front cover back cover (everything is actually straight on the cover, it’s just the angle I took the picture at) One of my jobs at school is the yearbook adviser. This is a huge job and takes up a lot of my time during the school year! I am very proud of how the yearbook came out, but unfortunately I can’t show you the inside pages because they are photos of kids (of course.) The yearbook staff is made up … Read more…
I love to read. Of course I do, I’m a teacher.Here are some of the books I’m loving now! I can’t say enough good things about Lynda Barry’s collages and drawings. They are just so fun and chock- full of inspiration. She came to Madison recently to do some artist-in-residency programming and I am kicking myself now that I did not get tickets to her lecture. Apparently, she brought Matt Groening with her to speak!!! He is the creator of … Read more…
Our school librarian, who has a contagious love of books, showed me these two books by Brian Selznick. I fell in love with them! I ordered them last week and they came in the mail today, so I have not read them yet. The books are over 500 pages and are about half illustrations and half text. The illustrations are gorgeous and I am going to incorporate them somehow into an art lesson when I teach shading, crosshatching, and contrast. … Read more…
During the first week of school I like to read books to my younger classes to introduce art. I think it is good to tie literature to all subjects and allow them to see connections through storytelling. These are ones that I am going to read this first week: Kindergarten: 1st Grade: 2nd Grade: 3rd Grade:
Encouraging Creativity with Timed Collage! Are you trying to incorporate art into your daily routine? Are you looking for ways to encourage creativity in your students? A timed collage prompt might just be something for you to try! At the 2024 NAEA conference I went to a wonderful hands-on art workshop where we did timed collage prompts on index cards with art journaling artist Eric Scott! • This idea can be used to encourage experimentation and play in your students- … Read more…
Welcome art teachers! Are you looking for art projects for kids? Art is Basic is a website full of resources for ART TEACHERS written by an elementary art teacher with over 22+ years of teaching experience. Welcome, I am glad you’re here! Hundreds of IdeasFree resources!Read More!Sub Tub FreebieEasy Art Ideas!Click HereMy Favorite Art Journal SuppliesWhat I LOVE to use in art journalingClick HereChalk Pastel Landscapeswith Step-by-Step VideoClick Here This website is for you if you: are an elementary art … Read more…
Hello! A long time ago I used to do round-up posts of random things I am currently loving. Some have to do with art, some are just fun! I decided to bring that idea back. Hopefully some of my current favorite things will inspire you. 1. My Dad’s artwork My Dad has been making art for many years (mostly colored pencils and pastels) and recently I was reminded of how much I love this colored pencil drawing he did of … Read more…
One of my favorite hobbies is discovering and finding new art supplies. Watch as I test out some fun, new (to me) art materials. I’m not sure how new they are, but they were all exciting finds for me. As an Amazon influencer I receive a small commission through links on this blog (at no extra cost to you.) The earnings go to support the upkeep of this website. I am completely honest in my reviews and won’t tell you … Read more…
Are you wondering what kinds of activities to have available for your students when they are finished with their art projects? Here are a bunch of early finisher ideas for the art classroom. Read more…
Hello! I am already seeing lots of posts in Facebook groups asking what to do in the first few days of art class. In this post, I will walk you through what I plan to do this year in my classes. This is very similar to what I have done in other years. First, I start all classes with basic introductions and talking about the room and art class. We go over the rules and expectations. I use a video … Read more…
Our school had an amazing visit from Tracy Subisak, a Taiwanese-American author and illustrator known for her children’s books. She shared her creative process, read “Sorry, Snail,” and demonstrated character creation techniques. Students then created their own characters. I got a signed copy for my collection. Have you hosted an author visit before? Read more…
I came across a sweet new children’s book that I’d like to share with you. It is called If You Are an Artist, (Amazon affiliate link at no extra cost for you) by Meg Auchenbach. I always love finding new inspirational books for my young students and this one is a charming book that shows what it’s like to think as an artist. The illustrations are whimsical and the book is delightful. Before I buy a book I like to … Read more…
**** Art is Basic is giving away one FREE copy of this book to a lucky reader. To be entered, simply leave a comment on this blog post. I will choose one random winner after November 3. ***. Book links are Amazon Affiliate links which means I receive a small amount of compensation at no extra cost to you which go to supporting the blog’s upkeep and expenses. Today I have a very special book to share with you and … Read more…
This slideshow I found in my archives from 2017. I think this is a project worth revisiting next year. It provides a lot of open-ended decision making and idea generation. You can also tie it in to the famous artist Joseph Cornell and his shadow boxes.
Hi friends! Many schools are already going back for the new school year and I thought I would round up some previous posts you may have missed from years ago that may help you come up with some ways to start your school year off right! The first section contains links and pictures from my blog. The second section contains blog posts from some of my art teacher friends! Tips and Projects for Back to School from Art is Basic … Read more…
