"Boo" portraits

In 1st grade we learned about emotion in artwork through facial expressions and/or body language.   We created a self-portrait demonstrating how we thought we would look if startled or scared by something.  As a class, we reviewed our use of oil pastels and how to blend to get the exact colors we want.  Each student created their own bald likeness in oil pastels before we added "hair".  To add our scared hair, we used drops of liquid watercolor that we then used a straw to blow upwards to create crazy hair.  We have gotten tons of complements from our BOO portraits hanging in the hallway!

Lots of Lines in Kinder & 2nd

In kindergarten, we are learning about line as an element of art.  We find lines in famous artworks and each others artwork. We can use actions to demonstrate different types of lines as well as use and recognize lines in our own art.  We first practiced line types/styles on white boards then created all 5 types of lines on watercolor paper using crayons.  After adding our lines, we learned how to use watercolors and filled in the spaces we created with our lines.  We also learned about watercolor resist and how the paint is repelled by the waxy crayons.
In 2nd grade we created a large leaf then designed patterns with all 5 types of lines using oil pastels.  After our designs were complete we used liquid watercolors to add even more color.  We reviewed how oil and water don't like each other so the liquid watercolor was repelled by the oil pastel.  Lastly we put all our leaves together to create a beautiful tree.  We are all
having fun and learning so much!

Super String Art

5th graders created a unique, mixed media, fiber art piece.  Each student started with a square of cardboard that they painted and then created texture using various non-traditional art tools.  They then learned three different string art designs as well as created a few of their own.  When dry, we made a circle on the reverse side and punched 16 equally spaced holes on the perimeter.  Using art, math and sewing, the students combined the newly learned designs and their individual creations to make a wonderfully, original artwork.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

4th graders created Mexican Folk Art Mirrors during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15).  We learned about the history and culture of families that came from Mexico, Spain, Central & South America as well as the Caribbean.  We further discussed the numerous ways that Hispanic Americans have contributed and made their mark in the United States.  The students created concentric rings, then filled the spaces between with unique patterns.  When their design was complete they added color with their choice of tempera cakes, markers, colored pencils or crayons. We added our "mirrors" using styrofoam that we covered in aluminum foil in which we chased/embossed our symmetrical designs. Lastly we put them all together by mounting it on the color paper of our choice.  The kiddos learned SO MUCH about Hispanic folk art, carving techniques, balancing patterns, color choices and line design all wrapped up in one awesome composition.

A Tangle of Zentangles

3rd graders learned a new method of creating unique images from patterns that repeat called Zentangles.  This new artform is very fun and relaxing to create.  The students focus on designing small patterns, within spaces they have produced.  We learned to turn our perceived mistakes into beautiful arrangements.  As artists, we recognized that balance, color, line, space and contrast work together to produce a successful piece.  They look wonderful individually as well as make an interesting, collective installment.

Motion Sculptures in Second

Second graders studied motion and texture in artwork.  They created texture on their sculpture base by splattering paint in different colors to create a design of their own.  With a colorful, solid base they took different lengths, colors and textures of paper to create a sculpture demonstrating motion.  They added "feet" to their sculpture parts to make sure they were stable, then looped, spiraled and intertwined them with each other, until they had a balanced, complete artwork.  We became architects, road engineers, playground creators, roller coaster builders and skate park designers all while producing extreme artworks!

Giant Dots and their Little Friends

Kindergarten and First grade created colorful dots during dot week! They used markers to create concentric circles with unique patterns in between each circle. When their drawing was complete, they used a paintbrush to blend the colors with water. We then clipped them all together to create a wonderful installment in front of our hallway windows. The light coming through changed the look throughout the day. We tweeted out our completed artwork (@polserart) and actually got retweeted from Peter Reynolds, the author of The Dot, which we read school-wide during the month of September. It was awesome for the kiddos to see that their artwork was appreciated from someone we had studied. After we get a chance to enjoy them for a while, we are going to take them down and create an artwork using their dots as a part of a new masterpiece.

Portraits of a Different Color

Our first school wide, collaborative artwork is complete! After having a quick review of color value, self-portraits and facial proportions, every student from kindergarten to 5th grade created a self portrait in the values of one color.  When complete, we combined all of the portraits into one beautiful artwork!

Team Up with Tile Finale!!

Almost a year ago I found out that we had been awarded a grant from LEF (LISD Education Foundation). THANK YOU LEF!!!! The grant, titled "Team Up with Tile", allowed us to purchase tons of clay, a slab roller, tile cutters, glazes and many clay tools so that every student in Kindergarten through 5th grade could create their own unique tile.  Those tiles, close to 500 when all was said and done, were all joined together to create a backsplash and more within our art room.  Since it was going to create a construction zone in the classroom, we waited until the summer break to install ALL THOSE TILES!  My husband and son were my terrific tile guys and without them it wouldn't have turned out so wonderful.  So a big thank you to both of them for all their hard work and dealing with my "particularness" (not a word, but the nicest I could think of for my type A, persnickety behavior during installation). Another giant thank you to LEF, since without them this project wouldn't have been possible. I CAN NOT wait until the kiddos get back to school and see our awesome collaborative project.

*5th graders from last year: If you want a picture of your tile and can't come by the school yourself, send me an email and I will take a picture and send it back to you!
siegrista@lisd.net

Clay Owls are flying in fourth

Fourth grade has finished their clay owls and they look awesome!  We started with a slab of clay rolled with our new slab roller purchased with grant money from LEF.  The students then used a needle tool to cut a circle, folded in the sides for wings and the top for the heads/ears attaching with a score and slip technique.  They then used various texture tools to create their unique owl.  After they were fired in the kiln, students used acrylic paint to make their owls even more original.  They are currently hanging in our display cabinet and look right at home.