Observational Flower Paintings.

This week second grade was learning about different kinds of lines. They used white boards to draw as many lines as they could think of with a partner. Next, the students observed this painting by Matisse and as a class picked out different types of lines represented. In the painting the students spotted straight lines, curved lines, swooping lines, zig zag lines and wiggle lines.

Next, the students were asked to observe a bouquet of hydrangea flowers that were placed on their tables. They talked with their neighbors about what kinds of lines they observed in the flowers and leaves. Many of the students picked up right away that the out line of the leaves was formed from a sharp zig zag.

After observing the flowers closely, the students drew the lines they saw, in crayon, on white paper. Next, the students explored how to add more color to their drawings by using watercolor and tempera paint. The results were so lovely. I am so proud of my second grade students and their ability to notice small details. They did a great job representing nature by using line. 

Value Rocks

This week the 5th grade started to learn about value shading. First we started by observing a drawing that had good examples of value shading. The students observed that the shading was black to grey to white. They also noticed that the shadows were all going one direction, giving the drawing one light source.

Next, the students practiced a value scale and then labeled it from with the numbers 10-1, starting with 10 being the darkest to 1 being the lightest. Next, the students were prompted to stick their hand in a fabric covered box to guess what they were going to be drawing next. I filled a box with interesting rocks for them to draw but did not want them to see right away what they were going to draw. The element of surprise hooked the students right away! They were so excited to put their hand in the box and guess what was inside.

After each student had a chance to feel inside the box, the students chose a rock to draw. Then I prompted the students to use their observational drawing skills to outline their rocks. After the outlining was completed I showed the student how to refer back to their value scales and add it to their rocks. Many of the students made a great connection, adding a range of values, using their numbers. "I am using a 10 here and a 7 here!" said one student as she showed me her sketch.

As an extension to the project, the students are I are assigning a super power to their rocks. After the students pick a super power and write down how it can be used with the rock they are going to create an ad for the rock. I can't wait to see how the ads turn out!

International Dot Day

As a first day in the art room lesson, the students are I explored the world of dots! First we read the book, "The Dot" by Peter H. Reynolds and then watched the video of it on Youtube! The students loved the main character, Vashti, who at first can not draw, but learns to draw by trying! Next, the students expressed themselves through art by creating their own dot or dots! Kindergarten through 5th grade worked hard on their first art project of the year and I think that they are just colorful and lovely!

Outside of the art room we are showing the rest of the school our work on a display board for International Dot Day! (which is on September 15th!) I am proud of my students and they way they try new things and never give up!