Self Portraits: Kindergarten

Kindergarten learned all about self-portraits! We looked at portraits painted by famous artists. They first drew themselves by looking into a mirror but with no instruction. We then discussed the different shapes found in our faces. We noticed that our eyes are not circles but actually footballs or almonds. Kindergarten used their new knowledge to draw themselves a second time. After we added some realistic colors and details.

Sumi Ink Painting: 1st Grade

First grade “traveled” to Asia to study traditional sumi ink painting. Artists there practice for many years, and work with very controlled brush strokes. We then discussed value: lights and darks and others in between. If we add more water to our ink, it gets lighter, the less water, the darker the ink will be. To sign our work we made our own “chops” or seals. We discovered we had to write our initials backwards so they would print forwards.

Monet Waterlilies: 1st Grade

First grade explored the garden and work of Claude Monet. He had a large, beautiful garden you can still visit today and which you can see in many of his paintings. We learned hat he was an expressionist painter. Expressionists painted with quick and tiny brushstrokes. We then painted our own water lilies (one of his favorite subjects), learning about highlights and shadows as well as perspective. Things farther away are smaller than things closer to you.

Vincent Sunflowers: Pre-K

Preschool made these beautiful sunflowers after learning about Vincent Van Gogh.  I just love them.  They can cheer up the dreariest of days! Happy Sunday everyone!

Egyptian Cartouche Jewelry: 6th Grade

Sixth Grade learned about Ancient Egypt in both Social Studies and Art! In art class, we looked at Egyptian jewelry and hieroglyphics. In this ancient writing characters surrounded by a oval ending in a bar on the bottom is called a cartouche. This denotes a name. We carved out our names and turned these cartouches into Egyptian jewelry.

Origami: 5th Grade

Fifth Grade tried their hand at the Japanese art of paper folding, origami. And I must say with much success! Students had to focus on control and precision in order to complete this puzzle of an orb. Each ball is made up of twelve separate pieces all interlocked without any adhesive!

Watch out for a tutorial on how to make one yourself soon!  It will be on my other site but I will post a link here, once finished. 

Charles Burchfield's Day Job: 3rd Grade

Third Grade  learned about artist, Charles Burchfield.  He lived and worked in our very own Buffalo, NY.  After looking at his work, we also talked about his day job: a wallpaper designer!  His designs were inspired by nature just like his work.  Third grade then stamped their own patterns and designs to create a nature inspired “wallpaper sample”.  I was at the Burchfield Penney Art gallery by Buffalo State a few days ago and saw some wallpaper design rolls in his studio recreation!  Where's a camera when you need one?

  

Mayan Weaving: 4th Grade

 4th grade made these wonderful weavings for the art show! We explored the weavings of Guatemala and Mexico through a book, Abeula's weave. We talked about color symbolism an how different areas, have different colors and symbols woven into their clothing. Students then brainstormed and choose colors important to them to use in their weavings. After planning out their patterns and colors, students got to work creating these gorgeous tapestries.

During open house, I displayed man of my instruction materials around my classroom.  For many of my large lessons, and ones I like to keep from year to year, I create boards like the one above that is brought out each class as a reminder of what we are learning about  and what students must have in their artwork by the time they hand it in.

Art Show Tour Kick-off

 A few weeks ago was my first ever art show at St. Leo's!  I dug around for wall space and ended up posting most of the art in a little entry way, creating our very own "art gallery".  This week I will start posting the artwork bit by bit.  So get ready to see some talented artists' work! I'm so proud of my students!