gallery Owner
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Art Teacher
  • Painter
  • Activities Director
Start a Conversation
  • What is your favorite art medium to use?
  • What is the most unique canvas that you would like to try for your artwork?
  • Who is your favorite artist?
  • If you could visit any art museum in the world, where would it be?
Credits

4-H Spark Sheets are a collaborative effort of 4-H staff, volunteers, alumni and teens from across Illinois. A big thanks to the many contributors and reviewers!