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.