2nd Grade art 2016-17

Second Grade artists are a bit more independent and able to follow 2-3 step directions. Here are the projects and challenges we enjoyed this year.

What did we do this year in Art?

Innovations in Art our art room theme for 2016-17 

We explored a variety of artistic processes, asked questions presented connections and made discoveries- during the journey created some great art too!

Second Grade Program overview

Objective for students: to experience a variety of mediums and techniques used for creating art. Introduce art history text and continue exposure to the elements of art and vocabulary. Using art tools, developing fine motor skills and following a series of directions

Painted paper-process painting with sponges, caps and corks- Fine motor skills, hands on experience

Fairytale Villains-color values, complimentary colors, symmetrical, asymmetrical, following a series of direction involving cutting and drawing. Storytelling and emotion through art.

Art Connection: Cubist portrait work by Pablo Picasso

School Project- Heart drawing and watercolor project for online sales

The Great Sea Turtle Project- Warm cool, creating a habitat and a sea turtle, Aboriginal Inspired, painting, collage, stamping, cutting and designing. Building a multilayered composition with movement.

Science Art connection Observation/Imagination

Still with vase of flowers-ruler use and line direction (draw a line for the table/wall) coloring, symmetry-cut and create a symmetrical vase. Cut and collage flowers draw details with crayon or pencil.

Art history connection: Dutch masters and Van Gogh Sunflowers

Group Project- designing, cutting and assembling their own flower for a class display-Vase/Vine

Science Art connection Observation/Imagination

Vase of flowers

Negative Positive Still Life

3rd 4th blend class

Still Life Surprise

Still Life Surprise-Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh's sunflowers and an assortment of Dutch flower themed still life masterpieces





Part I using a ruler to create a table/horizon line and watercolors  students develop an understanding of foreground, middle ground and background. They could only use a total of 4 colors in the painting process.

Part II using folded construction paper students will draw and cut out a symmetrical vase to sit on the table.













Part III The flowers and leaves are torn paper, the centers are pre-cut or torn.

Part IV: adding details and a camouflaged insect of some kind (surprise!)

Autumn Still Life

This project takes several sessions to complete but is very engaging to students and presents new skills while reinforcing techniques. 

Supplies: tempera paint (with sponges and corks) water color, oil pastel, crayons, ruler, card stock or heavy watercolor paper, scissors and white glue

Part I painted paper

Part II draw with crayon and ruler then watercolor table and wall

Part III - look at still life elements, draw, cut, arrange and collage pieces using oil pastel for details, shadows and highlights.

Where is the vase?

I shared this project with 2nd grade artists but it can be adjusted to challenge a variety of age groups. Where is the vase, reinforces the use of foreground, middle ground and background using watercolor and both torn and cut paper collage. Van Gogh's Sunflower paintings and other classic still life pieces are a great visual support element and discussion focus.

This project can also connect to color theory and the elements of art.

May 2009

Large Flower format