Mandala Prints

During this printmaking unit, students learned about radial symmetry!  First students learned that radial symmetry means that no matter how you turn the piece, it looks the same.  Students used watercolor to create a background.  Next students used foam sheets and recycled cardboard to create a stamp.  Before printing, students drew a dot on one corner of the back of their stamp so they would know where to rotate the stamp.  Next we used black acrylic paint (mixed with a little water) as ink - we applied it to the stamps and students rotated the stamp as they printed.  I was very impressed with the results!

Nylon & Wire Sculptures

This project was so fun to watch the 5th graders create.  Each student used a wire hanger, nylon sock, recycled wooden stamp (for the base), and masking tape.  After creating their form and adhering it to the base, they used paste (white acrylic paint + glue) to coat their sculpture and make it stiff.  Then they primed it with white acrylic paint, and finally painted it with acrylic color.  Students learned about abstract sculpture, form, balance, unity, & variety while creating this project. 

Cardboard Sculptures

Using recycled boxes that had been donated to the art classroom, second and third graders learned about unity, variety, & form while creating their own unique sculptures!

Watercolor Experiments

It's amazing what you can do with watercolors, tape, a white crayon, a straw, and some salt!

Watercolor Birch Trees

So many reasons this project is a great one!  Second & third graders learned about things like landscape, form, shadow, contour lines... as well as cool watercolor techniques like using tape and salt.  I am very pleased with how well the students did on this project - they were all very successful!

Symmetry Butterflies

Kindergarteners and 1st graders have recently learned about what "symmetry" means, as well as what a background is and how to create both of these things in their art.  Because the weather has been so beautiful lately and butterflies are abundant in our outdoor garden, we decided to get inspired!  One class even got to go outside after making their butterflies, put their art in a "natural habitat" and pose for a photo with it.  Too cute.