Art Merit Badge Opportunity

As shared on Bryan on Scouting

Imagine getting free art lessons from the most accomplished illustrators from around the country.

Maybe you want to ask them questions about their techniques. Maybe you’re looking for tips for your next art project. Maybe you’re bored and just want to draw along with the pros. And maybe you’re even looking to jumpstart the Art merit badge.

May 25-29, we’re making all that happen. Each day at 2 p.m., hop onto go.boyslife.org/fblive for live-drawing demonstrations and Q&As with the incredible illustrators of Boys’ Life magazine. Every lesson will cover different art media and how to render awesome art using a variety of tools.

Kids of all ages are invited to join. Even Cub Scouts who aren’t yet earning merit badges can benefit from tuning in.

Come prepared to draw along with the pros. Or just watch to get inspired for your own drawings. Some days you’ll probably have everything you need to follow along. Other tutorials require specific tools you can order ahead of time.

What’s the schedule for Art-O-Ree?

Monday, May 25, at 2 p.m.:

The Boys’ Life team kicks off the week with a look at the Art merit badge requirements. And then things get really exciting when Joey Ellis joins live to demo computer-sketched art with Photoshop. He’ll also show how to sketch with pencil and paper.

Supplies to have on hand for the pencil sketch:

• A few pieces of tracing paper or regular computer paper
• A pencil
• An eraser
• A marker (or a permanent marker)

Tuesday, May 26, at 2 p.m. Eric Ottinger shows how to make a work of art with acrylics.

Supplies to have on hand:

• Synthetic bristle brushes
• A wax- and oil-free canvas
• Water in a disposable or painting cup
• Paper towels or clean junk rags
• A workspace you can get messy (protect surfaces you want to avoid staining with paint)

Wednesday, May 27, at 2 p.m. Daryll Collins demonstrates a pencil-and-paper sketch and takes your questions live.

Supplies to have on hand:

• A few pieces of tracing paper or regular computer paper
• A colored pencil (Darryll likes a Prismacolor Col-Erase Erasable Colored Pencil – carmine red)

Thursday, May 28, at 2 p.m. Kevin Hurley is live for a watercolor demonstration. He’ll stick around to answer questions, too.

Supplies to have on hand:

• Basic tray of watercolors
• Set of watercolor brushes
• Textured watercolor paper (140 lb. weight recommended)
• Water in a disposable or painting cup
• Paper towels or clean junk rags
• A workspace you can get messy (protect surfaces you want to avoid staining with paint)

Friday, May 29, at 2 p.m. Mike Moran shows how to create art with pen and ink.

Supplies to have on hand:

• A pen with plenty of ink (fountain, rollerball or felt-tipped)
• A few pieces of heavyweight paper

Drawing from the Art merit badge

Check out requirement 4 from the Art merit badge:


4. Render a subject of your choice in FOUR of these ways:

Pen and ink,Watercolors,Pencil,Pastels,Oil paints,Tempera,Acrylics,CharcoalComputer drawing or painting

If you tune in all week and draw along with the experts, you may have four (or more) great pieces of art to show your merit badge counselor. This could help you complete a key, challenging requirement. Ultimately, only your merit badge counselor can give you the final sign-off. Either way, you’ll be working toward developing the skills you need to earn this badge.

And if you need a hard copy of the merit badge pamphlet, you can order it online here. If you’re looking for the Kindle Edition, you can find it here.

Add it to your calendar now

Set a reminder. Tell your troop. Share with your Scout and Scouter friends.

What: The Ultimate Art-O-Ree

When: May 25-29, 2 p.m. 

Where: go.boyslife.org/fblive

See you there!