October 2015 Art Blog

Kindergarten: Leaf Prints

This project was an introduction to watercolor and printing. Students were taught the wet-on-wet watercolor technique - using a water wash on the paper, on which a color is applied while the paper is still wet.  

The myriad patterns and textures found on fall leaves, which were collected around campus were transferred by placing wet leaves onto a yellow underpainting. Students painted on top of the leaves with a variety of colors. Leaves must stay on background until completely dry! The result - soft backgrounds contrasted with beautiful textured patterns from nature!

To create a frame for the leaf prints, students experiment printing with different tools such as corks, forks, tubes, etc. to print a pattern. 

1^ST GRADE:

Color Theory: Fall Colors/Leaf Composition

First grade students were introduced to their first color theory lesson. We read the wonderful book titled “Mouse Paint” by Ellen Stoll Walsh and learned about primary colors. Students used the primary colors to mix beautiful fall colors and painted an entire large background with colors you might see looking at fall leaves. 

During the second part of this painting unit, students were introduced to the concept of how artists compose/arrange and plan their paintings. By overlapping and cropping leaves, students created interesting, dynamic compositions of fall leaves, outlined with black paint on their previously painted backgrounds. 

2nd GRADE: Color Theory, Color Wheel

Second grade students were introduced to the basics of color theory. Students were fascinated by the connection of art and science and how all the colors in the color wheel can be mixed by using just the three primary colors. Students had the opportunity to mix their very own color wheels using only red, yellow and blue.

Warm/Cool Color Sun/Moon Study

Second grade students continued their studies with color theory working with the two color schemes warm and cool. Students sketched imaginary, circular sun/moon compositions and used a color marker/water wash technique to carefully color in the sun/moon compositions with warm/cool color combinations. 

3^RD GRADE: Chinese Brush Paintings

Third grade students have been studying the amazing art of Chinese Brush Painting. Students were introduced to the Chinese prodigy artist Yani, who became famous with her whimsical depictions of monkeys, as well as other traditional Chinese plants and animals when she was only 4 years old.  

After a lot of practice, how to use a Chinese brush and ink correctly, students worked with their subject of choice. The final paintings were painted on rice paper and each student created a “seal/chop” to print onto their finished piece. 

4^TH GRADE: 

Nature Installations inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

Fourth grade students were introduced to the Scottish artist Andy Goldsworthy. He is known for his collaboration with nature.  Using snow, ice, twigs, leaves and stones, he creates one-of-a-kind sculptures.  As is the case with most of his works, the materials Goldsworthy uses to create his artistic pieces eventually return to their natural state, leaving no trace of the artistic piece.

Students were paired up and directed to collaborate to arrange, shape or in some way temporarily alter nature to create a fragile “masterpiece” of design in our school backyard. The students’ sculptures were photographed.  To showcase and record their works students created a poster depicting photographs, sketches, a written artist statement, and decorations. 

We are excited to share that 17 of our 4th grade Keith Haring inspired posters were published in FastForward 3rd Edition November 2015, center fold, p14,15.