First grade rainbow fish illustrators

1st grade artists are learning about the differences between illustrators and authors, specifically in the "Rainbow Fish" series. We zoomed up on our fish so much that we don't even see the entire fish! We also talked about space and overlapping so that some weeds, sand and bubbles are in front or behind each other. We used pattern in our rainbow scales!

Learning Goals:

I can describe the difference between an illustrator and author.

I can create pattern with fish scales

I can show space using overlapping

Third-grade Robert Indiana

3rd graders are studying the art of Robert Indiana. They noticed how he used letters and numbers as art at a time when people did not see those things as such. We used his word love, and other words such as hope and joy in our art. We thought about the use of warm and cool colors and pattern to create these wonderful artworks! 

Learning Goals: 

I can identify the art of Robert Indiana. 

I can distinguish between warm and cool colors. I can emboss metal patterns. 

I can create block lettering like Robert Indiana.

I can create a collage. 

Fourth grade Mary Cassatt self portraits

Fourth-grade artists studied the portraiture of Mary Cassatt. We noticed how she was inspired by children and decided to do our own self portraits. We also focused on how to create value using only our pencil!

Learning goals:

I can discuss the life and work of Mary Cassatt.

I can identify Mary Cassatt's impressionistic art.

I can create a value scale.

I can draw my self portrait.

I can create light and shadow in my portrait.

First grade pattern land figure drawing

First Grade artists are enjoying the poem about Sadie and Dan from Patternland. We took an imaginary field trip to patternland and drew self-portraits! We learned about figure drawing and getting the right proportions!

Poems:

Sadie-Sadie the pattern lady is the prettiest lady in town. She ties ribbons fair in her patterned hair and has flowers all over her gown. She take her socks from a polka-dot box , she puts them on pretty plaid feet. Her beautiful shoes are a number of hues that flash as she walks down the street. Her favorite bonnet has feathers upon it, and sashes that tie 'neath her chin. Her apron is darted and multiple hearted; It fastens in back with a pin. And when people meet her they happily greet her, she glows from her head to her crown. Yes, Sadie-Sadie the pattern lady is the prettiest lady in town.

Dashing Dan is a pattern man. He comes from a place called Patternland. He wears a checked coat and a tall striped hat. When he goes for a stroll with his calico cat. His pants, a spectacular sight to behold, are covered with patterns, tres-gai and quite bold. A bright shiny buckle on each shiny boot reflect the designs of his big bumbershoot. His favorite tie was a gift from his mother. It's dotted and spotted unlike any other. And the beautiful garment that covers his chest is a beautiful, sparkling polka-dot vest. So if you fancy colors of pinks, green and blue, I'll tell you a secret between me & you. That Dashing Dan is the handsomest man who lives in the village of Patternland

*This project is adapted from one found online a long time ago. Not sure where it originated. :)

Kindergarten Matryoshka Dolls

Kindergarten artists are studying Russia and the Matryoshka dolls as part of their Asian art unit. We watched this fun youtube clip of these Russian toys and saw how they nestle inside each other. We discussed this slide show about these dolls and also played with them while noticing their patterns! We then drew our own Matryoshkas with patterns and designed a patterned frame for them.

Check out our Slide Show about Matryoshkas here

Learning Goals:

I can recognize the art of Matryoshka dolls

I can create pattern in my work

I can describe some facts about these toys

I can draw my own Matryoshka

*This project inspired by one found on Pinterest

First grade self portraits

First grade artists looked at quite a variety of portraits and noticed the differences between portraits and self-portraits. We compared and contrasted the creative differences between them. We practiced drawing portraits from the back (on the backs of our papers) and chose many models in our classroom to pose for us! We used M.C. Escher and Norman Rockwell's artworks for inspiration and looked into our own photo reflections for our self-portraits. 

Learning Goals:

* I can describe the difference between a portrait and a self-portrait

* I can draw myself from a different angle - the back!
* I can talk about why artists choose to create self portraits in different styles

* I can use pattern in my mirror

3rd grade Heather Galler Patterned Landscapes

3rd grade artists watched a powerpoint presentation about Heather Galler and learned about her life and artwork. We drew our own landscapes in her style and incorporated a LOT of pattern just like she did! 

After drawing patterns with permanent marker, we used our knowledge of the color families to create color patterns as well as line patterns in our masterpieces. 

Learning Goals:

I can recognize the art of Heather Galler.

I can create a Galler inspired landscape.

I can use line patterns as well as color patterns.

I can use overlapping and size to create space. 

Spring time roll a flower first grade

First graders are practicing floral landscapes and even using a little bit of chance! We roll the dice to figure out which flower parts to draw. We made sure to use lines, patterns, and creativity! These "Roll-A" sheets can be found at this web site: http://expressivemonkey.com/collections/flowers/products/drawing-flowers

Kindergarten Native American blankets

Kindergarten artists have been learning about how Native Americans lived. We also looked at some youtube clips about how Native Americans wove blankets! We used Native American colors and designs to create our own paper blankets!

On the back of our artworks, we wrote and colored on a handout that can help mom and dad know about what we are learning.

First grade Romero Britto pets

First grade artist learned about the life and art of Romero Brito by looking at a slide show and you tube videos about him.

Click here for the Romero Britto Slide Show

We were inspired by his cats and dogs and created our own pets Britto style. We used patterns and lots of colors!

This lesson has been modified from one seen on Pinterest at some point. :)

Kindergarten Native American Tipis

Kindergarten artists are studying Native American art and learning about the various types of houses that Native Americans lived in. Kindergarteners learned how the tipis were constructed as well as the fact that they loved putting patterns into their homes. We drew our own tipis and blended cool color paints to create a beautiful sky in the background.