Torn Paper Self Portaits

 Students review the basics for creating a self portrait practicing on sketch paper with mirrors. Using head shaped patterns they drew a simplified picture of themselves on card stock. Construction paper and magazines were the materials used to complete this project. Students used glue sticks to apply the materials but scissors were not allowed, this was a torn paper art piece. I think they did a great job.

Mona Lisa Pop

This lesson combines an introduction to the Renaissance and the artist Leonardo daVinci as well as the Pop art approach to creating by Andy Warhol. Using a simple coloring book outline of the Mona Lisa, with a clear overhead and Sharpie markers student trace the lines and attach their work (with tape at the top so the overhead can be lifted up) to white card stock. 

Last color paper in a collage style, no scissors, torn paper only they are to add color and their design approach to this classic art icon.

Colorful Building Colorful City

Using one color per table students created a value scale rectangle that will be later be cut  to create one city building for an individual project and one city building for a class project. This art project explores color, shape, size, balance, line and design. We used observation and discussion to create the details and addition design components to complete the pictures. What is a city? What are the shapes do you see on buildings? Foreground, middle ground and background...so many connections

Kinder/First painted city

Great connection to our turtle project.

Black and White face studies

4th grade spent several classes review the parts of the human face. Using charcoal they explored shading and design and balance.

Completed Turtle Mandalas

Penguin Spong picture

This fun hands on project if perfect for younger students as an introduction to printmaking.  You might need two sessions so that the body (spong print) can properly dry. Pre cut shapes and crayons/color pencils complete the process.

Giraffe pictures on display

There's no people like Snowpeople...

Sorry about the title pun-this kindergarten lesson can be expanded to provide challenges for artists  of all ages. Draw 3 circles one on top of the other from large, medium and small in size. Review size and position. Use a variety of visual support materials and have students practice stacking the various shapes.  Draw together a horizon line to give the snow person some grounding.

Finished project was completed in chalk pastels using expressive colors.

artisan des arts: Homemade paper clocks - grade 5/6

This could be a fun project to try,
Maybe in connection to Dali or Early America
artisan des arts: Homemade paper clocks - grade 5/6: Here's a project that I really love - I did this with my grade 5/6 class as Christmas presents for their parents. I bought 34 dollar store...

Van Gogh inspired watercolors

5th grade students created small Van Gogh-Starry Night inspired watercolors. This one session studio project started with a review and discussion regarding the composition and elements of Van Gogh's work. Using a direct drawing step by step process with crayons on white card stock the students drew the basic shapes and forms.Yellow liquid watercolor was used first to create the star and light elements, then students were given blue and purple. They were encourage to create movement on their composition using curving lines. Black was the last liquid watercolor made available to the students. Works were finished with a dusting of salt to enhance the star effect.

cave drawings

Take a Line for a walk Fall 2011

Black and White Op Art

Complimentary Picasso inspired Profiles

 Complimentary Colors-Picasso inspired portraits Part I

4th grade Sugar Skulls

In honor of Day of the Dead students decorated pre-formed sugar skulls.

Decorative Skull Drawings

 While connecting to World Studies standards for 6th grade this lesson also allows students to develop their drawing and design skills. Using handouts, drawings from their sketchbook's and table resource images as well as classroom discussion students draw a basic human skull. Taking inspiration from the Day of the Dead celebrations of Mexico, students add color, pattern and details to personalize their drawing. Works are done on black paper with color pencil, metallic color pencils, crayons, construction paper crayons and metallic crayons.