Movement Art.

In 1st and 2nd grade, we are learning about movement in art!  One way to create movement in a picture or painting is to show the object repeating (this is also called rhythm)!  First, students drew 3 different shapes or objects on chipboard, and cut them out to use as stencils.  Next, they chose construction paper and created 4 identical shapes with each of their stencils.  Last, they arranged them in a way to show how their objects move!

First grade examples:

Pharaoh Portraits.

Ancient Egypt is fascinating.  While learning about symbols, line, portraiture, and balance (symmetry), 2nd graders created portraits inspired by the sarcophagus of King Tut.  Oil pastels and gold paint were used to give their portraits color, and then students used hieroglyphic symbols to create a message around the outside of their portraits.  They did a wonderful job!

Henna Hands.

Sometimes I try to design a project around the interests of the grade I'm working with.  What have I noticed 3rd graders love?  Doodling.  And temporary tattoos.

To study rhythm, line, detail, pattern, and while learning about the country of India, 3rd graders created their own Henna Hands project.  We talked about how Henna is often used by people in India (and the middle east) for dyeing purposes and special occasions.  Henna comes from a plant, is applied to the skin as a paste in unique and detailed designs, is left to dry, washed off, and dyes the skin for 2-3 weeks, leaving a temporary tattoo.  First each student traced their hands onto white paper.  To create a patterned fabric as their background, they first drew a grid, and then designed each box in a similar way to show repetition.  Next: doodling.  They students really enjoyed this -- and some of them went way beyond what I was expecting!  They took their time and it shows in the quality of their final product.

Many of these are still in process, but I'm excited to see them finished up soon!

Pyramid Landscape Collages.

To study landscapes and form, 3rd graders created these beautiful pyramid landscapes.  After creating a pencil drawing, students used tissue paper to add color to their artwork.  I love how this collage project turned out!  I actually showed a good friend these pictures the other other day, and she wondered if they were from our art museum tour... Woah!  We have some talented students!

Printmaking.

By the end of the year, each grade will have completed a printmaking project!  Using recycled cardboard and foam, students were able to create their own stamps.  Later we used acrylic paint to create different colored prints of the stamps - and the students did a magnificent job!  This lesson was a great opportunity to learn about positive and negative space, as well as talk about balance & order (while creating their prints) so they look neat and finished.

Fourth grade prints:

Second grade prints:

Fifth grade prints:

Third grade prints: