Are you ready to tap into your inner artist? CU Boulder alum Chris Carlson (Bus’08) is here to help! A full-time professional artist based in Denver, Carlson travels the world painting and drawing directly on sidewalks, plazas and pavement. And now he’s created a special work of art and a step-by-step guide to create it just for Forever Buffs.

 

What you'll need:

  • Soft pastel chalk
    • Chris uses cheap brands from an art supply store
    • Kids sidewalk chalk will work as well, but the colors are less vibrant
    • Do not use oil pastels because they won’t wash away with water
  • Something soft to kneel on
    • Gardening pads, athletic knee pads, a patio furniture cushion, etc.
  • Measuring tape or ruler
    • A wet rag for erasing
  • Something soft to blend the chalk
    • Chris likes to use a small carpet sample from any home improvement store.
    • A piece of styrofoam or a dry rag will also work
  • Sun protection
    • Sunscreen, shade hat, umbrella, etc.
  • Plenty of water (it’s important to stay hydrated!)

 

 

Materials

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Create a square grid on your surface that measures 6 units wide by 6 units tall. This can be anywhere from 6 inches or 6 feet, whatever works best for you. Use very light pressure when drawing your grid. You will erase any visible portions in the end.
  2. Using the provided reference image, create the line drawing on top of your grid. Make note of where a line enters and exits each square. Start with light pressure until you are sure your lines are where you want them.
  3. Using the provided color reference image, begin to add color to your drawing. Begin by coloring over an area with your chalk and then smoothing the chalk into the surface with your blending tool. Build up your color gradually by working in multiple layers. Avoid pushing too hard and creating lots of chalk dust.
  4. Once you are happy with your colors, go back and reinforce your black outlines.
  5. Finally, clean away any parts of your grid that are still visible using a damp rag.
  6. Share your finished work of art with us! Tag @CUBoulderAlumni and use #ForeverBuffs when you post your pics.