CAN You Imagine

In Art Class, the 7th graders turned trash into treasure using repurposed aluminum cans. We looked at examples of artists work from smashed cans and other found objects for inspiration. The students chose a can and like Michelangelo staring at his marble from all angles, they got inspiration to transform their can into art. They used paint and collage supplies to make these whimsical pieces. 

6th Grade Car Drawings

In Art Class, the 6th graders learned about value, the scale from light dark. They first practiced drawing and shading wooden blocks. Then the students practiced drawing toy cars, taking the skills learned from the 3-d shape drawing because cars are just complex three dimensional shapes. Once they chose a favorite car, the students drew that car, added charcoal pencil shading and placed the car in an interesting setting. Finally, they added watercolor paint to the composition. 

Yayoi Kusama inspired Pumpkins

My 7th graders learned about the 90 year-old Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Kusama is known for pumpkins, polka dots and infinity net patterns. First the students observed small pumpkins and drew them showing value in pencil. Then they observed larger, unusual shaped pumpkins  and drew them, adding Kusama inspired patterns. They created an infinity net background pattern by etching with combs on foil and put the compositions together. 

The Memory Project Refugee Portraits Part Two

This year my family and friends participated in The Memory Project portrait work. The organization sends photos of refuge children to paint portraits for the children as a one a few keepsakes from their very chaotic childhood. It's extremely gratifying to complete these and we are signed up for round three.

New Job! New School Year Bulletin Board Inspiration

I love decorating Bulletin Boards. My new co-teachers were happy to let me create these fun murals for Open House. Our school mascot is a Pelican and our motto is P.R.I.D.E. (When students are prepared, respectful, involved and determined in all areas of school, the results are excellent! )

This bulletin board features Inspirational Artists' Quotes. 

Kindergarten Frida Kahlo inspired Watermelons

Nothing says summer more than Watermelon! I brought in a lovely round melon and a big pyramid-shaped watermelon slice for the students to observe. We read a book about Frida Kahlo and looked at some of her still life paintings, especially Viva la VidaWatermelons. The students painted a patterned round watermelon and then slice shapes as well. The watermelon paintings were cut out and the students composed a still life composition with other painted papers from the school year. 

5th grade watercolor technique practice with geodes