4th grade scratch art

Students demonstrated using of a variety of line to show value and texture in their scratch art designs.

Monochromatic Picasso Portraits

Students learned how to make tints and shades of one color using white and black.  We started this lesson with a blind contour self portrait drawing.  Some students chose to use the blind contour for the monochromatic painting to have a more abstract style work of art.

5th grade Exquisite Corpse

We embarked on our study of surrealism with a mini lesson on the Exquisite corpse, also known as exquisite cadaver (from the original French term cadavre exquis) or rotating corpse, is a method by which a collection of words or images is collectively assembled. Each collaborator adds to a composition in sequence, either by following a rule or by being allowed to see only the end of what the previous person contributed.The technique was invented by surrealists and is similar to an old parlor game called consequences in which players write in turn on a sheet of paper, fold it to conceal part of the writing, and then pass it to the next player for a further contribution.

We had so much fun with this activity. Here is what resulted.

5th grade personal logos

This project is based on the career of a graphic designer. Students were asked to design a logo that represents themselves or to design a new logo for an existing company or an upcoming event. We really dove into a lot of professional examples and dissected them to figure out what makes a good logo work. Students started with sketching ideas. After a couple rounds of peer review, students drew a large version of the final logo. 

This project allows students to demonstrate their thinking throughout the entire design process. The final work turns out great and it provides and opportunity for  me to get to know my students a little better. We did a final gallery walk where students had the opportunity to comment on each others work.

2nd grade Super Heros!

Here they come to save the day, Second grade selfies are on their way! For second grade, I decided to do a fun self portrait lesson. The kids LOVED creating these super hero versions of themselves.

Students started by sketching ideas for their superhero selfie.  We talked about using shapes to create out bodies: rectangles for the torso and shapes for the arms and legs, etc. 

We also talked about masks, capes and symbols. When the kids were finished with their super hero, they traced them in Sharpie. Before coloring, we discussed about finding our skin tone. We also talked about limiting our color palette to three colors for our super hero costume. Checking out Superman, Spiderman and Ironman really helped them understand the idea of a limited palette.  Some kids added a sidekick to their super hero selfie.

Kids decided what powers their super hero has and in what type of environment they want to place their superhero. Some chose a city scape, landscape or in outer space. 

Once complete, the super heroes were cut out carefully before being glued into the cityscape masterpiece. Here are some images of their hard work.

5th Grade Monsters

We talked about monsters and we viewed many contemporary artists who focus on monsters. Students learned about texture, scale and proportion. They planned their designs in their sketchbooks and then created these amazing works of art.

5th grade value study on snow people.

We did a quick one day lesson to celebrate the winter solstice season.  Students learned about shading a sphere using value.

4th grade Endangered Species

Each child chose an endangered animal to research and use for this art project.  Students started with sketches and completed their final piece using their choice of medium color.

3rd grade transparent landscapes