Paddock Arts

Illuminations are decorations with drawings usually in gold, silver, and rich colors, especially in the initial letters of manuscripts, particularly those done during the Middle Ages.  Often these manuscripts contain small pictures known as illuminations

 

The children learned about the origin of Celtic Illuminations and how they were used in the Book of Kells.  They also studied how Celtic art used a technique called “knotting” to overlap shapes to make it appear it was a rope or snake like structure.  We discussed and learned about how to draw block letters and how to transform a letter into and imaginary creature or object.  The students then took their initials of their first and last name and created their own illuminations out of them.  As an added design property the students tried their hand at different knotting techniques within their piece.