Snowy Day Mixed Media

Watch this video of how to draw a snowy day with just a few simple materials, feel free to substitute the oil pastels for crayons,  hope you enjoy!

Wire and Nylon Scuptures

Watch a video of how to make these wire sculptures here.

 

 

 

James Rizzi sculptures

 

Check out our display case, with these James Rizzi inspired structures and modes of transportation!!! I am obesessed! The students worked in teams to create the one air piece, one ground transportation and one building. They used construction paper, tempera paint and black sharpie to create the features of the artwork and for a base they used old boxes. 

Torn paper Christmas Trees

Students in my kindergarten class read the book "Perfect Square". I then gave them a piece of light or dark green origami paper to tear and rip just like in the book. It started as a perfect spyware but turned itself into something beautiful...in this case a Christmas tree.  We added sequins, rectangle presents that we put line patterns on, and printed snowflakes in the background with the bottoms of soda bottles! The kids had so much fun with this activity!

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Nutcracker!

Students in my class learned the story behind the nutcracker, we also watched a very short cartoon version of it as well as reading a children's book.  We used large spools for the base, but I have also done this with a paper towel roll and it works great too! I love how they look!Watch a video of how to create these out of paper towel rolls below!

 

 

Decorative Corn

     

Tar Beach

1st Graders used their knowledge of shapes to create this beautiful piece based on the book tar Beach by Faith Ringgold.  They were read the book and then we discussed where they would like to fly to if they could go anywhere.  To start the lesson students glued a piece of 9 x 12 white paper onto a piece of 12 x 18 construction paper.  They then painted the white paper blue to look like the night sky.  Students used construction paper and some tracers if needed to create their body and clothes. They added details with markers and glued themselves to the paper.  We added dots of glue and glitter, and then they were given pre-cut squares of patterned paper to create a border.  Any excess construction paper showing was cut off.  What do you think? I think it could go in my favorite pile!

The Noisy Paint Box Lesson

                                               

After reading one of my new favorite art books, "The Noisy Paint Box" by Barb Rosenstock I couldn't help but have my second graders do their own music inspired painting.  This was new for me, I hadn't tried it before so I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but I did know that second graders are still at an age where they are not afraid to jump right in to art without the fears of perfection that haunt my older students.  So to begin I gave them each a black crayon and played some very well known classical pieces, they ranged from slow and soft to loud and exciting.  I would name them, but I found a YouTube playlist that I skipped around in to give them a variety of emotion.  I didn't get to see the names of all the pieces, but you can find the mix of classical music here. Students were on;y given one instruction, and that was to draw what they think the music looks like.  I let them use both sides of the paper and then they chose the side they liked best.  I think this was helpful because they had a chance to get used to it on the first side and try again on the other.  I then provided students with water color paint to color in the whole paper.  I think the students had a lot of fun creating these, and I had a lot of fun watching them.  I love how each interpretation looks so different, and I really am impressed with how they came out!

                                                 

African Masks

Students discussed African masks and their significance.  They also discussed symmetry, lines, patterns, color, shape and form as they created these masks.We used air dry clay, tempera paint, and then finished them with Mod Podge.  I found a great YouTube video tutorial here on how to create the masks.  We used it as a guideline, but I have student freedom to make it their own. I am so excited by the results!

National Junior Art Honor Society

Victorian Houses

 I found a great lesson (surprise, surprise) on Deep Space Sparkle that gave great instructions for guiding me through this lesson.  I think they came out pretty great! Students looked at the structure of many Victorian homes to help them with details.  

Animal Close ups

Students in 8th grade chose animals they wanted to get closer to;) They were given printed pictures and strips of paper. To create a frame around the areas they chose to focus on.  I am so happy with the effort they put into these, and the results they got! 

Paper mâché Pets!

Students in grade 5 studied form and color theory to assist them in creating these adorable pets! 

Complimentary Color Monsters

Students were read, "I need my Monster" and discussed features that monsters may have for inspiration. We then reviewed the color wheel and learned about complimentary colors.  

They chose their colors and wrapped them around cylinders I have had donated...not sure where they came from! 

Added 1,2,or 3 eyes.

Hair and arms. 

Mouths, teeth, horns, hands and claws! Can't wait to display these!