Creating Castles

In this latest title from art educational expert Peggy Flores, viewers will learn various ways to draw, paint, fashion, and sculpt castles. Exploring important facets ranging from perspective to reproducing relevant textures (including stone, wood, and different styles of brick), the program also looks at the history of castles while introducing related vocabulary (such as “machicolation”—a floor opening through which to attack assailants). Flores demonstrates techniques for depicting wood grain, arrow-loops, turrets, merlon and crenel stonework, portcullis, and more. She also plays with different shades of gray, makes a 3-D cardboard castle using empty paper rolls, and tests materials such as watercolor, masking tape, and clay. Noting that “there are no limits to your imagination,” this informative program is sure to spur creative ideas in young viewers. Recommended. Aud: I, J, P. (J. Williams-Wood)