Stained Glass Inspired.

As we study Europe this quarter, I thought it would be fun for 3rd graders to do a project inspired by stained glass.  Line, texture, color, unity, and abstract were all terms we studied in preparation for this project.  To make our own version of stained glass, each student was given a 6"x 8" piece of recycled cardboard.  Next, each student had to plan a design using yarn, and then glued that yarn design to their board.  Using tin foil to cover their cardboard, students had to gently feel for their yarn lines and rub around them to emboss their lines in the tin foil.  We used Sharpie markers to give each section color.  The students loved this project because it used a variety of materials, and each student's piece came out wonderfully!

Abstract Shapes.

Recently kindergarten and 1st grade have learned what the term "abstract" means, and how it is different from "realism." Next we talked about shape and color, and how those can help us express emotions in art.  I would start by saying something like, "I'm thinking of a angry color." And a student might respond, "Red!" or "Black!" Then I would follow up with a question like, "Would an angry shape have sharp edges, soft edges, or both?" (In this instance, most students responded with, "Sharp!")  Then we would add that shape to our paper.  By the end, we had a painting full of beautiful, colorful shapes!

Expression through art can be a difficult thing to grasp, but these students did a fabulous job!  Students were able to paint a variety of "emotions" in this abstract project.  After the paintings were dry, I had the students outline their shapes with pastel and mount them on black paper -- which lead to a great conversation on artistic craftsmanship.  I love the way this project turned out.

Mask-making.

Using recycled newspaper scraps, paste, and other recycled & donated materials, the 4th and 5th graders made their own masks.  This project was inspired by a Nigerian mask that is displayed as an artifact in our classroom!

Pyramid Architecture.

Chameleon Figures.

Recently in art the students learned the difference between a figure in a portrait, and applied that knowledge to an animal by creating chameleon figures!  First, we read "A Color of His Own" by Leo Lionni.  After drawing and painting their chameleon, students were able to add detail with marker and create a habitat in the background.

Elephant Pop Art.

After looking at a famous pop art picture of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol, third grade created their own pop art using African elephants.  During this project, third graders also learned how to use a color wheel to find complimentary colors to design a background.

Value Cones.

In kindergarten, we learned about value and how adding black or white to a color creates shades and tints.  Kindergarteners then created ice cream cones, and had to arrange their "scoops" in order from light to dark, or dark to light.