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About Marcia Beckett

Marcia is an elementary art teacher and loves painting, drawing, sculpture, art journaling and clay. Her blog, Art is Basic, features many exciting art projects for kids.

Vegas trip

Three women, one in a wedding dress holding a bouquet and two in black dresses, smiling and posing indoors during their Vegas trip.

A few weeks ago we went to Vegas for a wedding.  I had so much fun taking pictures of everything I saw.  It was also great to see some friends that I don’t see very often. This is a Chihuly ceiling at the Bellagio hotel.  Gorgeous! Vegas at night Vegas at night This was a kid’s mosaic mural at the airport. flowers me, Carol, Carrie gorgeous cake

3rd/4th grade Non-objective drawings

A chaotic abstract pencil drawing featuring swirls, shapes, and various irregular forms on a white background, embodying the spontaneity of non-objective drawings.

The students learned how to identify realistic, abstract and non-objective art.  The 3/4s worked on a non-objective graphite drawing.  Using only shapes, lines, texture and value the students drew an interesting non-objective design.  Non-objective art is art that has no recognizable objects.  Value in art is the degree of lightness or darkness.  The students completed a value scale using pencil.  They learned how to create contrast by placing dark shades next to light shades, rough texture next to smooth texture … Read more…

Fall collage

A vibrant abstract collage showcasing fall leaves, intricate lace patterns, and a variety of color stripes within a green-framed square.

  Acrylic paint, watercolor paint, stencils, foam stamps, muslin fabric, fake leaf, spray paint The best part about being an art teacher?   Being able to play around with art materials all day to test out new things! Does anyone know if there is any “safer” spray paint that kids can use that doesn’t have fumes?

Fabric and felt Microorganisms

A colorful, handcrafted felt microorganism with various circular patterns, decorations, and ribbons, set against a plain background.

The 5th/6th graders made fabric and fiber representations of microorganisms.  This is a great tie-in to Science class.  These are actually going to be displayed in a real art exhibition!  To make a fiber microorganism, the 5/6s are cutting a large piece of felt into a desired shape.  Then, they are layering other shapes of patterned fabric or solid color felt on top.  These shapes are glued together and were embellished with stitching, beading and sequins (if desired.)  The students … Read more…

Radial Pattern Design

Black and white circular geometric pattern with intricate triangular and diamond shapes forming concentric circles, creating a stunning radial pattern design.

  These were made by 3rd graders.  We learned about radial balance and patterns.  To make a radial design, use a compass to draw 5-6 circles around a center point.  Draw shapes and patterns around the rings.  Color in some of the shapes solidly with black markers.  Color can be added or just small black lines and patterns. 

Mondrian Trees

A painting of a bare tree with swirling branches against a blue-toned, textured background.

  Trees in the Style of Piet Mondrian-–The 4th/5th graders drew trees to complement their studies in Science class.  How can line be used creatively to make a stylized picture?  How can we capture a mood using color?  How can oil pastels be used effectively?  These are the questions we will explore during this unit.  Theyhad a color mixing and blending review.  They learned to use line creatively and made stylized art.  Piet Mondrian’s abstract trees were viewed:

  • Banner with colorful artwork promoting an art shop featuring kindness coloring pages, artist activities, and resources for teachers.