Printmaking in 1st grade

Students in 1st grade experimented with color and printmaking.  Over several class periods, we used various circular items and many colors of paint to print and create an abstract artwork.  After they dried, the students cut their artwork into an organic shape and mounted on colored paper.  It was a great learning experience for all and we got to wear our paint smocks again (we do love our paint smocks!).

Background, Foreground and Mid-Ground

4th and 5th grade students learned about background, foreground and mid-ground in artwork by playing a fun game.  We took turns being the "subject" of an artwork in various portions of a "painting", while others observed and "measured" the subjects.  Students learned that subjects in the foreground appeared larger and closer to the bottom of the "painting", while the subjects in the background appeared smaller and farther toward the top of the "painting".  They enjoyed taking turns being the subjects and the observers, while learning all about the different areas of an artwork.

Color Wheels in 4th and 5th

Fourth grade finished their hidden color wheels by mixing their own paint and creating an abstract painting.  They all looked so different and complex.  5th grade is in the process of creating their own original color wheels including not only the primary and secondary colors, but the tertiary as well.  They created 12 identical pictures and are painting each one with pairs of complementary colors.  The pictures show some of the process, but we will post the finished creations when they are done.

Painting Texture like Eric Carle

The author and illustrator, Eric Carle, gave our second graders their inspiration.  After learning about the life and artistic style of Eric Carle we read and explored his illustrations.  We created textured papers with paint and various items as the base to our project.  The students then drew their own animal and created pattern pieces for use on the textured paper.  Each student cut out their pieces and put them together to create an original animal in the same style as Mr. Carle.  As you can see we have quite the colorful zoo in our display case.  I think Eric Carle would be impressed!

Polar Bears, Sculptures & Scarecrows

I know it's been a while since we posted, but we have been BUSY!  After learning about the many types of artwork by Alexander Calder, first grade created their own free standing stabiles.  They were all so colorful and unique!  Second grade continues to study color theory and used their knowledge in mixing paint to create secondary colors using only the primary colors.  They create a mixed media artwork using paint, oil pastels, fabric & buttons.  Kindergarten demonstrated their painting skills creating fuzzy polar bears with puffy paint snowflakes.  We are all learning so much and exploring as many mediums as we can.  Keep checking back to see all the awesome artwork we will be creating!