Sometimes a page in a picture book just speaks out and begs to be emulated. This happened to our class when we turned to what we call the “eyepatch” page in Calef Brown’s book Pirateria. (Read student reviews of this book here)

There is a full page spread of various pirates sporting eyepatches in perfect pirate colours.   Colours such as: Briny Deep Green, Dreaded Red and Swashbuckled Huckleberry. And of course: Cannonball Black. Students wanted to look at it again and again. We decided it was the perfect inspiration for some of our own art in Calef Brown‘s style. We included the elements of his pirates that we loved: the striped shirts, stylish bandanas, whoop-de-doo noses and colourful faces. Below, read the step by step of how our pirates came to be.

First we did some sketching with black crayon, trying out various pirate styles.

Students then chose a favourite and began their large pirate face, using a black oil pastel. Don’t you just love these noses? We sent Calef Brown some pictures and told him how much we loved the noses. He explained their importance:

@carriegelson Pirates need an extra nostril for breathing all that foggy sea air! Pass along a hearty “well done, matey!”

— Calef Brown (@CalefBrown) May 2, 2013

Then time to colour with oil pastels – just the eye patch, the hair, shirt,  bandana, and mouth. Some people couldn’t resist colouring in their nose!

On Day 2, we painted.

We used 2 colours – one for the face and one for the background.

Students then outlined with pastel again if necessary once the paint was dry. All pirates had a lot of style. This saucy fellow, according to the little artist who created him is a bit of a facke (fake)!

Some pirates were all about the nose!

Others – it was lips not to be missed!

Can you say moustache? How about three?

Some pirates had lovely smiles.

Some smiles need a little dental attention or the occasional toothbrush at least!

We had pirates who looked serious and wise.

And some who pondered life under a starlit sky.

Now all of these pirate characters hang outside of our classroom. Come by and check them out but don’t get too close . . . They may make you walk the plank!