Crayola art with edge refers to creative art projects made using Crayola art supplies that have a modern, cutting-edge aesthetic. Crayola products like markers, colored pencils, and modeling compounds can be used in innovative ways to make art that looks edgy and contemporary.
What are some characteristics of Crayola art with edge?
There are a few key characteristics that define Crayola art projects with an edgy style:
- Bold, vibrant colors – Projects use bright, intense shades like neon hues, metallics, and bold primaries.
- Geometric shapes and patterns – Angular, geometric shapes and designs are common.
- Abstract and minimalist – Compositions are often abstract or minimal rather than realistic.
- Innovative techniques – Artists experiment with new ways of manipulating materials like melting crayons or layering colored pencils.
- Textured effects – Crayola art mediums can be used to create layered, textured surfaces.
- Metallic finishes – Gold, silver, bronze, and other metallic Crayola products add modern edge.
Overall, Crayola art with an edgy style combines vibrant colors, experimental techniques, and abstract designs for a contemporary look.
What types of Crayola art supplies can be used?
Many different Crayola products can be incorporated into edgy, innovative art projects. Some of the most popular supplies include:
- Crayola markers – Great for making graphic designs. Can be blended and layered.
- Colored pencils – Allow for fine details and textures when layered. Metallic colors create modern effects.
- Crayons – Can be melted, shaved, broken, and combined to make abstract designs.
- Modeling compounds – Can shape 3D sculptures and textures.
- Sidewalk chalk – For large-scale murals with bold colors.
- Paint and paint brushes – Allow blending colors and expressive brushwork.
- Construction paper – Can be layered and combined in geometric collages.
Even classic supplies like crayons and markers can be turned into edgy art in creative hands. Newer products like metallic colors and modeling compounds also offer cool, artistic effects.
What kinds of Crayola art projects produce an edgy look?
All types of art projects can take on a contemporary edge when created with Crayola products. Some specific examples include:
- Melted crayon art – Create abstract designs by melting crayons in unique ways.
- Graffiti-inspired murals – Use sidewalk chalk on large surfaces for graphic street art.
- Sculptures – Mold modeling compound into geometric 3D sculptures.
- Layered drawings – Build up colors and textures with layers of markers, colored pencils, or paint.
- Mixed media collages – Combine painted papers, photos, foil, tissue paper, and more for lush textures.
- Faux stained glass – Use crayons, glue, and tissue paper to make colorful “stained glass” windows.
- Abstract paintings – Use expressive paint techniques to create one-of-a-kind designs.
Letting your imagination run wild is key to making innovative Crayola art with edge. The materials can be used in ways beyond just coloring – like carving, melting, layering, blending, and building up textures. The end result will be full of life and personal flair.
What are some techniques for melting crayons?
Melting crayons opens up amazing creative possibilities for Crayola art. Here are some methods for melting crayons:
- Iron – Place crayon shavings between two sheets of waxed paper and run a warm iron over it to melt the crayons into abstract shapes.
- Hair dryer – Aim a hair dryer at the tips of crayons to melt them.
- Heat gun – Use a heat gun to melt crayons into fluid designs on canvas or cardstock.
- Double boiler – Melt crayons in a double boiler to combine colors and pour into molds.
- Microwave – Microwave crayons between two plates, in short bursts, until melted.
- Oven – Arrange crayons on cardboard in the oven at 200°F until melted into new forms.
Safety is paramount, so adult supervision is necessary. But the vibrant, swirling colors you can create by melting crayons will blow your mind!
What materials can you use with melted crayons for art projects?
Melted crayons can be combined with lots of materials for innovative art. Some possibilities include:
- Canvas – Melted crayons make brilliant abstract paintings on canvas.
- Wood – Coat wood surfaces with melted crayon for a glossy finish.
- Paper – Use thick cardstock to capture melted crayon designs.
- Photos – Coat photos with melted crayon to give them new life.
- Wax paper – Melted crayons blend beautifully on sheets of wax paper.
- Aluminum foil – Crumple up foil and melt crayons over it to make sculptural forms.
- Rocks – Adhere melted crayon to the surface of rocks to make garden art.
- Plastic – Melt crayons onto recyclable plastic items to upcycle them into new art objects.
Experiment with melting crayons on different surfaces to see the unique effects you can create. The melted crayon mediums blend, pool, and solidify in artistic ways on each material.
What are some techniques for advanced coloring with crayons and colored pencils?
Regular coloring is just the beginning of what you can do with Crayola crayons and colored pencils. Some techniques to take it up a notch include:
Crayons
- Blending – Create gradients by overlaying and blending crayon colors.
- Shaving – Use a grater or knife to shave crayons into fine particles and glue onto art.
- Carving – Sculpt crayons into points to draw fine details, or carve to make textures.
- Smudge art – Draw on paper, then smudge with fingers to make shapes blend together.
Colored Pencils
- Burnishing – Layer and blend colors using firm pressure to create luminous effects.
- Cross-hatching – Use cross-hatching techniques to build up striking patterns and textures.
- Watercolor – Lightly brush water over colored pencil to make the colors bloom.
- Dry brushing – Drag nearly-dry brush lightly over colored pencil to reveal white of paper.
By mastering advanced coloring methods like these, you can transform simple crayons and pencils into works of art full of depth and texture.
What kinds of color palettes and schemes work well for edgy Crayola art?
Vibrant, daring color choices characterize art with an edgy modern style. Here are some color palettes that work beautifully:
Neons – nothing grabs attention like neon shades of green, orange, pink, yellow and more. They create electrifying effects.
Metallics – Shiny gold, silver, bronze, and other metallics look sleek and cutting-edge.
Pure rainbow – Go bold with the bright primaries and secondaries like red, yellow, blue, orange, green, violet.
Black and one color – Make one color pop against a black backdrop.
Complementary colors – Bold combinations like red/green or orange/blue create lively, energetic designs.
You can also focus on color schemes like analogous or triadic instead of realistic colors. Let your imagination run wild with color!
What kinds of subjects and themes work well for edgy Crayola art?
Abstract and conceptual themes are perfect for putting an edgy spin on Crayola art. Some ideas include:
- Geometric patterns and shapes
- Outer space and astronomy
- Dream imagery and the subconscious
- Urban landscapes with architecture
- Fantasy creatures and dragons
- Visualizing music, emotions, and the senses
Everyday objects like flowers or landscapes can take on a contemporary feel when stylized with angular designs or bold colors. Let your inner world inspire your art for maximum edge!
How can you decorate a room with edgy Crayola art?
Crayola art adds a punch of color and personality to living spaces. Here are some tips for decorating in an edgy way:
- Make gallery walls with framed abstract paintings and prints
- Use washi tape and crayon rubbings to decorate furniture
- Draw murals directly on walls with marker, paint, or sidewalk chalk
- Create crayon-based candles in metallic cups for mood lighting
- Hang paper pendant lamps made from layered tissue paper and metallic markers
Fill empty corners with sculptural melted crayon art pieces. Look for inexpensive frames, vases, trays, and containers to transform with color. The whole room will look pulled together yet artistic.
Conclusion
Crayola art with edge brings together the childhood joy of coloring with paints, crayons, and markers in fresh new ways. By using innovative techniques, edgy color palettes, and abstract designs you can create stunning contemporary art. All it takes is a willingness to experiment and see ordinary art supplies in extraordinary new ways. With some melting, sculpting, collaging, and imaginative thinking, you can take Crayola art in cutting-edge directions. What will you make next?