Chalk
.com
ILLUSTRATED
Using Chalk Art for Ministry, Education & Fun!
THEIR
chalkings WERE HUNG BY THE CHIMNEY WITH CARE... Issue 11 Winter 2013
This Issue:
Cathy Patnovic ALSO: k Study Chalk, Earn College Credit pg. 7 k Christmas Story in Chalk pg. 15 k Snowy White(?) Snow pg. 17 k A Cache of Christmas Stories pg. 25 k A Christmas Sampler pg. 30
Chalk Palette White
Black
Pale Yellow
Yellow
Yellow-Orange
Orange
Red-Orange
Coral
Dark Red Orange
Red
Carnation
Magenta
Light Mauve
Red Violet
Burgundy
Eggplant
Blue Violet
Violet
Periwinkle
Liliac
Wedgewood
Light Blue
Blue
Dark Blue
Turquoise
Blue-Green
Moss Green
Sage Green
Yellow Green
Green
Aqua
Forest Green
Dark Green
Light Peach
Tan
Dull Peach
Light Brown
Brown
Dark Brown
Charcoal
Gray
ETERNITY ARTS | Boyne City, Michigan | 49712 | 231-582-4800 Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 2 www.eternityarts.com
contents The Features, Stories & Columns Inside This Issue.
4 Coffee with Kerry: Rebuilding, Stick by Stick 7 5 Letters & E-mail: Fees, Bogus Issues, Senior Chalkers, more 6 Music to My Ears: Review of Once Upon a Circus CD 7 Fishing Reports: Study Chalk Art & Earn College Credit! 9 Cover Artist: Cathy Patnovic Chalks With Joy 12 Step-By-Step Studios: He Lifted Me 15 Farm Fresh Chalk Ideas: Christmas Story in Chalk 16 My Tuppence Worth: To Talk or Not to Talk (part 2) 15 17 Background Checks: Snowy White(?) Snow 19 Bowman on Target: Dust Danger?, Two Kinds of Chalk? 19 Taming Hidden Pictures: Santa Claus or Jesus Christ? 24 20 Chalk on Sheets: Puzzle of Life 21 Raiders of the Lost Art: Destiny in a Christmas Stocking: Frank Beard 23 Lightning Cartoons: Heart to Dad/Carriage, Christmas Tree to Santa 24 Chalk Be Nimble: Innkeeper's Dream, The Birth of Our Lord 25 Oddio Recordings: A Cache of Christmas Stories 26 Global Chalk Art: Gripped by Egypt 27 Cruising the Internet: Picking Up the Pieces, Artist's Mistake, more 30 By All Means: A Christmas Sampler 30 31 Nub Tub: Christmas Ideas from Readers Chalk Illustrated is a magazine designed and produced to educate, edify and unify the chalk art community worldwide. It is published on a quarterly basis (as time allows). Both PDF download and printed versions are available. Each printed issue may be purchased for $6.95 US with free shipping anywhere in the US (international orders please e-mail for actual postage charges). Each PDF (download) issue may be purchased for $3.95 US. Annual subscriptions (4 issues) to the PDF version are $15.95, and printed subscriptions are $27.95 with free shipping in the US. Subscriptions, donations and advertising may be made through the official web site at www.ChalkIllustrated.com. To order, visit the web site and click on the Subscribe & Shop tab where you will find more details. We accept checks, credit/debit cards and PayPal. You may also make donations to help with this ministry, to: Kerry Kistler,1445 E. Division, Springfield, MO 65803. All correspondence should be directed to the editor, Kerry Kistler, at ChalkIllustrated@gmail.com or call 417.894.3455 or 3458. Your articles and idea submissions are always welcome—every effort will be made to include your material. The entire contents of this publication is protected by copyright © 2013 and may not be reproduced without permission. Article reprints are generally allowed upon request.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 3
•COFFEE•WITH•KERRY• The editor spills some ink – and a drop or two of coffee.
I
Rebuilding, Stick by Stick
BELIEVE WE can learn a lot about how to move forward by occasionally taking the time to look back. Where has chalk art been over the past few generations, and where does it seem to be going into the future? These questions are too big for a single article — or even a single issue of Chalk Illustrated, but, as we head into 2014, I hope to be intentional about trying to answer these questions. Let's start by considering the issue of training new students. Chalk art has been around for a few generations, but its practitioners and influence have not grown as expected. Most indicators seem to show a decrease in the number of chalk artists, worldwide, over the last two decades. Moreover, I am certain that the number of chalk art conferences has declined as well. There is no judgement here because conferences of all types have contracted due, in part, to a difficult economy. I remember attending the International Fellowship of Christian Magicians conventions back in the late 70s when well over 1000 registrants attended every year. Recent years have produced about half that number. So it's not just chalk art. Despite this trend, there continues to be a few bold teachers scattered about this country who are doing their best to conduct and lead chalk art training seminars. I hope this type of training will rebound and A chalk art course for college credit? See grow. There is another area of chalk training that has also declined over the decades: credit earning college classes. Some of you will remember a time when many Christian colleges and seminaries offered chalk art classes in their academic catalogs: Wheaton, Moody, Western Baptist Bible College, Howard Payne University, Midwestern, Bob Jones University, and more. But, gradually, most chalk art classes vanished (see pp. 7-8 for two notable exceptions). I'm still investigating the reasons behind this disappearance, but it seems clear to me that this tragic loss must be reversed. Here are 3 reasons why.
1. Chalk art is too valuable NOT to teach.
Why did schools decide that chalk art was not worth teaching anymore? Have all Christian colleges eliminated classes in music, voice training, theatre or studio art in general? No. Then why was performance chalk art devalued to the point that it
was no longer viewed as a valid, valuable ministry tool? We know better. We understand both the value and power that is intrinsic to gospel chalk art. Classes should once again be made available on Christian campuses across this country and abroad. That is how valuable I believe it is.
2. Chalk art might shed its fringe status.
When numerous Bible colleges offered classes in chalk art, it produced the added benefit of signaling to every onlooker that chalk art was not some dusty relic from the past whose time had come and gone (well, ok, forget the dusty part). By having chalk art available and taught in schools of higher education, it was validated as a relevant, mainstream, artistic ministry tool. I believe that as gospel chalk returns to the college classroom, it will eventually shuck the "fringe" status associated with it. Chalk is not the equivalent of playing a musical saw.
3. A big pool of students await recruiting.
pp. 7-8.
As I have already noted, there is a valuable place for traditional chalk art training seminars, and I hope they will grow and expand. But, why not take advantage of the hundreds of student bodies that already exist? Think of the potential in exposing THOUSANDS of college students to chalk art — this would be fairly impossible to do through the usual chalk art seminar channels. For potential chalk students, it is about leveraging campus convenience with a fuller and deeper classroom experience, plus the incentive of earning some college credit in the process. As great as they are, chalk art conferences are too few and too short to accomplish this.
What can YOU do?
It took years for college-level chalk art classes to decline and vanish — and things won't turn around overnight. Still, I believe it is worth making the effort to reverse the trend. Here are three starter ideas to get you thinking: • If you attended a Bible college or seminary, contact the chair of the arts department. Send an e-mail or note about Chalk Illustrated, and remind them that CI is a free art resource for their art students who may read it online without cost. • Send me the contact info for these department heads and I will ship them a free copy of Chalk Illustrated. • If you live near a Bible college, offer to teach a chalk art class — or course — it could develop into something amazing. Do you think it's time to start bringing chalk art back to the college campus? I welcome your ideas.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 4
Kerry
LETTERS
Your open forum to communicate, comment & critique.
W
E APPRECIATE YOUR notes of encouragement, ideas, news, tips and chalk-related questions. Send all this and more to ChalkIllustrated@ gmail.com, and we'll include as many notes as possible in the next issue.
Finally Setting a Fee Good idea to hold us responsible to save the links you send. I need accountability. We should pay if we don't do our part and force you to waste time doing it again for many people. After 17 years as a chalk artist, I finally decided to set a fee for chalk talks since few gave an honorarium or did very little. One time the Christian school just gave me a school coffee mug. I can choose to do it pro bono if I sense the Lord prompting me, or for less. I am doing one at Christmas for $50. And at my church ministries, I draw for free. So far the responses have been fine with it. I prayed and decided on $150. I explain they take many hours to create plus the day to present them. Perhaps this is useful for someone. Nancy Anderson
A New Season
I finally had opportunity this evening to open up the most recent issue of Chalk Illustrated. I always love all the pictures you include. Of special interest to me was the article by Elva Hurst. What an amazing, unique ministry God has given her, using the resources in her own backyard! Her story was encouraging and inspiring, especially as I enter a new season of life as a chalk artist mom (like Elva experienced) with soon-tobe 2 children. God is keeping ministry closer to home for now, but that doesn't limit God's creative hand. May God bless the time and effort you put into this wonderful magazine. I read each issue cover to cover, and learn much each time. In Him, Christie Friestad
[See pp. 7-8 for Christie's article on the college-level chalk art course she teaches.]
Worth the Cost?
I'm trying to learn more about chalk art to see if it is something I want to attempt. I know how to work with every other kind of medium but have never tried this. I like this and have been an artist all my life, but have been wondering if I really want to try it and pay the cost. A friend does chalk art but says it is costly. I like what you've shown. Is there anymore I could see or read to help me make a decision if this is a direction I want to take? Richard Davis
Exercise is Good!
Just came back from a chalk art seminar in Winston-Salem, North Carolina instructed by Ray Dombeck. We did one exercise that was too detailed and too slow to do as an actual talk with it, but it was a fun exercise just to see what we could do with the media (photo right). Tom Ammons [Ray is one of the best and we hope to be featuring him soon.]
Laying Down Chalk
I am 81 years old and not able to do presentations anymore due to back issues and other health problems. I am
very saddened about this, but my prayers for all the artists doing Chalk Talk will be remembered, and thank you for your work and efforts to help people get the message out about our Lord. The world surely needs awaking. God Bless, Jean Davis
Great Variety
"Good Shepherd" by Tom Ammons
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 5
C.I. is my favorite chalk art magazine! Then again — it's my ONLY one ;-) I just love the great variety of articles and information! It's a magazine I pick up again and again. Anon Letters \ next page
Letters \ continued
Bogus Problems
Is there a way to find DECENT bogus paper? My last batch is soooo bad that even after using 3 white sticks, I still can't hide the black light picture real well. I have mostly been getting my paper & chalk from the Teulings. Some from David LeGrand when I was there for a class. But I believe it all comes from Matt Bowman, so it's all the same supplier. I'm also not very happy about the hard chalk we are getting. Any ideas out there? Thank you all!! Cathy Patnovic [In the spring issue, Matt will be answering questions on bogus paper so be watching his "Bowman on Target" column; but, yes, as far as I know, he is the only supplier for bogus paper and has to deal with what the factory sends him. The hard chalk question has been covered by him a couple of
times. You should be able to return any chalk that is unusable. And when you order, mention that you want it soft or will return it. In his column this time, he answers the question, "Do you make two varieties of chalk: lecturer’s chalk and street painting chalk?"]
Setting Fees
I look forward to each issue and have learned so much. It is the only magazine I receive that I read EVERY WORD! There is nothing I want to pass up. Would it help if you only published twice a year or even once a year? I would hate to have to wait that long in between issues but that would be better than not at all. Question: I have been chalking now for the last seven years, and when I started I was "practicing" on my audiences. I didn't feel I should charge a fee but now I have become in demand and am doing
a lot of programs — yet no one ever offers to pay me. Several times I have taken time off from my work to do a program. I am not sure how to bring up the subject or even how much to ask. I really don't need the money, but I do have a large investment here, and I spend a lot of time preparing each drawing. I would not ask my church to pay me, but others have been asking me for programs. Is this a problem with any other chalkers, and how do they handle it? Cathy Griffiths [We will be covering this question in more depth starting with the spring issue. For now, take a look at the letter by Nancy Anderson on the previous page, and read the second page of the Frank Beard article from the FALL issue to see how he solved this problem. I hope other readers will send in their thoughts on this topic.]
It’s Like Music to My Ears! © By Desirae Payne, World Clown Assn., Clown Ministry Director www.TimeWithDizzy.com. Condensed from Clowning Around magazine.
Once upon a Circus!
• Original Circus Music for Variety Performers
“I REALL love this C Y D!” ~ Rand Christensey n
• A Fusion of Hymns with Circus Tunes
• Available in High-Quality CD or MP3 Download • Order from:
www.OnceUponaCircus.com
Dr. Fred Pangburn still in action at age 82.
Active at Age 82
Thank you for Chalk Illustrated. Years of ministering has kept me from much drawing. At one point early in my life I began studies for a career in opera, but at 82 years, the voice is not what it was — but I wanted to minister using chalk. My first real contact came when Phil Saint came to town, and I appointed myself to help him that night, and I was really challenged and ready to sing or draw. There I was, with many experiences (U.S. Army, magic shows,
I
etc.), then I [encountered] the Teulings — it was settled: chalk art was the one thing I felt was what I needed to use to speak the Gospel. But, another real help came to me when Elva Hurst sent me a copy of Chalk Illustrated, and it was (is) something that I really needed at this point. At 82 years, I am getting ready to do some chalk evangelism. Thank you again, Dr. Fred Pangburn [Thanks Dr. Fred. Letters like yours help us keep focused on producing CI. At your age, you inspire us all.]
HIGHLY RECOMMEND MUSIC with your performances. Music catches the attention of an audience. At schools or other events, I have music playing prior to my entrance. The music gets the kids excited, involved, and full of anticipation for what’s about to happen. Music during a performance can also touch emotions. Music can stir the soul either by causing someone to think of a past memory or by touching their emotions in the present with your message. You capture an audience’s attention when you play music. Recently, I was asked to critique a CD by Kerry Kistler, called “Once Upon a Circus.” I was very impressed with the excellent variety and high quality of the old-time circus music. The packaging and production values are high, with good instrumentation. I highly recommend this CD for clowning purposes [or anything] with a circus theme; some of the tracks are also very suitable for non-circus themes or skits. This CD also brought back memories from going to the circus as a child. Remember to use music as much as possible when performing; after all, what does God think of music? 1 Chronicles 16:9 says, “Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” You couldn’t ask for a better audience!
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 6
Z fishing reports
"I Will Make You Fishers of Men" OU ARE INVITED to send in stories related to your chalk work. If you have a ministry newsletter or a chalk blog, send us the Yhighlights, and we will share them with hundreds of other chalk
artists. What you submit need not be a full-length article, but photos are always a nice addition and helps us keep the "illustrated" in Chalk Illustrated. Send it all to chalkillustrated@gmail.com.
A Visionary Lady Takes a Big, Bold Step:
Study Chalk Art & earn College Credit! By Christie Friestad
E
asels, smocks, dust, smudged hands and faces, and long rows of colorful chalk...it’s probably not something you expect to find in an ordinary basement boiler room. But it is at the Association Free Lutheran Bible School
(AFLBS) in Minneapolis, MN, where a quiet corner of the women’s dorm has been converted into a manufacturing plant for budding Gospel chalk artists. AFLBS is a two-year, college level school A dormitory basement transof the Bible, where students take an formed into a chalk studio in-depth survey of Scripture, apologetics, evangelism, missions, and practical ministry skills. It is one of only two schools in the nation offering Gospel Chalk Art as a college level class for credit [see sidebar on next page]. As a veteran chalk artist, and with a husband on staff at AFLBS, the idea of teaching a chalk art class at the Bible school had been brewing in my mind for some time. I’m in a new phase of life, as a wife and young mom; my days of active travel to draw are over — for a season. However, I can teach others who can go out. So I prayed, gave the idea to God, and waited for Him to make clear when the timing was right. Out of the blue in 2011, I received a call from a complete stranger. He started quizzing me about chalk art and my personal ministry philosophy. I finally asked him, “Who are you, and why are you asking me all these questions?” He explained he was retiring from chalk art, and had a large quantity of art supplies to pass on to someone who would use them for perpetuating chalk art ministry to a new generation. Someone had given him my name. I was blown away at God’s provision… this gentleman ended up extending a very generous selling price for his entire collection of chalk supplies for use at AFLBS: thousands of sticks of regular chalk, black light chalk, visible fluorescent chalk, black light bulbs, and paper. Enough chalk to last for dozens of students, which would keep class price to a minimum. This was all the push needed to get the ball rolling for an official class. The AFLBS faculty was enthusiastic about offering chalk art as ministry training. Maintenance staff went to work right away building sturdy easels and sealed the basement floor to make cleanup easier. Unbeknownst to me, the school catalogue showed a 1 credit elective course called P5253 Christian Artistic Expression, which hadn’t been offered for many years for lack of a teacher. Instead of inventing a new class, chalk art training was put under this course heading, and a new syllabus was written (free CI download). I contacted Matthew Bowman, of Eternity Arts,
A small class size allows for lots of personal interaction
“
A quiet corner
of the women’s dorm has been converted into a manufacturing plant for budding Gospel chalk artists.
”
Fishing Reports \ continued on next page
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 7
Fishing Reports \ continued
Another Chalk Art Class for College Credit? Christie's class at the Association Free Lutheran Bible School is the newest chalk art course to be launched, but there is ONE other school that values chalk art enough to offer such a course. Piedmont International University in Winston-Salem, NC has the only other college-level class that exists for chalk art. It was launched about 10 years ago by David LeGrand, and the classes are held at his nearby Alpha Arts studio. Matt Bowman and Peggy Esher are the approved teachers. Here is the course description from the school's catalog: CE 304: Chalk Art for Christian Ministry "A hands-on approach to train beginning and advanced art students in the art of chalk drawing for effective Christian ministry. This course takes the student from the basics of art to presenting the Bible message by teaching basic chalk strokes, reflections, waves, trees, rocks, mountains, people, perspective, skies, and black light hidden scenes. The student will use these pictures to communicate clear and compelling biblical and gospel messages." 2 credit hours David says, "This two hour elective requires 30 hours, but we give students 35 during the course."
for the few supplies needed to round out a beginner student kit. Matthew was my original chalk art instructor 15 years ago. He has always been a tremendous encourager and source for answering all things chalk related over the years. To best fit the student’s schedule, and accommodate the time needed for set-up and cleanup, we were forced to be creative by offering a class during non-typical school hours. We met several evenings a week (7-9pm), and on a couple of Saturdays (8-12pm) for three weeks. The first class was filled to capacity, with 8 enthusiastic students in the spring of 2012. The second class with 5 students was held in the spring of 2013. Our goal is to offer the class annually. Throughout the twenty-four hours of hands-on instruction, students learn elements of picture composition, and receive practical communication and ministry training, modeled after Matthew Bowman’s Phase 1 and Phase 2 chalk art classes. The students also learn 3 full drawings to put to immediate use. I’ve found it’s vital to encourage students to use what they learn immediately. I’m certain that my involvement in chalk art today goes back to immediately being thrown into the thick of drawing. Within weeks of finishing my Phase 2 class, I was on a two-month mission trip to Honduras, where
Every student ends the class with 3 full size drawings under their belt
the missionaries arranged 15 drawings for me. I was a novice. My knees knocked every drawing and my pictures were primitive. But God cast a vision for the possibilities during those first drawings that set me on a course to persevere, and I’m so grateful for being encouraged to use what I learned early on. Students earn twenty-five percent of their grade for doing a public chalk presentation within one month of finishing the class. Quality is not a factor; it is the process of having to walk through all the steps of preparing for and delivering a chalk presentation. I give the students an option of sharing a brief testimony or Scripture before, during, or after their drawing. They are also allowed to co-draw the picture with another classmate. It’s always exciting to see how the initial nervousness and fear before that first drawing turns into excitement and a blessing afterwards, when the students realize how God can work through their chalk and testimony to minister to others. Graduates of the chalk class have been putting their training to use in diverse arenas, from VBS ministry and chapel presentations, to special event drawings. What an awesome privilege to help equip new Gospel communicators. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see more classes made available at Christian colleges and seminaries nationwide? PerPracticing skyscapes is always a favorite class haps God might use you to teach such a class.
“
It's vital to
encourage students to use what they learn immediately.
”
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 8
Presenting • the • Cover • Artist! Introducing another neighbor from our chalk art community.
C
ATHY PATNOVIC is a self-proclaimed D.D.D. - Dumb Dutch Doodler - which tells you something about her humble, self-deprecating nature. But, when it comes to chalking for Jesus, she doesn't mind being a fool for Christ. She shows us all how to
...Chalk with Joy
I t above lack ligh b , w ie v regular as Joy" m t is r h C "
LIVE IN THE STATE of (Confusion) Delaware and was initially exposed to chalk art by Bill Gothard who finished his seminars by drawing a picture. My immediate response was: "Lord, I want to learn to do that," as the message through the picture was so powerful. I was very privileged to have Ding Teuling as my mentor & teacher for many years (sorry, that fact is not yet reflected in my presentations). Back in the 80s & 90s, Ding would organize conferences in
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 9
Cathy Patnovic \ next page
Your Heart?" "Is There Room in
"Glory to God in the Hi ghest"
Cathy Patnovic \ continued
Muskegon, Michigan which exposed me to not only many chalk art masters, but also provided shops on magic tricks, story telling, etc. which was so helpful when working with kids. I now draw mostly for adult audiences and do so when a presentation is requested. Most of my invitations are based on recommendations from those who have witnessed my presentations, but I also post and hand out flyers which explain what to expect in a presentation. I indicate that a program lasts approximately 35-45 minutes, and that a darkened room is needed. I will go anywhere I am invited. I may talk for about 20 minutes and draw for about 20 minutes. If it's a children's program, I may tell a story either from Scripture or one I may have written. I may start off with a little magic (tricks) as that gets their attention immediately. For adults, I may start out with something funny to say, just to break the ice. In fact, when I give my testimony I usually ask the question: "What do you see when
"Unto You is Born This Da y a Savior"
“
I saw an old lady
sitting next to me. She was staring at me, so I quickly looked back into my book as I didn't want to stare back. Then, all of a sudden a light went on.
”
you look into the mirror?" I give them some time to think about it and then tell them a funny story that really happened to me at the hairdresser's. I was sitting under the dryer and reading a book — just trying to absorb what I was reading. My eyes wandered around in the room and I saw an old lady sitting next to me. She was staring at me, so I quickly looked back into my book as I didn't want to stare back. A few minutes later I forgot all about the old lady, and the same thing happened again. However; the old lady now was smiling at me. So I quickly looked down into my book again thinking: "At least, she's a happy old lady''. Then, all of sudden a light bulb went on in my head, I looked again at the happy old lady and realized that I was looking at myself in a mirror. I was the 'Happy Old Lady'. That always gets a good laugh, and then I proceed to tell them that when I look into the mirror I see a miracle of love and grace. I will always present the gospel, as that is why I feel called to minister in chalk art. I often think of the hymn by Frances
River" "Peace Like a
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 10
...is Death"
"The Wage s of Sin... Havergal: "Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee. Take my hands, (with chalk in them) and let them move at the impulse of Thy love". To develop new drawings I do draw from other chalk artists, especially as presented in my favorite magazine: Chalk Illustrated, Christmas & Easter cards, church bulletins, old calendars and picture Bibles — all very good sources for new pictures. I adapt them to my own style. Most folks don't know what chalk art is as they have never seen it. I do believe that Satan wants nothing more than to keep folks away from hearing the gospel. Yet, when folks see a picture progressing, it's something special, and it does speak to hearts. I do teach a little girl now and have taught many kids along the way, always hoping they will take up the baton and "run with it." Making music is still done in an old fashioned way for me. I just make tapes and accumulate songs that pertain to the subject of the picture and the talk. I have a commercial steel easel that folds up nicely and I can carry it with one hand — no parts to take apart. Dan Ondra made a very nice, compact light box for me. One time I was
orld" "Our Broken W
“
I do believe that Satan wants nothing more than to keep folks away from hearing the gospel. Yet, when folks see a picture progressing, it's something special, and it does speak to hearts.
”
drawing in front of an audience, and I noticed my frame was slowly sliding down (kept in place by 2 knobs turned tight). Apparently I did not turn the knobs tight enough. The frame was slipping out from the lip at the top and I was drawing, pushing the board back which was still slowly sliding down. I whispered to someone on the front row, kept drawing, and told him to come to me. He got up on a chair (I'm still drawing) and lowered the top enough that the lip caught the frame again. Then he tightened the knobs, and I kept drawing through the whole thing. The show must go on! The audience told me later that they weren't even distracted by the whole thing. I learned to tighten those knobs real good ever after that experience. I also like to make my own cards for special occasions such as birthdays, Christmas etc. I do not charge for the chalk ministry and very often the love gift folks give me covers my traveling expenses. I have received freely and like to give freely. God has blessed me abundantly both spiritually and materially. My website (also done by Dan Ondra) is www. cathypatnovic.com which also has a video of my testimony, which was also made into an Unshackled radio drama (show #1583) by Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago. Please stop by to hear more of my story.
"Once I was Blind, but Now I C an See"
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 11
Step-by-Step Studios Exploring the Creative Chalk Art Process via Storyboards.
He Lifted Me Up im
By J
s Hick
W
E OFTEN THINK during the Christmas season that our drawings must be a variation of the Nativity— Bethlehem, manger, wise men, etc. Here is a lovely winterscape that could be used for a Christmas program or anytime during the winter season. The message does not center so much on the babe in the manger as it does on how Jesus came to restore and save damaged lives. Jim Hicks contributed this drawing for your inspiration, demonstrating once again what a giving, servant heart he has. The first time I was blessed by Jim was in 1996 as I struggled with the various challenges of attending my first chalk conference, hosted by Gary Means in Pennsylvania. One of my biggest obstacles was the lack of a chalk easel. Long story short, I was put in contact with Jim about a spare easel he might possibly have — which he not only gave to me, but he also put me up in his home for a night before I traveled on to the conference. His chalk room inspired me, his supper table filled me, and his generous spirit blessed me. Thanks, Jim, for giving me a helpful hand up at the very beginning of my chalk journey. I still have your old spare easel as testament to your kindness.
Begin by creating a very peaceful looking sky that is horizontal in nature. Use Black at the top, moving down through Dark Blue, Turquoise, and Fluorescent Pink. These colors are then blended together from the bottom up using a soft tissue. Then, using Dark Blue, create the top edge of a mountain range. Try to make the mountain in the center taller than the other peaks. Once again, smooth out the color and allow it to fade out toward the bottom using the soft tissue.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 12
Now, start working into the mountain range using Fluorescent Pink and regular White to create the appearance of snow-capped mountains. Then, blend White into the bottom, followed by making small Green pine trees in the distance using the edge of your chalk. Form soft clouds in the sky using Light Blue and highlight them with regular White. Add stars with White, and use both White and Blue for the moon. At this point, lower your background music and turn to your audience saying "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." With the music still lowered, "destroy" your drawing with three or four Black vertical lines and say "But the thief (Satan) came to rob, kill, steal and destroy everything that God has called good." The audience should feel that you've ruined your beautiful picture (see pg. 27 for more). With the music still lowered, turn to your audience once more and say, "But this is the good news...that Jesus Christ was born into this world to destroy the works of the evil one." Proceed to turn the Black strokes into pine trees using Reddish Brown and by adding regular White at the bottom. Create Dark Green pine boughs, followed by accents of Yellow Green. Then add snow to the branches by making circular strokes with Fluorescent White and Blue. He Lifted Me Up \ next page
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 13
He Lifted Me Up \ continued
Give definition to the bottom using Turquoise Blue and Dark Blue. Suggest a winding path or stream that originates at the base of the mountain and gradually zig zags toward the foreground.
Finally, use a soft Black charcoal pencil to draw the outline of the eagle. I suggest locating a photo or painting of an eagle that you really like, and practice drawing it until you've committed it to memory because it is the focal point of your drawing. Here is the basic structure of the eagle that I put in this drawing.
Here are how the feathers and other details would be added. Use Dark Brown for the main body, Black for shadows, and YellowOrange for the beak and for highlighting the wings. Regular White is used for the head.
This is the finished piece. The black light version can be seen at the beginning of this article. This drawing is not too difficult, so I hope you will give it a try sometime this winter season. Jim Hicks taught art for 34 years before retiring and becoming an associate pastor at Grace Church in Middleburg Hts., Ohio. He's been doing presentations like this for over 30 years in churches, prisons, and on missions trips. He can be reached at jim.hicks@gracecma.org.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 14
Farm Fresh Chalk Ideas from Elva’s Barnyard Art Studio & Gallery · ElvasChalkArt.com A Brand New Chalk Art Resource!
Christmas Story in Chalk
istler By Kerry K
W
OULD YOU LIKE TO have your chalk art inspired and energized this Christmas season? Then trust me on this: call Elva Hurst today, and order her new Christmas DVD. Elva is a quiet lady with a gentle voice, but when she starts to draw it's like watching a conductor lead a symphony. Which makes this DVD more than just a warm stroll down a sentimental path towards Christmas. It is — almost by accident — a chalk art tutorial. Elva starts by recounting her journey into chalk, then over the next 24 minutes, her chalks fly, and we all receive a gift. You will learn a lot just by watching Elva apply the chalk. And, you will hear how a professional sound track should sound. You won't hear a mere list of Christmas songs strung together. Her added narration takes us all the way back to Eden to show us why we need a Savior. Plus the Christmas story from Luke is professionally narrated and carefully mixed. I couldn't help but smile. Her messy chalk tray reminds me of my first chalk teacher (and hers), Gary Means. Gift yourself with The Christmas Story in Chalk today by calling Elva at 717-626-6582 or visit www.ElvasChalkArt.com.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 15
My Tuppence Worth Inspiration & Insight from the Easel of Jim Pence. CONS: Unless you’re very comfortable with speaking into a microphone and recording your voice, you could end up sounding wooden. Also, unless you have good recording equipment the sound quality will probably suffer. Recommendation: If you’ve already done some voice recording, narration, etc., and you have the recording equipment, give it a try. I’d still recommend writing out your message and working from a script, though. You want your recording to sound as good as possible.
Getting Started in Chalk Art: Part 6
I
To Talk or Not to Talk II?
4. Draw to live music (instrumental/vocal)
N CHALK ART, the medium and the message are bound together. Thus, you the chalk artist must decide how you plan to communicate the message through your art. Although it is possible to draw in silence, not talking and with no backup music, it’s not a very effective way to communicate. So, virtually all chalk artists choose to engage their audiences one way or another while they are drawing. Last time we considered talking while you draw. Now, let's look at the other four options.
2. Someone else talks while you draw
I’ve done this a few times and it’s been fun. PROS and CONS: About the same as having someone speak while you draw.
5. Draw to pre-recorded music
This is my preferred form of accompaniment for several reasons. PROS: First, I have a much larger range of content. When I do a chalk drawing, I choose the music that I feel will best express the message I want to communicate. With pre-recorded music, I have a lot more options to choose from. Second, with a pre-recorded track, my timing is consistent every time I draw. I know exactly where I should be in my drawing, just by listening to the sound track. It is a lot easier to pace myself with a background track. Third, I can use a large variety of music, orchestration, styles, etc. CONS: If you’re using pre-recorded music, then you either need to bring your own sound system or make sure the church or venue where you’re drawing has something that is adequate. Don’t assume that they’ll have a CD player. I’ve gotten burned a few times. Also, be prepared for something to go wrong with your music (CD won’t play or a track gets stuck, etc). It’s happened to me several times over the years, and it always makes life interesting. Still, I feel that using pre-recorded music is the best overall approach.
“
I confess that I’ve never tried this, although I know of some chalk artists who do it this way. This works well with a husband-wife team where one person is the artist and the other is the speaker. However, in a family setting I could see where perhaps a team of siblings or a parent-child team could pull this off. PROS: With this approach you don’t have to worry so much about the “fog factor,” i.e. getting so involved in your drawing that you forget to talk or vice versa. CONS: What you might have to worry about is losing track of where the other person (particularly the artist) is. If the speaker goes too fast and runs out of material, she might end up rambling to kill time until the artist is finished. Recommendation: If you take this approach, each member of the team needs to be solidly in touch with what the other is doing, and the presentation needs to be wellrehearsed. Otherwise, the program will appear disorganized.
It is a lot easier to pace myself with a background track.
”
3. Record your talk in advance and have it played while you draw
I’ve never tried this approach either, but if I were inclined to do chalk talks, this is how I would approach it. PROS: By pre-recording your message, you can make sure that it’s exactly the length you need to complete your drawing. You also don’t have to worry about losing track of your outline or forgetting important points.
The decision of whether or not to talk when you draw is a big one, and only you know what is going to work best for you. If you’re just getting started in chalk art, you might want to experiment with several approaches until you find your niche. Keep drawing. And have fun! James H. (Jim) Pence is a published author, singer, speaker, performance chalk artist, and he teaches karate, writing and art to home schoolers. James also blogs for SeeTheLightShine. com. This article was originally posted on October 20, 2011. Used with permission. Visit www.JamesPence.com.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 16
Background Checks
Secrets of Animation Background Art
1
Snowy White (?) Snow by Kerry Kistler
T
HIS TIME I have pulled together sparkling snowscapes from three different Disney movies: Brother Bear 2 (2006), Bambi (1942) and Bambi 2 (2006). If you are called on to present a chalk drawing with a wintery theme, here are some artistic nuggets for you to enjoy.
2
Observations & Ideas
1-2
The background artists for Brother Bear 2 decided that snow comes in more colors than just white and shades of blue. There are some lovely shades of mauve, periwinkle, lavender and pink in these two backgrounds. As always, to highlight the action, there is a strong "pool of light" at work in each of these designs. And the trees are also used with creative variety. Some of them frame the composition, some catch the low afternoon sun, and some are cropped in unexpected ways. The artists who created the backgrounds for this movie include: Patrick Muylkens, Silvana Ambar, Doug Ball, Christopher Brock, Miguel Gil, Carolyn Guske, Ed Li, Sai Ping Lok and Pierre Lorenzi.
3
3-4
When the background artists for Bambi 2 started to create these stunning scenes, they were instructed to recreate the same soft, visual look found in the original Bambi. This would be a challenge since the original backgrounds were rendered in oils, and the new crew had to use digital painting tools. I think they did a fantastic job. Just Snowy White(?) Snow \ next page
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 17
4
Snowy White(?) Snow \ continued
5
take a look at these soft and dreamy, rich and creamy backgrounds. Can we achieve the same results using chalk? I think it's worth a try. In #3, the huge gnarly tree becomes a character all its own, and #4 also has a large tree with loads of character. These teach me that we should be willing to move beyond drawing typical trees that are straight, symmetrical and sterile. The shafts of light add a dramatic touch and breathe a bit of peachy warmth into this frozen winterscape. The artists who created the backgrounds for this movie include: Doug Ball, Christopher Brock, Hye Coh, Barry Dean, Julie Eberley, Scott Fassett, Carolyn Guske, George Humphry, Natasha Liberman, Jerry Liew, Pierre Lorenzi, Patrick Muylkens, Sara Rivers, Michael Rule, Nadia Vurbenova, Bernard Yohalin and James Zheng.
5-8
As I said above, many of the backgrounds created for the original Bambi, were painted in oil . . . but on GLASS! Hans Bacher comments on viewing the originals:
6
7
"Only a few originals from the film are left because most of the scenes were shot in levels with the MULTIPLANEcamera, and had to be painted in oil on glass, and after the shots were successful some poor guy had to scrape off the master-paintings from the glass. Glass was rare during WWII and had to be reused. The first time I saw the glass plates, I think it was around 1983 and they were housed in a corrugated steel building . . . a dark, drafty building where the low level light showed the dust particles in the air. It really left an impression on me because BAMBI is my all time favorite Disney film, and I was shocked that they were treated so casually. I was surprised they weren’t all broken. Many of the BGs that were not multiplanes were of varying mediums. Of course the paint on the glass was oil but many were painted with watercolor or thinly with oil. It seemed that whatever the artist was more comfortable using, it was just fine." (from www.one1more2time3.wordpress.com/tag/bambi)
8
The four snowy samples shown here contain many interesting details worth our consideration. Study the color choices, use of trees, reflected highlights, brush, twigs and much more. The artists who created the backgrounds for this classic animated movie include: Merle Cox, Tyrus Wong, Art Riley, Robert McIntosh, Travis Hohnson, W. Richard Anthony, Stan Spohn, Ray Huffine, Ed Levitt and Joe Stahley.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 18
B wman • O N
T A R G E T •
By Matt Bowman
dust (regular, fluorescent or invisQ:Isible)chalkharmful to breath in? A:
No reported damage or health risks have been reported for the chalk or from the ingredients. The dust is a nuisance and that is the only issue of concern. Pre-existing conditions like asthma and emphysema can be aggravated with the chalk dust. All chalks we sell have MSDS sheets and they are available upon request.
Taming Hidden Pictures Mastering Those Invisible Pictures Without a Whip & Chair.
Santa Claus or Jesus Christ? by Tom Ammons
Is there any practical way to cut down on Q: chalk dust while drawing? Does misting chalk with water just before a program really do any good? Have you ever seen a good "dust collection system" that other chalk artists use as an "attachment" to their easel to help minimize the dust from settling all over a church platform?
A:
Misting the chalk with a spray bottle like Esther Frye did for years is a help, however some dust is just part of the process. Heavy dust comes from the prep of large black light areas using white or real vibrant skies. Heavy application makes a lot of dust. When possible, do this messy part outside if you can. Drawing with fast strokes also makes a lot more dust. Slowing down will make more chalk stick to the paper and less go airborne. Covering the stage for a show is a must. I hate plastic because it is noisy and dust sticks to the artist's and viewer’s feet and they track it all over the place. A heavy black or painters drop cloth is best. Use a 5'x7' at least. This way it absorbs the dust and you can wipe your feet on it. Have two of them, one in the wash, and one you trade out and use.
I read this online: "Matt sells two varieties Q: of chalk: lecturer’s chalk and street painting chalk. Be sure to order the lecturer’s chalk. The street painting chalk is formulated for drawing on concrete, asphalt, etc. and is much too hard to use on bogus paper." Is this true?
All of this is pre drawn - only the face (below) is drawn live.
WITH the pre drawn prep page and mention the four items (wreath, gifts, IingSTART food, snowman) as some things we may think of at Christmas time. Then I begin talkabout the most important "person" at Christmas time (don't name him). As I start drawing the face, I make many vague references, that could refer to either Santa or Jesus — greeting cards, lawn ornaments, TV specials, etc. Most assume Jesus. I finish the face and start outlining the hair and beard (visible, therefore white for Santa). I turn the corner and make comments that are no longer vague, but definitely referring to Santa Claus — prominent place in Christmas parade, common in malls and department stores, etc. After the murmuring begins, I take a survey: A visit to Santa at the mall vs. taking part in live nativity scene? Raised hands for Santa will outdo hands for nativity. So then, which one IS more important? Finish drawing and again address the murmuring. You still seem to disagree! Who do you think is most important person? (black light will show about the time they answer "Jesus"). Build your case further with comparisons of 24 hr shopping at Walmart vs. 24 hr prayer vigil for the pastor, leaders of the church , family , friends, sick and afflicted. Or the excitement and gratitude for presents on Christmas vs. excitement and gratitude for God's abundance of blessings on a daily basis. Or a Christmas eve party vs. candlelight service where we can worship with other believers. All these get people thinking. Challenge them to keep in mind whose birthday we are celebrating and instead of focusing on all the outside distractions the world has to offer, to focus on the most important person at Christmas time.
Not exactly. Making hard chalk is easy — making it A: soft is an art. We must evaluate each batch when it's done. When you order chalk from us, we ask what surface you are using it on. We sell our harder chalk to side walk artists and send the softer to Gospel chalk artists. Matt Bowman operates EternityArts. com, a ministry that conducts chalk classes and manufactures materials for Gospel chalk artists around the world. Send your questions for Matt c/o chalkillustrated@gmail.com
SANTA transforms to . . .
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 19
. . . JESUS!
Hanging Your Fears Out to Dry with Large Format Chalking.
Combine your chalk art with a bit of mystery.
By Bob Zoerman
puZZle of Life
S
UZIE AND I complete more than 150 programs each year. Most programs include me performing magic and SuZie doing chalk art. Although SuZie has a repertoire of close to 200 pictures, we have only a few where we perform together. One favorite is where we have a comedy “fight” over the easel to the tune of Dueling Banjos. In another, I tell the old west tale of Tom Horn after which SuZie draws a mountain railroad scene (photo 1) to the tune of Life is Like a Mountain Railroad while I perform an escape (that was Tom Horn’s favorite song, sung at Photo 1 - Life is Like a Mountain Railroad his request at his hanging!) Recently, we have been working on one I thought I’d share with you. After explaining the puzzle game of Sudoku to the audience, (most know the game already), I produce 3 Sudoku puzzle books*, explaining that friends of mine, who love Sudoku, cannot complete any of them in less than an hour. I give an audience member their choice and ask them to put the clues on a 32 inch square dry erase board I made up to look like a Sudoku game board. (photo 2) Then comes the challenge. SuZie challenges me to complete the puzzle before she completes her picture. That is in less than 8 minutes! (Two variations, photos 3 and 4) For background music we use these two songs, available as MP3s from Amazon: Puzzle Piece by
Photo 2
Photo 3 - Puzzle of Life - variation 1 (Good Shepherd)
Photo 4 - Puzzle of Life - variation 2 (crucifixion) The Telestials and Jesus, Be The Center by Cornel Driessen & Louis Brittz. * Check this link for the Sudoku puzzle books (magic props) I use in this performance: www.techsoc.com/sudoku.htm
SuZie & Bob Zoerman have a thriving ministry using both chalk art and illusion. They live in Grand Rapids, MI and will be taking their ministry abroad to India for the 10th time in early 2014. They can be found online at www.MagicBob.org. Note: Check out their web page about a ministry they have taken out of the warehouse after more than two decades! www.Bible-Exhibit.com.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 20
LOST ART The Search for Legendary Chalkers Frank Beard & the Birth of Chalk Talk: Part 2
Destiny in a Christmas Stocking By Kerry Kistler
Frank Beard's first memories were of "Brother Jonathan", which he found in his Christmas stocking. "It was a large sheet," he recalled, "as much as a yard square, consisting of four pages of printed matter, interspersed with original pictures by American artists, mostly relating to Christmas times, and usually of a comic character. No present from Santa Claus gave more joy to myself and brothers than Brother Jonathan. We would spread it on the floor and lie flat on our stomachs, studying the pictures and spelling out the titles and jokes beneath them, for hours together."
A
S A BOY, Frank Beard cut his artistic teeth creating cartoons for a local paper. This foundation prepared him, leading him forward into a life of Christian service as an editorial cartoonist, chalk talker, illustrator and preacher of sermons through art. We continue this series with another excerpt from an interview with Mr. Beard by Frank Carpenter.
CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 1895 I have just had a talk with Frank Beard about himself and American caricature. He is, to a certain extent, the father of the American cartoon, and he has been making funny pictures for the newspapers all his life. He is now about 50 years of age, and his first picture was published when he was under 30. He has opened a new field in cartooning, as the editor of the Ram’s Horn. This is the Puck and Judge of Chicago, but its pictures are semi-re-
ligious instead of political. In it, Frank Beard is trying to reform the religious world by exposing its shams. The paper had nothing of a circulation when he took hold of it. It now publishes 50,000 a month, and is rapidly becoming one of the leading pictorials of the country. Its field was well expressed by Mr. Beard during the talk, when I asked him as to what he thought of the future of American caricature. He replied: “I think we are just at the beginning of the use of the cartoon. Pictures can often tell stories quicker and better than words, and I believe that cartoons can be used in the service of religion, righteousness, truth and justice without being subject to party. I believe in the fundamental principles of Christianity, but I can take a text from the Bible, and with the utmost reverence can, through the medium of the cartoon, apply it to the civilization of today. I can point a moral in this way, and by a picture can make a tract which every man who sees it must read. This is what we are trying to do through the Ram’s Horn, and we are succeeding beyond my expectations."
“
By a picture
[we] can make a tract which every man who sees it must read.
DEAF AS A POST
My talk with Frank Beard took place in his office, and before I go further I want to tell you how it was carried on. Frank Beard is as deaf as a post, and he has been so from birth. The only way to talk with him is through a black rubber tube, about as big around as a garden hose and as long as your arm. This he always has about his neck. When you talk to him he uncoils it and puts one end of it to his ear and hands you the other. You place your lips to the mouth of the tube, and through this make your connection with Frank Beard’s brain. Mr. Beard is an inveterate sketcher, and during my conversation he illustrated his points by drawing pictures, talking all the while, so that it seemed a race between his tongue and his pencil as to which should convey the idea first. There is no man in the United States who can give forth ideas in this manner as he can. He is, you know, the originator of the chalk talk, and there is hardly a town in the United States in which he has not given this sort of a lecture. Standing on the platform with a roll of paper stretched on an easel before him, and with a halfdozen colored crayons in his hand, he carries his audiences away with him while he draws pictures illustrating the philosophy, fun and satire which he throws at them in solid chunks. There are today a score or more of this kind of entertainers in the United States. Frank Beard, however, was the author of the business.
”
A BOY SKETCHER
“When did you make your first cartoon, Mr. Beard?” I asked. “My inclination to make caricatures dates back to my boyhood," was the reply, “My father was an artist, you know, and he has painted some very good pictures. When I was a boy, away back in the ‘30s, we lived in Plainville, Ohio, a little town near Cleveland. The chief county paper at this time was the Yankee Notions. It would be considered a very poor thing today, but it was the best of its kind then. As soon as I saw it, I became one of its regular subscribers. All of my spare cents went for it. When I
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 21
Frank Beard \ next page
Frank Beard \ continued
was about 10 years old, I came in to my mother one day with this paper in my hand and said: “Ma, I am going to draw some pictures and send them to the Yankee Notions.” “’All right my son,’ was the reply, ‘If you think you can do so.’ “I then asked her to give me the jokes, that I might make pictures to them. She objected to this, and told me that I must make the jokes, as well as the pictures. And that the man who made the one always made the other. This bothered me somewhat, but I finally succeeded in making a joke and a picture. I mailed it to the paper, and in due time received .50 cents for it. This seemed a great deal of money to me, and for a long time after that I thought of nothing but jokes and pictures. I kept sending more jokes, and sometimes, I remember, I got as much as $5 at a time for 10 jokes. This was a fortune for a schoolboy, and I was the envy of my companions.”
FRANK BEARD’S FIRST CARTOON
“Do you remember what that first joke was, Mr. Beard?” “Yes,” replied the cartoonist, with a laugh. “It was not the most elegant, but it was such as a schoolboy might naturally originate. It represented a lean, old schoolmistress, with a spelling-book in one hand and a ruler in the other, sitting before a little boy perched upon a bench, who was saying his spelling lesson. Under it were these words: “Teacher- Bobby, what does b-e-n-c-h spell ?” “Bobby- I don’t know, mum.” “Teacher- Why, what are you sitting on ?” “Bobby- I don’t like to tell.” “I continued making cartoons like this throughout my schooldays. It didn’t pay much, however." To be continued...
One hundred fifteen years ago, Frank Beard showed his optimism about the brand new year in this illustration called "A Clean Page" (from the Ram's Horn).
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 22
q
L i ghtn i ng Cartoons ! Adding Laughter to Your Program With TricKartoons.
Hi Gang! Arty and Nub here! First up is a cutie from 1941 that would work well at an adult valentine's banquet — we guarantee it hasn't been seen on stage in decades. Then ed Harris shares a funny christmas idea from a book of chalk stunts for clowns — create your own script.
Arty & Nub
Angel Contreras
Christmas Tree to Santa
By Paddy Drew
Heart to Dad & Baby Carriage BANQUET would be the perfect place to use this humorous trick A(seenVALENTINE'S cartoon (it would also work for Father's Day). It was created by Paddy Drew taking a bow), and filmed by British Pathe in 1941. Pathe was a studio that produced short films meant as support featurettes for films shown in the cinema. They produced scores of quaint vignettes of music-hall and variety acts — including humorous chalk talkers like Paddy Drew. Paddy started by drawing a large heart that takes up most of the paper (see red dashed lines). Chat about love and romance — keep it light and funny. Then quote that old poem while adding the man and carriage: "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Baby in a baby carriage. Consider this a quick, funny filler, not a lesson on chastity or abstinence. And, I wouldn't do this for a group of kids unless you want to do some 'splainin' about how love can lead to babies.
Visit www.BritishPathe.com to view more vintage films of Paddy Drew and other variety performers.
Taken from Chalk Talk Stunts for the Clown by Ed Harris. 1989 Maher Studios (out of business and book is out of print).
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 23
Chalk Be Nimble
Creative Chalking Concepts for Children of All Ages.
s ' r e p e e k n the In Dream n
erso By Nancy And
H
ERE IS A Christmas drawing I have done to a dramatized story by David Shelton who just recently passed away (too young) from Alzheimer's. It would be good for the person to buy this CD and play the story while they draw. Buying his things would help his widow too! But, I would ask her for permission since, at one point, they limited others from using David's material from some uses (stage, etc.) because it was not being presented well. However, this was quite a while ago, and now that he is gone, she may feel differently. David was an amazing storyteller, and this story was broadcast on Focus on the Family many times. His material can be found at: www.davidshelton.org. [See Oddio Recordings, pg. 25 for more detail on this story].
Nancy Anderson began her chalk art ministry in 1996, taking instruction from many of the foundational chalk artists: Ding Teuling, Craig Esvelt, Esther Frye, Wanda Vincent, Matthew Bowman, and Merry Greiger — among others. She uses storytelling or teaching while drawing, much like Esther Frye's approach. Nancy lives in Maple Valley, WA.
the Birth... By Cathy Griffiths
P
...of Our Lord
EOPLE ARE always asking me where I get my ideas for my drawings. It seems like they are everywhere I look. Last year about this time, I saw this ad for a lighted angel (below right) in a magazine, and I thought it would make a great Christmas drawing. I use a high school boy with a really good reading voice to record stories for me. For this one I used excerpts from Walter Wangerin Jr.'s "The Book of God." He started with the story of Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem, the fear Joseph felt, and the awe he felt as he held the Son of God. I started by drawing the angel and then Mary and Joseph. Then a lady sang "O Holy Night" followed by more narration about the shepherds and the fear they felt. At the end of this part, a choir of 4 or 5 little girls sang "While Shepherds Watched Their Sheep." The narration ends with Mary looking out her bedroom window to see camels in front of her house with the royal magi worshipping, and Mary pondering all of this in her heart. I finished with the camels and put the final touches on the angel. As I turned on the black light, a man sang "Joy to the World" with the audience helping him sing the last verses.
Cathy Griffiths, from Payette Idaho. owns a custom framing business. Married with 2 children and 2 granddaughters, she has been seriously chalking since attending Matt Bowman's Gospel Chalk Conference in 2008. Cathy uses chalk drawings to witness for her Lord at churches and at community events.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 24
�
Oddio Re�cordings �
Stories & Songs from Vintage Records, Old-Time Radio & CDs. This bonus content is freely available to paid subscribers of Chalk Illustrated.
By Kerry Kistler
Chalk Art Audio:
A Cache of Christmas Stories
1
Free DownLoads
Silver Packages from Christmas Stories, Christmas Songs
I
1999, Brian Evans, Narrated by Peter Billingsley (aka Ralphie)
N APPALACHIA EACH Christmas, a boy named Frankie waits beside the tracks for the Christmas Train, which will bring presents to the children who live in coal towns and hollows. Year after year, Frankie hopes that one particular gift will be tossed to him from that train. It is this enduring hope that guides him to the true meaning of the season. Based on true events. Written by Cynthia Rylant in 1997 (picture books available). Run time: 6:59
2 W
All Is Well aka The Miracle of Christmas in July 1990, Reunion, Told by Frank Peretti
HEN DANIEL AND his mom run out of money and can't pay the rent, it looks like they're going to have to move. To help any way he can, Daniel goes door-to-door selling whatever isn't nailed down, including a box of Christmas ornaments. Through kindness and compassion, Daniel, his mom, and the whole neighborhood discover that all is well and that God will provide. Sources say this story was aired on Focus on the Family years ago and apparently inspired the Michael W. Smith Christmas song by the same name. This CD has long been out of print, but used copies may still be found online. The download version I am making available was taken from a low-quality mp3 and is intended only to help you make an educated decision before you buy a used CD. Run time: 25:00
3
Gift of the Magi
from Stories & Songs of Christmas
1992, Benson Music Group, Told by Mike Trout
STORY, written by O. Henry (a pen name for William Sydney TlengeHISPorter),ofSHORT is about a young married couple and how they deal with the chalbuying secret Christmas gifts for each other with very little money.
This CD, long out of print, has other Christmas material suitable for chalk tracks, but I am making only this one story available as a free download. Used copies of the CD may still be found online. Run time: 10:37
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 25
4
Innkeeper's Dream
Performed by David Shelton
1985, David Shelton Ministries OU'LL BE transported back in time to hear a firsthand account of how the birth of Jesus Christ just might have happened so long ago, through the eyes of a fictionalized innkeeper in Bethlehem. With humor and poignancy throughout, this Christmas performance tugs at the heartstrings of everyone as they envision that first Christmas Morning! Original studio recording as heard multiple times on Focus on the Family from 1991-2013.
Y
From www.DavidShelton.org for $9.00
Run time: 19:20 (A short sample is posted. See pg. 24 for a drawing idea.)
global
chalk art
International Chalking & Missions
Richard Hight chalked before tens of thousands during his recent missions trip to Egypt. Drawing at Cave Church in Cairo
After drawin g, up and talk people could come to me about art, faith & Jesu s.
Chalking in The Shadow of the Pyramids:
The hosting church had a great staff.
Gripped by Egypt
I
By Richard Hight - www.VisualMpactMinistries.com
WAS INVITED to go to Egypt this November to do a mission trip and did some chalking/speaking to 10,000 each day of a 4-day festival outside Cairo. Crowds were a combination of believers and seekers with programs being televised all over the Middle East. Here are a few photos taken during this amazing trip. Me with part of the overflow tent crowd.
s draws ometime . s le o C My son h me on stage it along w
The Riddle Q: How d of the Sphinx: id A: Sand a it lose its nose? llergies.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 26
Scenic Stops Found on the Information Superhighway.
In 1977, I saw chalk artist Gary Means perform at the FCM International convention in Winona Lake, IN. He made the whole audience gasp when he "destroyed" his drawing without warning. He was using a technique that goes back to at least the days of chalk art pioneer Carl Steele. Its "New Beginnings/Fresh Start" theme would be great for New Years. Here are two stories and one presentation describing this "so old it's new" technique. See also pp 12-14 for a full color version by Jim Hicks.
Picking Up the Pieces By Michael Bronson
From www.BibleHelp.org/pieces.htm
Has a tragedy or moral failure painted a terrible blemish across your life? God can take an ugly blemish and turn it into something beautiful.
C
ARL STEELE (known all over the world for his chalk drawings) picks up the chalk and starts drawing on an empty canvas. At first a small log cabin begins to take form. Gradually a beautiful lake appears in the background. One of Carl Steele’s trademarks was his ability to talk about God as he draws these beautiful pictures. Everyone at Maranatha Bible Conference is enthralled by Carl Steele’s Picking Up the Pieces \ next page
Something Beautiful By Doug Sterner "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I want you to know that you are in for a very special evening. Did you know that I am the FASTEST CHALK ARTIST in the whole world? That's right, and I'm going to draw the FASTEST chalk picture tonight that any audience has ever seen." After starting with a big build-up, walk to the chalk easel to quickly put a single dot in the middle of the picture as shown (FIGURE 1).
"What is this a picture of?" When someone replies "A DOT", continue:"Why is it that everyone sees the dot? There is a whole sheet of white paper, but nobody even notices that. And this is the way life is. You can go through your whole life doing things that are right. But just make ONE LITTLE MISTAKE, and what does everyone notice? That's right, everyone sees the mistake. That is why it is important to be careful not to make mistakes. Tonight I am going to draw for you, a picture of the CHRISTIAN LIFE" (intro courtesy of Ren Dueck). As the first song begins, draw your sky. Begin at the top with purple, then add fluorescent blue, flesh, and yellow. Blend these colors, and highlight the sky with fluorescent pink. Finish by outlining the tops of the hills with dark green. As you go Something Beautiful \ next page
An Artist's Mistakes By Deb Matthews From www.debauthor.com/artist.htm
Here's another true Christian story from my collection of things that have really happened to me (including stories about miracles, angels, Civil Air Patrol and God's love and blessings). This is a reflection on how God can take the "mistakes" in our lives and turn them into something beautiful!
I
TOOK AWAY ONE major lesson from my eighth grade art class. It's the only thing I remember from that entire school year, yet it has stayed with me over all the years since. I don't remember a single thing we made in class, or even if we worked with brushes, or pencils, or charcoal, or made something in clay. All I remember is my teacher telling us, "A good artist can make something out of any mistake." Over the years I've proved that statement time and again. I've seen it true in every type of "art" that I've tried. I've
“ ”
A good artist can make
something out of any mistake. always been able to find something to do with my artwork mistakes. I remember a prime example of someone else's one year as I attended a week-long seminar with some friends. The speaker did a "chalk talk" one evening. He had turned the lights down low and had this huge white easel with An Artist's Mistakes \ next page
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 27
Picking Up the Pieces \ continued
Something Beautiful \ continued
An Artist's Mistakes \ continued
presentation. His work is mesmerizing. Suddenly, Carl Steele takes a piece of black chalk and puts a big black line through the picture (from the top all the way down to the bottom). If that wasn’t enough damage, he put a couple more black lines through the picture. After destroying his beautiful picture, Carl Steele stops and faces the audience. Most people are horrified by
into the next song, fill in the hills with streaks of dark green, then yellow/green, and finally light green. Blend these to fill in hills. Shade with dark green or black, and highlight with green fluorescent. Add sunrise with fluorescent red and orange, and use black to draw distant palm trees at the base of the hills. Now fill in below hills with fluorescent blue, and add streaks of dark blue or purple at the bottom edge to darken the picture. Highlight with streaks of fluorescent pink, and blend water. Finish by drawing foreground mounds with dark brown, and filling in with a blend of tan and light green. Add the shadows of palm trees to the water (FIGURE 2).
all kinds of colored chalk in a tray at the base, and special lights at the top. As he chatted conversationally to us, he worked on this "chalk" drawing. I think he was telling us about something that had happened in someone's life. He started out talking about peaceful things, all the while doing this picture. He would pause occasionally and turn away from the board as he spoke thoughtfully. Then he'd look back at his picture, make a couple of gentle little strokes, and maybe rub some of the color with the side of his hand, carefully blending colors together. His picture was shaping up very nicely, when he started to tell about a turning point in the story where something went wrong. Without any warning, he suddenly drew these huge black "gouges" vertically across the drawing, completely marring the picture. "Oh!" people exclaimed, as he ruined the picture. Then, just as though nothing had happened, he turned briefly away from the picture and calmly continued his story. He would say something and then put some short diagonal lines on
“ ”
Most people are horrified by what he has done.
what he has done. They can’t believe he ruined such a beautiful picture. Carl Steele’s pictures are valuable and many people are imagining how these black lines could be removed without ruining the picture. After pausing for about five seconds, Carl Steele begins speaking to the audience. "Has this ever happened to you? Is this picture symbolic of your life? Was your life as beautiful as this picture? Your family, job, and spiritual life were all developing beautifully. All of these elusive pieces to a happy life were finally coming together. Suddenly, tragedy strikes. A dark blemish is ripped across your life. Maybe this blemish was something unavoidable like a devastating car accident. Maybe you were a victim of a violent crime. Maybe it was something you brought on yourselves, like committing a terrible sin." Carl Steele pauses, and then continues. "The beautiful picture of our life now has an ugly black blemish on it. It is totally ruined; there is no way of repairing it. We try to erase the blemish, but it’s too large. Our attempts to erase the mark only spreads the blemish even further." After letting this sink in for a few seconds, Carl Steele turns around and starts drawing again. After a couple of minutes, the audience begins to see something they recognize. The black marks have become the trunks to some pine trees. Carl Steele is taking these terrible blemishes and is turning them Picking Up the Pieces \ next page
As the third song begins, use black and gray to draw rocks in the foreground. Now add flower/bushes, by outlining the branches with black, and going back OVER THAT with fluorescent green. Finish bushes by adding flowers (dots of fluorescent red). Use a dark green to add heavy blades of grass at the edges of the rocks. Then use dark green, light green, and fluorescent green to create patches of vertical 1/2" strokes throughout the foreground. Finish these flowers by adding INTERMINGLED dots of fluorescent red, pink and orange. Use whatever time remains in this third song to finish all highlights, and as the song comes to a close, pick up the black chalk to begin drawing birds in the sky (FIGURE 3).
At the conclusion of this song, use the black chalk to violently create large, CURVING "x's" in the picture as shown (FIGURE 4). Something Beautiful \ next page
“
Without any warning, he suddenly drew these huge black 'gouges' vertically across the drawing, completely marring the picture..
”
the gouges, then talk some more and draw some other lines and things near the gouges. In no time at all, he had turned those awful "mistakes" into beautiful, tall evergreen trees in the foreground, and a mountain scene in the back. You couldn't even see anything suggesting a "disaster" had happened to the picture. As his story was nearing the end, he knelt down in front of the picture and began changing the little spotlight colors. He went through them one at a time, and then slowly brought up one An Artist's Mistakes \ next page
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 28
Something Beautiful \ continued Picking Up the Pieces \ continued
into pine trees. Upon completion, the trees look like they actually belong with the drawing. In fact, it is now hard to imagine this picture without the trees. Carl Steele turns to the audience again and says, "This is what can happen to your destroyed life when you turn it over to God. He can take a mess and turn it into something beautiful, something more beautiful than what it was before. It doesn’t matter if the blemish was a problem you created or a problem that was outside your control; God can still make it beautiful."
Chalk art pioneer Carl Steele Carl Steele continues, "As we saw from this demonstration, we can never go back to the way things were before. Things have changed forever. However, if we give God full control, the change will be for the better." I think we all can learn from Carl Steele’s presentation. It provides hope for the hopeless, relief for the overwhelmed. The next time your life is ruined by an ugly blemish, give it to God. Let Him turn this ugly blemish into a beautiful signature of His handiwork. Another example of God taking a mess and turning it into something beautiful is the death of Jesus on the cross. What do you think the disciples felt when Jesus was taken from them and murdered? They had been with Him for three years and suddenly everything had fallen apart. Their hopes and dreams were destroyed. There was no way that this catastrophic event could be undone. Yet, God took this horrible situation and made it into something spectacular. There are no tragedies too great for God. There are no wounds that God can’t heal. There are no blemishes beyond God’s miraculous touch. There are no shattered lives that God can’t repair. Copyright © Michael Bronson 1997, 1999, and 2000 from www.BibleHelp.org/pieces.htm.
FIGURE 4
An Artist's Mistakes \ continued
When this is done, turn to the audience: "You know, when we become a Christian, God takes a life that is as empty as this picture was at the beginning, and creates something special out of it. But, as we go through life, many times we allow things to creep into our life that are wrong. When we allow sin to enter our lives, we take that beautiful picture God has created out of us, and mess it up-just as I have messed up THIS PICTURE. In I John 1:9 we are told that 'if we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins." And this verse was WRITTEN TO CHRISTIANS, just like you and me. As Christians, we should be very careful that we never allow sin to creep into our lives. But, if we fail, we must remember God's promise. Even when we mess up our life, God can take care of it for us, if we ask Him to forgive us." Start the music once again (I like to use the Gaither song SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL). Use your tan chalk to turn the black marks into tree trunks, highlighting the "lightside" with fluorescent yellow. Finally, add the palm leaves with dark green outlines, light green fill, and with fluorescent green highlights. It is also good to add dark green leaves at the base of the trees (FIGURE 5). FIGURE 5
CONCLUSION: I like to finish with the song "MY TRIBUTE". During this song I go through my lighting effects, showing the picture under each different color, and finally exposing the picture to the black light. This may be the most effective inspirational chalk I have ever done. I hope you will find it effective for you as well.
of those special "black lights" to reveal a fluorescent white picture of Jesus in the background. All through that talk, after he had "ruined" his picture, then turned it into something beautiful, and then revealed the hidden work of Christ in the background, I remembered my eighthgrade teacher's words. That man had certainly been a very good artist, and had certainly made something of a seemingly horrible mistake. In the nineteen or so years since I watched that demonstration, I have made some pretty stupid "mistakes" in my life. I've had plenty of opportunities to say things I shouldn't have, and made some messes for which I had to
“
But the great comfort that God
has brought me...is knowing that He himself is the greatest of artists.
”
pay for a long time afterwards. I've "ruined" some chances in life, and thrown the proverbial monkey wrench in the works over and over again. I've felt like I derailed my train, got lost on the wrong paths, and wiped out the picture God originally intended to make of my life. But the great comfort that God has brought me as I've come to him in repentance, is knowing that he himself is the greatest of artists. Even when I've felt like I've "gouged" the picture -- the plan -- he had for my life, he's reminded me that there's nothing he can't fix. I can give the canvas of my life over to him, and let him work and rework the picture into something very special and beautiful. I can rest in his perfect wisdom, and simply say, "Lord, I'm really glad you're a good artist. It's going to be really interesting to see what you make of the 'mistakes' I've made in my life!"
Reprinted with permission from the Feb/ Mar 1983 issue of the Christian Conjurer magazine. Visit www.fcm.org for info.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 29
Copyright © 1999 by Debra K. Matthews. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Visit Deb's site at www.DebAuthor.com.
BY ALL MEANS! “That Some Might be Saved”—Ideas from Chalker Gary Means.
Chalk Drawings From My Archives:
A Christmas Sampler
H
ERE ARE A few Christmas chalk drawings from my scrapbook and some brief notes regarding each one. Feel free to use or adapt these ideas for your own ministry. Merry Christmas to you all.
This drawing was inspired by a church which I visited. The stained glass windows depicted the life of Christ with one of the main windows showing the nativity. I speak of how the windows look beautiful from the inside only during the daytime. When it's dark, the lights of the church must be turned on and, only then, can the beauty be seen from the outside. We, too, must let the beauty of Christ shine through us to a darkened world. This drawing is included in my teaching booklet Seasons in Chalk.
I call this drawing Bethlehem Sunrise after the song by Sandi Patty. This depicts the morning after the birth of Jesus with shepherds continuing to arrive. Note the stable behind the inn and a subtle inclusion of three cross-shaped trees which foreshadow the future of Jesus.
Christmas causes us to look up. I talk about the wonders of the heavens such as the northern lights, comets (like ISON), moon and constellations, and how God used such a wonder to announce the coming of Jesus. Note the cross-shaped light reflected in the snow. Gary Means and his wife, Marty, travel full-time ministering with chalk art. They are based in Baden, PA and have held annual chalk training workshops for many years. Contact Gary at gmmeans@gmail.com.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 30
•
•
rted Chalk Bit o s s As
Nub Tub Se s lect nd Odds & E
SuZie Zoerman designed this "For God So Loved the World" Christmas concept. It shows that you CAN make hidden drawings work on sheets. Geometric shapes like the heart are a great solution. Visit www.MagicBob.org. m
Charlie Gault uses a very distinctive, flowing style with his chalk work on sheets. Visit www.ChalkinCharlie.com.
l
Richard Hight's sheet designs include this fun, festive Santa for kids. For more: www.VisualMpactMinistries.com.
k
ame
ads the s igram (re b m a ) h rt (on ea ving. "Peace" n) by Michael Ir w o d upside
m
o logspot.c at: See more vingAmbigrams.b r MichaelI l Christie Friestad makes a fine use of silhouettes. See her article on pp 7-8. k Lonnie Jacobson, pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Sequim, WA, stands beside the chalk drawing he finished at his 2011 Christmas Eve candlelight service. (photos courtesy of Matthew Nash, Sequim Gazette).
Dee Ruckert was inspired by Nancy Anderson's "The 4th Wise Man" design from issue #7. She commented in issue #9, "I just started doing [this] after I found your download of the story. . .I've done it at least a half dozen times since [Nancy's] article. I don't do any hidden pictures with invisibles — that's too much prep time." Visit Dee at www.pastelpresentations.vpweb.com.
l
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 31
LeGrand Prix r a e G w e N New Year, { Fin
ing.}
on worth keep
ear's resoluti ally, a New Y
The Most Precision Engineered & Quality Built Chalk Art Easel on Planet Earth. • 45 lbs (20.4 kg) • All Aluminum Construction • Powder-coated Finish • Fully Equipped Light Hood • Easel Only (no lights) $677 • Travel Bag available: $120 • Many Exclusive Features • Sets up in 2 minutes. d price • Rush Orders Welcomed.
$1Ri1g9ht7
“In my many years of conducting chalk art seminars I have seen thousands of easels; both home-made and manufactured models. The current model produced by David LeGrand is the nicest one I have ever seen. The workmanship is superb. Of all the models I have ever seen, this is the 'best buy'. The price is modest for a product of this quality.” - Ding Teuling
For Complete Details: www.ChalkMart.com or call 336-725-2041 • Hand Crafted in the USA.
Chalk Illustrated Winter 2013 Issue 11 Page 32