I can't believe how quickly the first nine weeks have flown by, but time flies when you're having fun! :)
Kindergarteners wrapped up their weaving projects and have moved on to a new skill- cutting shapes from paper to create some colorful owls! We learned lots of owl facts along the way; ask your child what he or she can tell you about these nocturnal creatures. We also looked at images of owl prints created by Kenojuak Ashevak, an Inuit artist. We discussed the ways that artists sometimes use nature as inspiration, but then give their work their own special twist using creativity.
First grade moved on to a very exciting project- clay owls! Their zany creations are currently candling in the kiln as we speak. We will move on to a Claes Oldenburg - inspired drawing project in the interim, and then add color to the owls once they are finished firing.
Second grade has taken their mysterious "blob" shapes and painted paper and turned them into "Beautiful Oops" masterpieces! We read the book "Beautiful Oops" by Barney Saltzberg (this is one of my personal favorite books- I think everyone, whether they're 7 or 77 should read it! It's a neat reminder that even the worst mistakes can be turned into something great). After reading the book, 2nd graders began brainstorming ways to transform their "oops" shapes using the collage technique. Stay tuned for pictures!
Third graders are wrapping up their Matisse-inspired fauve aquariums, and are now moving on to a cubist still life drawing inspired by Pablo Picasso! We're reading the book "When Pigasso Met Mootisse" which illustrates how the two artists once made fun of eachothers' art but then learned to respect their differences and embrace eachothers' unique style of painting.
Fourth graders have finished their spooky cityscapes and have been having lively discussions about this age-old question: What IS art?! Your students have been comparing the styles of many different artists across time periods and sharing their opinions about what exactly makes art ART. They will be putting all of those shoe boxes and "junk drawer" items they brought in to use during the next few weeks in an assemblage shadow box a la German artist Anselm Reyle. Stay tuned, they're going to be great!
Fifth graders are finishing their "punny" print editions, adding color and detail to one of their copies using oil pastels. We've talked about different ways that artists use this media to make multiple copies of one image, and some of these ambitious students might even coat their plate with paint at home to make even more prints! Next up with this group is...drumroll please...CLAY!
Kindergarteners wrapped up their weaving projects and have moved on to a new skill- cutting shapes from paper to create some colorful owls! We learned lots of owl facts along the way; ask your child what he or she can tell you about these nocturnal creatures. We also looked at images of owl prints created by Kenojuak Ashevak, an Inuit artist. We discussed the ways that artists sometimes use nature as inspiration, but then give their work their own special twist using creativity.
First grade moved on to a very exciting project- clay owls! Their zany creations are currently candling in the kiln as we speak. We will move on to a Claes Oldenburg - inspired drawing project in the interim, and then add color to the owls once they are finished firing.
Second grade has taken their mysterious "blob" shapes and painted paper and turned them into "Beautiful Oops" masterpieces! We read the book "Beautiful Oops" by Barney Saltzberg (this is one of my personal favorite books- I think everyone, whether they're 7 or 77 should read it! It's a neat reminder that even the worst mistakes can be turned into something great). After reading the book, 2nd graders began brainstorming ways to transform their "oops" shapes using the collage technique. Stay tuned for pictures!
Third graders are wrapping up their Matisse-inspired fauve aquariums, and are now moving on to a cubist still life drawing inspired by Pablo Picasso! We're reading the book "When Pigasso Met Mootisse" which illustrates how the two artists once made fun of eachothers' art but then learned to respect their differences and embrace eachothers' unique style of painting.
Fourth graders have finished their spooky cityscapes and have been having lively discussions about this age-old question: What IS art?! Your students have been comparing the styles of many different artists across time periods and sharing their opinions about what exactly makes art ART. They will be putting all of those shoe boxes and "junk drawer" items they brought in to use during the next few weeks in an assemblage shadow box a la German artist Anselm Reyle. Stay tuned, they're going to be great!
Fifth graders are finishing their "punny" print editions, adding color and detail to one of their copies using oil pastels. We've talked about different ways that artists use this media to make multiple copies of one image, and some of these ambitious students might even coat their plate with paint at home to make even more prints! Next up with this group is...drumroll please...CLAY!