Distance Learning Art Class, May Art Blog 2020

Hello Bacich Artists,

I miss seeing you and creating fantastic art with you. Even though we cannot have art class together at the moment I would like to invite you to continue to be creative and learn new art techniques, connect with artists from the present and the past and integrate visual arts with science.

Each week I will be posting videos based on a weekly theme of visual arts assignments and projects on this blog. I would like you to explore and complete 1-2 art assignments per week. You are welcome to do more! You may pick and choose from the video menu below. I would love to see your completed artworks. Please take a picture of your work and email it to me, or send me your questions:

email me: blibby@kentfieldschools.org

Sending you Love,

Mrs. Libby and Teddy

Week of May 25, 2020

Theme: Animals

What do animals symbolize in art? Artists from cultures around the world frequently use animals as subject matter in their artworks. In many cultures animals have symbolic meanings and throughout history specific animals are representing gods, power, and supernatural beliefs. Animals have been a source of inspiration for many artists. From art about rural life and growth, to myths and legends, animals are used in art in many different ways. Art can help us explore our relationship to wildlife and can help us think about how we care for animals and the environment. Here are two animal art activities for you to try.

How to Craft a Treat Chicken

Community ArtsKitchen upcycle creativity! Craft a chicken with a treat inside out of a TP roll and some paper scraps. Supplies needed: a TP roll, scissors, marker, glue stick, color paper scraps, stapler, small treats like almonds. And don't forgot your imagination! Who will be the lucky receiver of your craft treat chicken?

How to Draw a Cartoon Cat

In this Community ArtsKitchen video we will show you how to draw a cartoon cat. Supplies you will need: paper, pencil, eraser, jar lid and bottle cap. And don't forget your imagination!

Creative Drawing with Popcorn

In this Community ArtsKitchen video, you will learn how to turn popcorn into cartoon animals. Supplies you will need: Sketch paper, pencil, eraser, fine tipped black marker or ball point pen and your popcorn snack. Don't forget your imagination!

Week of May 18, 2020 

Theme: Memorial Day Shaving Cream Flag Prints

The American flag has gone through many design changes over the years, with 27 different versions since its original design was adopted in 1777. Featuring 50 stars and 13 stripes, representing the 50 states and 13 original colonies respectively, the current version of the flag has been the longest used. Art that depicts Old Glory is a great way to show pride for the U.S.A.

For some, the American flag represents much more than the intended symbolism behind its stars and stripes – be it nationalist pride or the American Dream. A handful of contemporary artists have chosen to explore the USA fag as artistic subject. 

Jasper Johns' Flag painting serves to question what a painting is, and how it is to be differentiated from the object it represents. Is Flag a painting or a flag, or both? Flag does not conclusively answer that question; instead, like so many of Johns’s creations it establishes a line of inquiry and asserts its significance for the practice and history of art.

Keith Haring utilizes his signature cartoon figures, placing them against the U.S. flag leaping, dancing, and tumbling down the flag, while hitting and nudging the stars and stripes as they make their way down the poster. It's hilariously tongue-in-cheek, as Haring's artworks always were.

In this step-by-step printmaking video you will learn how to create artistic interpretations of the USA flag using shaving cream and food coloring. Creative fun for the whole family. Supplies needed: Plastic to cover your table, shaving cream, food colors red and blue, straight edge, skewer or toothpick, a rag and copy paper or any white paper.

Shaving Cream Flag Prints

Optical Illusions trick your eyes, look amazing and are super fun to create. In this video I will guide you step-by-step how to create a simple optical illusion. Our example is inspired by the USA flag but of course you may add your choice of colors and patterns. Supplies needed: Paper, pencil, ruler, colored pencils or markers and of course your imagination.

Red, White and Blue Optical Illusion

Week of May 11, 2020 

Theme: PLANTS/ TREES

A tree is a tall plant with a trunk and branches made of wood. Trees can live for many years. The oldest tree ever discovered is approximately 5,000 years old. The four main parts of a tree are the roots, the trunk, the branches, and the leaves. 

Trees produce oxygen and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The roots of a tree usually grow underground, helping keep it stable and providing it with water and important nutrients. Water and nutrients travel up the tree trunk, through the branches and all the way out to the leaves.

Create a 3D Paper Tree

How to Draw an Edelweiss Flower

Edelweiss is a white flower with woolly, star-shaped petals. Edelweiss grows in the Alps. It is a symbol of Switzerland, but also of Alpine Germany and Austria. Edelweiss actually originated in the Himalayas, but over time it migrated to the Alps! The edelweiss holds cultural importance and is a cherished symbol in Austria and Switzerland. The flower has long been prominent in folklore, visual arts, music and clothing design. Edelweiss means "noble-white" in German.

When most people think about the Edelweiss flower, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the song from the Sound of Music, but little do people know that there is a romantic story behind this beautiful flower. Edelweiss flowers can be found growing in Switzerland in areas at altitudes of at least 5,600 feet on up to around 9,000 feet.

Need a Brain Break?

Have you been spending a lot of time indoors looking at a screen lately? If so, then these Brain Break videos are just what you need. These are fun activities for the whole family. Enjoy!

Brain Break: Object Color Wheel

Brain Break: Doodle