Dali's Moustache

Metal Tooling in Middle School Art

2013-01-21T08:32:00.001-08:00

This was probably one of the favorites. My 8th graders enjoyed it because most had not used the material before. I cut 7" squares of cardboard and gave each student a piece of metal tooling. They wrapped it around and got to work. Beforehand, they drew a practice design using lines-of all kinds- in pencil. I found that a pencil was the easiest tool to use but also set out the 'real' tools made with different kinds of metal tips. They enjoyed experimenting with those...

Some wanted an antiqued look so I set out some black paint to rub into the cracks.

The next step was to make the lines go outside of the metal square onto a white frame.

Some picked one or two colors in sharpie or colored pencil. If they used sharpie they could add the color to the metal as well.

Some were really daring and used multiple metal squares

Last, we added a background color of construction paper. Sadly I don't have pictures of the finished works on my camera yet. We ended with a class critique. Can't wait to hang these in our 8th grade art show in February!

Middle School Self Portraits

2013-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

For this lesson, I took a photo of each student and printed them. The students drew a 1"x1" grid over the photo. I gave them a large piece of watercolor paper on which they made a larger grid. I showed the class how to transfer the image onto the larger paper.

Then, students added charcoal, vine and compressed.

Last, they picked a color for their background and painted around their portrait.

This was challenging for most students, but drawing with a grid is definitely a great skill to learn for 8th grade. I'm proud of their results!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

2012-12-24T08:39:00.002-08:00

Hope you have a wonderful Holiday and enjoy the time with family and friends!

-Ren

Nevelson Inspired Assemblage

2012-12-23T17:22:00.000-08:00

My 3D class created this assemblages inspired by the artwork of Louise Nevelson. The more I read about Nevelson, the more interesting she is to me, what a character! (I love that she often wore three layers of false eyelashes.)

We began by collecting a lot of random objects, little toys or objects from junk drawers that weren't being used. We gave them a new purpose in our art!

Then, like Nevelson, we painted them with one color. This makes your eye really LOOK and find interesting textures; it reminded us of those 'I spy books' you would read as a kid.

Our works on display in the case!

Sketchbook Assignment Ideas: Middle School

2012-12-08T14:52:00.002-08:00

Here are some sketchbook examples by my 8th graders. They receive an assignment every two weeks. They are given the assignment on a monday and then it is due the next friday. For this assignment, they divided their page into 6 sections and each section had a requirement. (Draw an eye, use numbers, use letters, a line design, a natural object, then one space for whatever they want).

For the next example, students had to pick an image of a celebrity or someone they find in a magazine. Next, they cut it in half and the challenge is to draw the other half. This is really difficult for some students, it makes you really pay attention to where facial features go!

Inspired by Canopic Jars

2012-11-30T19:17:00.001-08:00

My 3D students learned about ancient Egypt and the Mummification process. We designed and created our own canopic jars out of clay coils.

We also used some funky glazes!

I also made these glaze test tiles...the kiddos like looking through them and picking their favorites.

Photography

2012-11-18T07:04:00.001-08:00

Hey Art blogger friends! I just wanted to put in a little plug for my photography site, which I told you about over the summer. I've recently had a few more photo shoots and wanted to share the link with you. Please feel free to visit (and pass the link on to a friend) and if you're in the central PA area and are looking for someone to take photos, let me know! Here you go: Lauren Rita Photography

Playing with Watercolor

2012-11-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

My 8th graders have been exploring watercolor and what it can do. First we tested a few different techniques like dry brush, graded wash, wet on wet, adding salt...etc

We talked about contour line drawing and continuous contour (and tried blind contour too!)

We drew a still life of objects using pencil then sharpie marker.

Next we practiced dripping watercolor and applying it...the rule was that it couldn't be "perfect".

We were inspired by this artist: Daniel Egneus

I wanted everyone to feel like they made a successful watercolor painting, so I added a second project. I had students 'draw with glue' to create a batik effect and once dry, paint over top.

Graffiti Words

2012-11-05T14:14:00.001-08:00

Have you noticed your students writing their name in graffiti font? My students do all the time..so I thought we'd learn about 'street art'. We studied the history of graffiti and murals, making sure we knew the distinction that one is illegal, the other legal. We then picked an inspiring word, word that described us, or something we want to become. Here are a few from my class...

I'll post more soon!

7th Grade color wheels

2012-10-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

In our color theory unit, 7th grade mixed tempera, painted rectangles of the primaries, secondaries, and tertiaries -or intermediates. The students then picked an animal or object that interests them and used it as a stencil.

Most students added details using white or black prismacolor pencils.

We had a class critique to discuss our finished works of arts.

Micrography Portraits

2012-10-11T16:09:00.001-07:00

A portrait made out of...words?!

Yep, you heard me, my 8th grade 2D class made their portraits out of words. Lots and lots of words!

First, I took their picture with a strong light on one side of their faces. Then I uploaded each picture into "Pixelmator" which you can download for around 30$ (it's like a less-expensive, less-frills photo shop!) and used a filter to get a high contrast-just black and white-photo. I printed them out and then each student traced the black shapes on their face. It might help to hold the photo upside down so your brain doesn't 'imagine' an eye or some detail that didn't show up on your photo. The above examples are mine.

Here are some images I found through a google search on Micrography...kids in all of my classes LOVE looking at these and trying to figure out who they are!

Next, we talked about "free writing"...writing what is on your mind (but school appropriate, of course!)...free writing has no concern for punctuation, capitalization, or even correct spelling- which allows you to quickly write to fill up the black spaces.

Here are some Awesome finished examples!...

Our finished funky wire sculptures!

2012-10-06T13:30:00.004-07:00

Here they are! I love how each is so different and kind of takes on the personality of the artist.

It's amazing what you can do with wire and pantyhose!

Wire and Panty Hose Sculptures!

2012-09-30T06:58:00.001-07:00

My 8th grade 3D class is currently working on wire & panty hose sculptures. I found the idea on a google search (and quite possibly a pinterest search as well) and thought they looked so cool!

We started by looking at many different types of sculptures- from classic greek marble sculptures to modern ones (Bourgeoise, DuBuffet...etc)

My friend- the tech ed teacher- cut a bunch of pine 2"x4" and I used my drill to create holes in the wood. I let the kids pick where they wanted their holes to be drilled based on their thumb nail sketch designs. We used 16 gauge wire(?) and twisted it to create our wire form.

Next, we used one leg of pantyhose and pulled it over the wire and wood base.

Next, we used gesso to paint a base. This takes awhile because the panty hose just soaks up the paint...

Our sculptures drying...

After the gesso dries, it creates an ideal painting surface as the panty hose becomes hard.

This is the fun part!

My students have a lot of great ideas....can't wait to see them all finished!

Plaster Masks: finished

2012-09-29T18:09:00.001-07:00

Here are our (mostly) finished masks. After our plaster dried, we used tempera paint- and I tried to stress the importance of mixing colors rather than using colors straight from the tube.

This one was so large...and I was lazy and didn't get a BIG sheet of black paper. Oops!

Notan Squares: 6th grade

2012-09-25T17:01:00.000-07:00

6th grade just finished a lesson on the art of Notan. Notan, which means "lightness and darkness" is all about creating balance and positive/negative working together.

I gave my 6th graders a square of construction paper to practice! Everyone is bound to goof on their first try...so this takes the pressure off.

Some students glued their practice square in their art journal

Some students glued their practice onto tan paper if it was too big to fit in their AJ.

The next day, we painted a large square either using warm colors (watercolor paint) or cool colors. This was our background for our Notan square in black.

My two examples...

Here are some works in progress:

Here are some finished works hanging in the hallway:

Progress: Plaster Masks

2012-09-23T08:22:00.002-07:00

Last week we finished our masks- we used tempera paint (metallics, too) on top of our sanded plaster. The only thing you need to be mindful of is not to use too much water which will re-wet the plaster.

I love how unique each one is becoming...some look really tribal like the images we viewed before starting (traditional masks from Africa) while others are really futuristic.

Masks in progress

2012-09-11T15:35:00.001-07:00

(Click the above link to see the entire blog post)

My 8th grade artists are working on plaster masks- it has been a really fun project so far!

First, we learned about traditional African masks and then did 3 practice sketches.

We then turned our favorite parts into a full size drawing of a mask (not pictured, oops!).

We used plastic face forms to make our masks but built onto them using newspaper and plastic to cover.

We used warm water and plaster bandage strips.

After two days of building

Some students even got funky and added horns.

Testing it out!!

We just started painting today! More pictures in a few!

Sketchbook Number 1

2012-09-07T18:11:00.004-07:00

My 8th graders had their first sketchbook assignment due today. The assignment was to draw a personal object from observation from three different angles. They also had to write a paragraph about their object.

Here's the rubric they received...and graded themselves. I then looked at their rubric and SB and gave them a grade. (Click on photos to enlarge)

The Middle School Art Room

2012-09-01T09:10:00.001-07:00

What a wild week! Middle school is a whole other ballgame. The first day was a totally different schedule than normal with pictures and assemblies...so I came home feeling frazzled and unsure of myself. The second day was MUCH better with a regular schedule. I felt like I could gain my footing and start to get to know my students.

6th and 7th grade started out by making a portfolio and a small Art Journal/Sketchbook.

8th graders are special (of course) and they each get their own bin. We spent a day making name tags on marbled paper...here are some examples:

We also signed up to be Art Helpers in each class...

Here are some past student examples of portfolios the other art teacher left behind for me to use. I'm so excited to see what my students come up with!

On Tuesday my 8th grade 3D class are starting to make African Masks. Here is a large example I borrowed from another art teacher. My students love it...I kind of want to keep it for the classroom!

the "2D room"- in the back there is a "3D room" which is dark.

The new labels on the drawers are more for me than for the students...I need to get familiar with where things are! I have the lucky problem of having LOTS of storage!

The "3d" or Clay room.

Lovin it. More projects to come soon!

New endeavor

2012-08-25T06:46:00.002-07:00

Hi everyone! School starts on Monday for me so the past few weeks have been CRAZY (as I'm sure they've been for you!!) I can't wait to start posting MIDDLE SCHOOL lessons- but for right now, I wanted to share with you my new photography blog. I was able to shoot two weddings this summer, one I already shared with you, and one was last weekend. I've also done a few children's portraiture sessions and those are on the blog as well. If you have a minute, jump over to: Lauren Rita Photography and check it out.
If you're in the Central PA or surrounding areas and need a photographer, leave a comment with your contact info and I'll be sure to get back to you!

Hooray! An art job!

2012-08-13T16:54:00.001-07:00

Wow! This summer has been crazy. Come to think of it, the past four summers since I graduated college have been Crazy with a capital C. I'm sure there are a ton of you out there looking for jobs, getting long term sub positions- just like me for the past few years. Let's be honest here: it's tough right now! It is SO difficult to even get a call back after submitting an application (unless you were lucky enough to have an 'in' with a district). I feel like I should write a book on interviewing tips- not that I'm a professional or amazing at it- (otherwise it shouldn't have taken me this long!!) but I've been on probably 30 art interviews the past four summers, from the basic brief 'weeding out' interview to having to teach a 15 minute lesson in front of a group of administrators. This is not an easy process!

For the past three years I've been LONGING for my own classroom, to have students for more than one year, to make friends (I can keep) with faculty members...and folks it has finally worked out!!

I got an official call today for a job offer at a PA district- a full time contracted position! I'm so excited because It is the district I taught in last year- which is totally amazing by the way! What is really cool is I will get to surprise my 5th graders last year because I will be a middle school teacher this year! That's right, a MIDDLE SCHOOL art teacher!! (How funny will that be to see their confused faces on the first day?) Wow. That hasn't even begun to phase me yet! I'm so excited for new lessons, new content, new curriculums, and a higher skill level!

I would love to get some advice from the experienced Middle School ART teachers out there...what should I prepare myself for? (You could even put a link to your blog in my comments, that would be RAD!)

Ahhhh....for tonight I am going to just revel in the fact that I finally have a REAL art job! So lucky!

-Ren

Featuring a Friend

2012-08-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! My friend Michele Comp just started a blog called "Olive Art, Do you?" which is named after her new puppy, Olive :]

Anyway, Michele is a fantastic art teacher in PA and has some amazing ideas. Seriously, every time we talk she has new ideas and inventions that she should totally patent! Help her out and hop over to her blog: Olive Art, Do you? and don't forget to hit the "Follow" button so you can keep up with her blog!

Have a happy Friday!

-REN

400 and growing

2012-08-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to write a big THANK YOU to my followers!!! It is so encouraging to read your comments and follow your blogs for inspiration! Thanks for clicking the "Follow" button, you guys rock!

I know summer has been slow with lessons...but don't worry in a few short weeks Dali's Moustache will be up and cranking out beautiful and creative projects!

I am [still] figuring out what the exact job situation is going to be but am blessed to have a few options! I will announce (as soon as I know for SURE) where I'll be!

Love you guys!

-Ren

Summer Color

2012-07-27T11:03:00.002-07:00

Okay so this doesn't have anything to do with art or teaching...but it is full of summer color from the garden!

Here's a look at what was in the garden when I returned from Stone Harbor! Wowza!

Biggest Cukes I've ever seen!

So the perfect solution was to make some salsa. P.S. I love this little food processor by the Food Network. FYI: I just googled it, looks like Kohls no longer sells it :( sadness!

I threw in: 1 huge Tomato, 1 small green pepper, 2 green onions, a few garlic cloves, corn, cumin, salt & pepper, and sugar to cut the acidity.

Serve with multi grain tortilla chips (or blue corn chips, love those but I ran out!)

Garden Fresh in a Mason Jar.

Music Video made by High School Students

2012-07-22T14:25:00.004-07:00

I was just over at www.thisiscolossal.com and there is a neat music video for the recording artist Michael Andrews for his song "Bubbles in Space." The cool thing about it: each frame was individually drawn by a group of over 100 high school students (from San Diego HS, High Tech High).

Here's another great link on 'the making of' which explains the process and shows the students in action on Vimeo. It's pretty inspiring to see students working together to create a music video, what a neat collaboration to be proud of!