I had my students make painted papers for one week’s assignment. Their task was to make 4 painted papers (two with swatches of color and two with line patterns.). Then, they are going to turn their painted papers into collages the next week. Here are the steps I gave them. We are fully remote here. Watercolor paints was something I put on their supply list.
The first day of school was an orientation day for Kinders and new kids. We had a very shortened schedule and I saw the Kindergartners for about 10-15 minutes. I never feel like I know what the best use of that time is, because it is too short to do any real art projects and it is the first time I am meeting them. So, I decided to read them a story about colors and then do a simple coloring … Read more…
I love these tempera paint flowers that are inspired by the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe. These close-up paintings were created by my 2nd grade students last year. The children used photo references to draw large flowers. Then, they painted with colors and finally, outlined in black paint. I really love the white polka dot on black background in the top right picture. I may suggest a patterned background to students next time I teach this project. To tie in … Read more…
I love this lesson! I teach about contemporary artist Justin Vining and the kids explore the qualities of watercolor pencils to create their own whimsical landscapes. You can see artwork from another year at this blog post. You can read my interview with Justin Vining here. I even got this lesson published in a magazine! Here are some of my 4th/5th grade students’ artworks from the end of last year. When teaching this lesson, I show the students some YouTube … Read more…
At the end of the year last year, my students created this colorful and inspiring banner that we are displaying in the hallway now. We loosely marked out the ABCs on a large banner and kids thought of positive words to go along with each letter. Then, we used letter stencils of varying sizes to write the words. These were colored in with patterns and designs. I had this project set up as a choice activity after they were done … Read more…
I often like to connect what we are doing in art to what they have learned about in science class. Insects can provide a lot of inspiration for artists. The colors and designs in insects can be intricate, beautiful and amazing. Start by showing the students pictures of many types of insects (or collect real ones, if you are brave.) Talk about the parts of an insect.. head, abdomen, thorax, antennae, wings. Looking at reference photos and begin sketching insects. … Read more…
I have been a fan of Jodi Ohl‘s artwork for many years. She has a fun, whimsical style. Last summer, I went to a workshop taught by her and had so much fun that I signed up for another weekend painting class with her. The theme last summer was Zen Painting (in an abstract style). This summer, the class I signed up for was Zen Houses, which uses similar techniques taught in the Zen Painting class. I loved both of … Read more…
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This month we were very proud that my 2nd grade daughter’s artwork was selected to be in her school’s Youth Art Month show at the public library. This is Daria below, with her art teacher, Ms. Tuttle. They have their own iPads they carry with them at school (which is very cool and I am starting to wish we had at our school!). They have done a lot of things on them in their regular classroom, like making presentations on … Read more…
Do you have an art journal? I love to make collages in mine. Here is a heart collage that would be fun for kids to try. I started by lightly sketching a heart on my page. Then I tore off pieces of washi tape to add pattern. Next add torn pieces of paper, scraps and stickers. Cut out words from magazines or use printed positive words and phrases. Continue covering the heart piece by piece, right up to the edges. … Read more…
Washi tape is so much fun to use! You can pick up decorative tape at office supply stores, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or other craft stores. I also have bought washi tape online from various places. Amazon has a lot of designs. The concept is simple. Peel off the tape, stick to paper and color in the sections! Here is my description statement we glued on the back: Students made colorful designs with tape as a short exploration in color and … Read more…
I was given the book How to Survive as a Firefly from Innovation Press to share with you on my blog. This is a pretty cool book, with nice illustrations and good scientific information throughout the book. I wrote a FREE art project tutorial with drawing guides, available at my TPT shop to accompany this book. The directions are also here in this blog post, but to get the drawing guides you’ll have visit my TPT shop. Here is a … Read more…
I am in love with this new children’s book about Yayoi Kusama. The illustrations are gorgeous. I love Yayoi’s style and her artwork. Known for her polka dot installations, polka dot pumpkins and mirrored rooms, this artist is sure to captivate your students. From the inside cover: “Growing up in Japan, Yayoi Kusama dreamed of becoming an artist. In the fields of her family’s nurseries she drew flowers and plants and stones, imagining the world around her as streams and … Read more…
I have been having fun this summer making coloring pages! These coloring pages have been very popular in my shop: Emoji Coloring Pages 5 pages Growth Mindset Coloring Pages Set #1 10 pages Growth Mindset Coloring Pages Set #2: The Art Class Edition 15 pages Growth Mindset Coloring Pages Set #3 11 pages I have two free coloring sheets for you that did not end up in the coloring sheet packages in my shop. Click HERE for two free coloring sheets. For high … Read more…
This is a simple challenge that leads to a variety of creative artworks! Choose one shape to repeat throughout your artwork. Use markers, watercolor paints or any art media of your choice. The challenge is to arrange the shapes in a unique and interesting composition. Include a variety of colors and sizes. Overlap some shapes to add interest. Add patterns or designs inside the shapes. Limitations encourage students to think in new ways.. to be creative within the constraints. Repetition is … Read more…
