Blue Dog (who is not always blue)

Art Club (3rd-5th) learned about George Rodrigue and his "Blue Dog". First we watched a YouTube video of George Rodrigue from "Sunday Morning", to learn more about this artist and his Dog. 

After that we drew the dog, breaking it down into steps and shapes we recognize. When students were ready to paint their dogs, I reminded them that Blue Dog is not always blue. The next day when it was time for backgrounds on a separate paper we painted monochromatic, concentric shapes, the color was to be the same or contrast the "Blue Dog".

Another great resource I used was the book, 

"Why is Blue Dog Blue? A Tale of Colors" by George Rodrigue. 

A few of the amazing artworks! 

Clay Fish and Pinch Pots

2nd Grade just finished their clay fish. These slab fish are a great way to teach student how to attach clay. These are honestly some of the better clay fish I have seen from students in the recent years. And of course when using clay we are learning about form and the difference between 2-D and 3-D objects. 

Because storage is an issue I load the kiln as soon as I finish a class.
And let the clay dry there before firing.

After the clay transforms in the kiln we talk about the science behind the change. Then we start painting. I gave the students an assortment of paint colors including metallic. Students had to choose a color scheme with 4 colors of less. The results were amazing!!

The gold paint was a big hit!!


Kindergarten Pinch Pots 
 Every Kindergarten student everywhere, makes a pinch pot.
It can be the base for so many different clay lessons.
Here are some pictures of some amazing pinch pot construction by one Kindergarten class.

Non-Obective and Pop Art

Here are two lessons that 5th grade has done this year:

5th Grade learned about a multitude of elements when creating some Non-Objective Art. 

One of the great things about Non-Objective Art is that there is honestly no wrong way to make it. But there are a few guidelines.

First we developed a background with tissue paper. Students were to choose a color scheme (no more than 4 colors) and use geometric shapes in some sort of pattern or design.

Then we discussed Organic Shapes and Rhythm. Rhythm is always a tricking Principle of Design to explain. I have simplified it down to a pattern that moves and not just across the space, but it must make your eye travel ALL around the page. 

Wonderful Work!!

POP ART ICE CREAM CONES

I found this lesson on the blog Splats, Scraps and Glue Blobs,

http://splatsscrapsandglueblobs.blogspot.com, by way of Pinterest. 

It was a wonderful way to introduce the Element of Art Value and Pop Artist Wayne Theibaud. I first showed students a YouTube video of Wayne Thiebaud from "Sunday Morning". Then we looked at his artwork and talked about the value that he shows in his work. 

Then we got down to work and painted a long paper monochromatic from tint to shade. 

Next class we discussed contrast and the background color should contrast the ice cream color. Then we cut the painted paper into ice cream scoops, added a cone and some finishing details with oil pastels.

YUMMY!!

PIGasso and MOOtisse

One of my favorite kind of lessons to teach are the ones where students learn about famous artists. A great way to introduce children (especially primary aged Kindergarten thru 2nd Graders) to artists is with the aide of a book. "When Pigasso met Mootisse" by Nina Laden, is a wonderful book to introduce kids to artists Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. 

After we read the book we talk about the real artists and their styles. Picasso is a cubist, he likes straight lines and geometric shapes. Matisse is a fauve, he likes color and organic shapes. We compare and contrast the two styles and the students decide which style they like best. Then they draw either a portrait of Mootisse or Pigasso. Whoever they choose, they then draw that character using that artists' style.

 After we drew the character then we start adding color with oil pastel.

In some classes we started with the background first. Watercolor paint and I tried to stress choosing a color scheme of warm or cool. (Some get it more than others.)

Excellent results!! Looks like Pigasso was more popular this year!