Transform an old pair of shoes into a work of art with a bright and color design like George Andrews has done.
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George Andrews, Painted Black Shoes, Oil on leather
George Andrews was born in 1911 Plainview, Georgia and died in 1996. George Andrews was a self-taught artist. He was given the nickname, Dot Man because of his unique dot style that he would paint on anything and everything he could find. Andrews was known for painting on found objects like rocks, shoes, purses, and furniture. He is also known as the father of famous artist, Benny Andrews. George Andrews instilled the importance of education to all of his children.
Supplies
Old pairs of shoes, Acrylic paint, Brush, Paper towels, Cup of water
Instructions
Note: Complete this activity with the help and permission of a parent or guardian.
Step 1: With the permission of a parent or guardian find an old pair of shoes that you can paint on.
Step 2: Find an area inside your house where you can freely paint the shoes or an area outside where it’s okay to get messy. Ask your parent or guardian.
Step 3: Think about some wacky designs to paint on the shoes. What colors will you add to the shoes? What patterns will you create?
Step 4: Now it’s time to apply those creative ideas to the shoes. Pick a color to start with. What design will you paint with this color? Where on the shoe will you start? Use a brush to apply the color to the shoe. Continue with the same color and design on other areas of the shoe.
Step 5: Repeat Step 4 with a different color and design. Remember to wash off and your brush when changing colors. Do this again with at least 3 different colors and designs.
Step 6: Let the shoe dry. Congratulations you’ve created a shoe masterpiece like George Andrews! Optional: Repeat the activity with the other shoe. Try to think of different designs or use the same to make a matching pair.
Vocabulary
Found Object – a thing that someone else has given or thrown away that is often repurposed by artists
Pattern – a repeated decorative design
SEE GEORGE ANDREWS’ PAINTED BLACK SHOES IN THE PERMANENT COLLECTION AT OGDEN MUSEUM.
SEE MORE FUN AT-HOME ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS ON THE O BLOG!
QUESTIONS? EMAIL EDUCATION@OGDENMUSEUM.ORG.
