Explorations in Art

The Elements of Art (Review)

2013-05-19T12:45:00.001-04:00

This cat project demonstrated our understanding of how to use the elements of art in an effective way.

Students used a variety of materials (pencils, color pencils, colorful sharpies, brushes, and water colors)

in order to exhibit a variety of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and patterns. Students were advised to include at least two elements in their compositions.

We also had a discussion on how science has elements such as hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen; Literature has settings, characters, and plots; and music has elements such as rhythm, melody, harmony, and tempo.

Creating in the Style of Ryan Travis Christian

2013-04-21T14:54:00.000-04:00

The Contemporary Art Museum in Raleigh is presently holding an exhibition of artworks by Ryan Travis Christian, entitled " Well, Here We Aren't Again." Christian is a Chicago-area artist who enjoys working with graphite and ink. In his work you can view abstract elements, comic characters, and cartoon iconography.

The students viewed his work and loved his use of graphite and ink, as well his use of cartoons. We decided to create our own compositions using black sharpies. Students created stencils of their favorite cartoon character and found a way to incorporate the image in their design. We were also free to incorporate our favorite images from Christian's work.

This project gave us the opportunity to review the concept of Line. We discussed how a straight line tends to make our eyes run along its length. In analyzing Christian's design, we saw how horizontal lines tend to be calmer and vertical lines tend to be more bouncy and alive. In Christian's Xs, diagonal lines can move in and out of the picture plane more than horizontal or vertical ones. In Christian's work we saw how lines can be real or implied, thin or thick, straight or jagged.

This student used the charactr of SpongeBob and the X-Men logo in his composition

He incorporated images from Christian's works: We're coming to poke you in the eye, Infinitely Unrealized Comic Potential, and Noisy Neighbor

Ryan Travis Christian, We're coming to poke you in the eye

Using rulers to create a checker board design.

The student incorporated the logo and symbols from the cartoon character Ben 10

Some of the imagery is taken from Christian's works Handlers, Noisy Neighbor and Infinitely Unrealized Comic Potential

Ryan Travis Christian, Infinitely Unrealized Comic Potential

Scooby-Doo and Jerry (Tom and Jerry) were the chosen cartoon characters for this composition

We can see elements from Christian's works Noisy Neighbor, We're coming to poke you in the eye and Infinitely Unrealized Potential

Ryan Travis Christian, Noisy Neighbor

The angry bird image together with the image of Ferb from the animated comedy Phineas and Ferb

Ryan Travis Christian, Handlers

SpongeBob, Jerry and Mickey Mouse together with the images found in Christian's work Handlers, We're coming to poke you in the eye, and Infinitely Unrealized Comic Potential

Tom from the cartoon Tom and Jerry and Scooby-Doo are sharing the composition with

targets and the poking eyes and the Xs from Christian's works.

Students incorporated successfully the scribbles found in some of Christian's works

Students were successful in using a variety of lines to create interesting compositions

Georgia O'Keeffe's Flowers

2013-03-17T11:38:00.001-04:00

For this lesson we looked at the work of Georgia O'Keeffe. We discussed how she created large paintings of flowers, as if she wanted the viewer to see their beauty through a magnifying lens. She said: "I decided that if I could paint that flower in a huge scale, you could not ignore its beauty." The students looked at pictures of her work and they were amazed with the beauty of colors and lines.

She also said: "When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it's your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not."

We used water colors in order to create our large-scale flowers. Students were encouraged to use a variety of brushes and colors.

Make a Portrait of a Friend

2013-03-03T10:58:00.000-05:00

The purpose of this project was for the Kindergarten students to make a portrait of their friend.

We discussed how a portrait is a drawing, painting, photograph or sculpture of a person.

We looked at Kasimir Malevich's self portrait and discussed his choice of colors.

We also look at Karl Schmidt-Rottluff's Portrait of Emy. We discussed how with the use of vibrant colors the artist expressed his feelings about Emy. Color becomes an important aspect in the composition.

Students sat across from each other, observing the details in each other's faces. They were also advised to illustrate in their portrait at least one thing they like about their friend.

Student comment: "He laughs really loud."

Student comment: "I love her freckles; and we both like the color green."

Student comment: " She has big eyelashes."

Student comment: "She has curly black hair; she is sad because her mom is out of town.

Blue is a sad color."

Student comment: " She is always so serious, and she has crazy hair."

Student comment: "My friend is like a rainbow."

Student comment: "My friend likes the color blue."

Student comment: "He makes me laugh."

Student: "Sometimes he makes me angry; red is an angry color."

Student comment: "My friend likes the color pink."

Student comment: "I love my friend's super black hair."

Student comment: "My friend lost three teeth and he looks funny."

Student comment: "I love her short black hair and her big brown eyes."

Student comment: "My friend has funny hair."

Beautiful Felines

2013-02-17T15:58:00.001-05:00

The students in Art Club created these expressionistic in-style cats.

Students used a variety of brushes. We learned how to mix and use acrylics correctly.

We reviewed our lesson on how to create interesting lines and patterns.

Having fun with lines, colors, and patterns

Using smaller brushes for detailing

Student comment: "I made a flower and a red banana for my cat."

The Raindrop of Alistair McClymont

2013-02-03T11:29:00.005-05:00

The inspiration for this project is based on the work of the British sculptor Alistair McClymont. His work is now exhibited at Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) Everything we are capable of seeing

We looked at his work and were impressed how the artist uses a variety of machines to create natural phenomena. McClymont demonstrates the close connection of art and science. His artistic process is unique as he is using machines to create "tornadoes," night-time rainbows, and suspended raindrops in mid-air.

He writes: "My artwork is a continuing process of discovery and experimentation. Each piece follows the last in a continual journey of investigation into cultural and physical phenomena. The work is underlined by a search for what it is to be human. This might be our position in time and space on a grand scale, or singular observations on subjects that fascinate me. Each piece takes a small subject and breaks it down into something understandable and perhaps beautiful."

For our interpretation of the raindrop we decided to create a frozen one.

We filled small balloons with water and a drop or two of liquid color and placed the balloons in the freezer overnight. The next day we cut off the latex, and voila! We have created colorful frozen water drops.

Alistair McClymont: Raindrop

I took a picture of the machine that allows the water drop to suspend in mid-air

The artist considers the process used to create his works more important than the actual finished product.

The artist took photographs of the raindrop

We created frozen water drops by freezing the water balloons.

We could see the smaller water drops frozen within the large mass of ice.

We decided to use the frozen water drops to create colorful compositions
Students applied the water colors directly out of the tube and into their water color paper

We used our frozen rain drops in place of a brush to blend the colors

Frozen hands in a action

We discussed the properties of water
Connecting science to art was part of this project

Student comment: " I made a rainbow just like Mr. McClymont."

Creating in the style of Andy Goldsworthy (Part II)

2013-01-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

In continuing our exploration of the work of Andy Goldsworthy, the students created projects illustrating the ephemeral quality found in some of his work. The artist often used brightly colored flowers, petals, leaves, pine cones, stones, twigs and mud.

The students collected a variety of material and created compositions

emphasizing the beauty found in nature. The artist explains why he takes photographs of his projects.

He writes: "My approach to photograph is kept simple, almost routine. All work good and bad, is documented. I use standard film, a standard lens and no filters. Each work grows, strays, decays- integral parts of a cycle which the photograph shows its height, marking the moment when the work is most alive. There is an intensity about a work at its peak that I hope is expresses in the image. Process and decay are implicit."

In following the example of Andy Goldsworth, the students took pictures of their work and gathered all the material from nature in containers for future projects.

Our nature trail offered a plethora of twigs and gum balls

Students collaborated in finding the desired material for their project.

It was impressive to watch students assisting each other when choosing materials for their design.

Concentrating and paying attention to detail.

Each student was responsible for one set of material; however, they were more than

willing to share with their fellow artists.

Walking around looking at each other's work and offering constructive criticism.

Student comment: "My butterfly will not be heavy in my photograph."

Learning how to collaborate was an essential part of this project

Accepting the fact that taking turns cleaning our classroom can be creative, too.

Creating in the style of Andy Goldsworthy (Part I)

2012-12-15T13:18:00.001-05:00

We dedicate this post to those who lost their lives and those who are affected by the recent events in Newtown, Connecticut. Our prayers are with them.

The inspiration for this project came from looking and examining the "Land Art" by Andy Goldsworthy. His art was influenced by the American movement of the 1960s. Goldsworthy was aware of Robert Smithson's Spiral Jelly in the Great Salt Lake of Utah and Michael Heizer's Double Negative in Nevada. Goldsworthy's art, however, has an ephemeral character. His works don't last long, and this is the central focus in his art.

We are fortunate that our school is surrounded by beautiful trees. Our nature trail often becomes a site where ideas for projects are born. After learning how nature plays a big part in Goldsworthy's art, we decided to take a walk in our "little forest," and see if we could get an idea for a project by just collecting dead branches. Every student collected dead branches in zip lock bags. One of the students had an idea of using the branches to create trees. We all loved the tree idea and proceeded in creating our Goldsworthy trees.

Andy Goldsworthy

Working in separating the branches according to size and thickness

Students used water colors for

the background paper

Our bodies participated in this project

Some of the thick branches had to be broken using our legs.

Students helping each other in placing and gluing the branches

The students who finished first were happy to assist their fellow artists

Elf Feet Visit Again

2012-12-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

We decided to make elf feet again since our students had fun with this project last year.
Click here to see the project from last year.
We used poster board paper and a variety of water colors.
Some students enhanced their compositions with a touch of golden paint.

The Power of Words

2012-11-25T17:25:00.001-05:00

The inspiration for this project came from viewing the works of nine women artists who explore the use of language in their work.

Their work is featured in the exhibition

Girl Talk

Women and Text

Contemporary Art Museum (CAM)

We examined the way the artists explored the ambiguity of language in their work.

The students decided to create their 'word collages' based on the work of the artist Kay Rosen.

This project had six steps:

1.The students looked for words in a variety of books, newspapers, and periodicals.

2. From the variety of words, we each decided to use only one word.

3. We created new words out of a singular word by rearranging or adding letters.

4. We used black sharpies to write our new words on water color paper.

5. We used water colors to paint over the letters.

6. We cut the letters and created our word collages.

During the art process, the students were able to discuss word choice and creation of new words with their fellow artists.

Kay Rosen

The student learned that Ark is the Latin word for box.

Kar is an Armenian word meaning "stone".

Rak is a river in Slovenia.

Kay Rosen

Experiments in Weaving

2012-11-18T11:18:00.001-05:00

Weaving is an art activity that most students enjoy. I prepared the paper and cardboard looms with larger openings for the Kindergarten class. Students had a choice from a variety of yarn. We discussed how you can create patterns by using regular or textured yarn.

By using our fingers to weave in and out, over and under, around and through, we learned to coordinate our eyes, hands, and minds. Some students made changes in the middle of the weaving because they were not happy with the results. Problem solving came into play when they were trying to decide on which yarn type to use and how, by using a different hand motion, they could create a different pattern.

My example

An Art History Lesson with the help of Vincent van Gogh's Cat

2012-10-27T11:12:00.000-04:00

We devoted three sessions studying the work of famous artists.

The book Vincent van Gogh's Cat was used as an inspiration for this mini art history lesson.

This book was illustrated by the Second Grade Students of East Washington Academy in Muncie, Indiana.

The adventurous cat in the book is exploring the paintings of famous artists as he travels from one famous painting to another.

The students chose their favorite work from the book and did a mini research on the artist.

The chosen works were: "Four Cut Sunflowers" 1887; Vincent van Gogh. "Waterlilies" 1908; Claude Monet.

"Exotic Landscape" 1908; Henri Rousseau. "Hermitage" 1918; Paul Klee. "Tree of Life" 1905-1909; Gustav Klimt. "Woman in Front of the Sun" 1950; Joan Miro. "Green Dancer" 1880; Edgar Degas. "Three Musicians" 1921; Pablo Picasso. "The starry Night" 1889; Vincent van Gogh.

We made copies of the chosen works, and every student had the opportunity to discuss the different elements found in the work. We looked for details, discussed colors, inspiration, and brushstroke. We looked for similarities and differences among the different artworks. We finally discussed what elements contributed to the "mood" of each artwork.

Each student created a template for her/his cat.

We used black sharpies, markers, oil pastels and water colors.

The Starry Night Vincent van Gogh

Tree of Life Gustav Klimt

Waterlilies Claude Monet

Exotic Landscape Henri Rousseau

Green Dancer Edgar Degas

Three Musicians Pablo Picasso

Hermitage Paul Klee

Four Cut Flowers Vincent van Gogh

Woman in Front of the Sun Joan Miro

Creating pumpkins in the style of Yayoi Kusama

2012-10-13T11:19:00.001-04:00

Last year I introduced our Kindergarten students to the work of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

Please click Here to view the post.

The students loved her colorful work with polka dots, and this year I decided we should have more fun creating pumpkins based on her style. Both grades (KG, and G1) viewed Yayoi Kusama's work, concentrating on her colorful pumpkins.

Some Kindergarten students used finger painting to create the dots, while others choose to use brushes. It was interesting to watch the students trying to hold the brush completely vertical in an effort to create the "perfect" dot.

The first graders decided to use pencils and colorful sharpies for the drawing part or the project and water colors for the background.

Yayoi Kusama surrounded by her colorful pumpkins.

Yayoi Kusama

Exploring Symmetry and Balance

2012-10-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

We explored symmetry and balance in art by observing the patterns in butterflies.

After examining how the balance and symmetry was achieved, the students worked in creating their own symmetrical butterflies.

The project had four steps. Step one: We used pencils to draw our butterflies. Step two: We made an effort to draw the same images in both sides. Step three: We use black sharpies over our pencil lines. Step four: We used markers and water colors to complete our composition.

Exploring Lines (Part II)

2012-09-29T14:53:00.002-04:00

In continuing our exploration of lines, we created compositions using paint, paper, plastiline, and floral wire.
The students were given the choice to create a Two- or a Three-Dimensional work. We observed how we can control the thickness of the lines by using a variety of brushes (thicker or thinner tips). The creation of lines was different when we used plastiline, as it took longer to create the desired lines. The students who decided to use floral wire were challenged with bending the wire in different directions to accomplish a variety of lines.

Exploring Lines in Art

2012-09-24T19:17:00.000-04:00

For this lesson we looked at the work of Doyle Trenton Hancock and how he uses lines to create strong visual compositions. As one of the students stated: "The lines are having a party." We played the "line detective" game, and we were successful in finding organic energetic lines, actual and implied lines, thick, dark, and rigid lines as well as delicate lines trying to convey a message. We discussed how, sometimes, artists use lines to direct our eyes to the focal point of the composition. We observed how some of the lines in his work suggest forms that can be recognized and examined how some of of his lines were combined with others to create textures and patterns.

Doyle Trenton Hancock

Creating interesting patterns in our raindrops.

Understanding the organic quality in Doyle Trenton Hancock's work.

Using markers to complete our composition.

Student comment: "I drew a fish bone just like the one in Mr.Hancock's picture."

Leaves of Summer

2012-09-01T12:07:00.000-04:00

For this project students used a variety of leaf templates. The students were free to decide between three methods: mosaic, finger painting, and painting with water colors. All students used water colors to paint the background.

Using wood to create 3-Dimensional art (Part II)

2012-08-18T08:34:00.000-04:00

For this part of wood exploration, the students used a variety of wood scraps in order to create a colorful composition.
The students also had the opportunity to explore the art of pyrography. We learned that pyrography can be translated as "writing with heat". We looked at pictures of the variety of pokers that artists use, and discussed how different temperature is applied to the heated area of wood in order to create dark lines and shading.
The students did a great job creating designs using the burner pen, and some of them even managed to write their name.

Creating designs on a wooden surface was challenging.

The wood is not as smooth as a piece of paper and often absorbs paint faster.

The pyrography experiment is placed in the middle of the composition.

Learning how to hold the burner pen correctly was essential for this project.
We went over the safety procedures in detail.

We learned quickly that we can burn the wood if we remain on the same spot longer than needed.

Student comment: " I smell the wood burning".

Practicing writing letters.

Using wood to create 3-Dimensional art (Part I)

2012-08-12T09:22:00.000-04:00

For this project the students used a variety of wood strips to create a 3-Dimensional art work.

The students had a choice to create an objective or a non-objective piece of work.

It was interesting to watch the students as they were trying to decide on what wood pieces they needed to use in order to build their wood composition.

Student comment: " My design reminds me of the rays of the sun."

Working on decorating the background paper.

Student comment: "I can sail away in this ship."

Creating prints using styrofoam sheets for the background paper.

Creating a frame using a variety of wood.

Making decisions on how to incorporate scraps of paper to the background paper.

Creating prints using the styrofoam sheets.

Student comment: "I made a giant dragonfly."

Student comment: "This is my star design."

Student comment: "I like grids."

Student comment; "I made a robot."

Using a variety of acrylic colors to complete the wood composition.

Student comment: " This is my living room ."

Student comment: "I made a Tree House."

Student comment: "I can swim as fast as Michael Phelps."

Art Treasure Boxes

2012-08-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

For this project the students were free to choose from our two art treasure boxes.
The first group decided to create architectural compositions by using long wooden sticks and paper plates.
The second group decided to use paper and acrylics to create flowers with interesting colorful patterns.

Vinyl Flowers and Play Dough Fish

2012-07-31T05:49:00.000-04:00

For this mixed media project the students were divided into two groups. The first group decided to create flowers using vinyl 45's records. The second group used colorful play dough to create fish.

The students used a variety of materias and tools to complete their mixed media projects.

Collages and Reshaping vinyl Records

2012-07-14T09:47:00.000-04:00

This week in art camp the students were divided into two groups. The first group created collage compositions using paper and aluminum foil scraps. The second group learned how to reshape old vinyl records and turned them into bowls. We learned that recycling is like resurrecting an old item and giving it a new life.

For the reshaping of the records, we used the oven in our school.

We placed the vinyl record on a metallic bowl and watched the melting and shaping process.

Since students were not allowed in the kitchen area, each student watched the process

through the open door.

The students used acrylics to paint the reshaped records.

We had a great discussion on how there was a time when every household had a collection of

these whopping 12-inch vinyl discs.

For the collage compositions, some students used water colors to paint the foil, while others

used paper scraps.

Having Fun With Wearable Art

2012-07-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

This week in art camp we created some interesting wearable art projects.

The students were divided into four groups. The fist group decided to create Tie-Dye shirts. The second group had fun decorating baseball hats. The third group created some interesting tote bags. The fourth group worked on drawing and painting with fabric paint to decorate their T-shirts.

We had fun folding and tying the shirts with rubber bans and string.

We limited the colors we used because this was an introduction to

Tie-Dye shirts.

We used fabric paint to enhance our Tie-Dye shirts.

The baseball hat group used a variety of fabric and acrylic colors

to create some interesting patterns and designs.

The students used black sharpies to draw their design.

Every effort was made to cover the black outlines with colors.

Having fun drawing and painting our T-shirts.

Having fun decorating our tote bags.

The students were so proud of their finished product.

It was a challenge to draw and paint on the hard canvas surface.

Take Your Paintbrush For a Walk

2012-06-30T09:31:00.000-04:00

One of the things I like about Summer Art Club is that it gives the opportunity to the students to improvise while discovering the unlimited possibilities of art.
For this summer adventure the students had to use water colors, to create abstract colorful compositions.

The students used spray water bottles to dilute the water colors.

(KG) Mixed-media flowers

2012-06-03T12:58:00.000-04:00

My students always enjoy creating mixed-media projects. I love seeing the excitement in their eyes when they see the baskets with

the discarded material from previous projects. I recently added some corks I bought from our local The Scrap Exchange store.

We decided to create flowers using the different materials found in the mixed-media baskets.

This student preferred not to paint the clay pieces of her flower.

Having fun spreading the paint without getting our hands messy.

Creating the center of our flower by wrapping the plastic wrap into different shapes.

Student comment: "My petals look like ravioli. I had cheese ravioli last night."

Using corks to create the petals.

Student comment: "Look! I made a flower with hair."

Student comment: "I made a sunflower."