Weaving

The Bees learned how to weave paper. They independently cut out their fish shape, cut vertical slits and wove in patterned paper. This project is great for their fine motor skill development! It was completed with some metallic marker embellishments.

Collagraph Printmaking

All of the students got their hands dirty learning about printmaking. We created collagraphs, which is a form of printmaking using layers of raised paper, which is subsequently inked up and pressed down on paper to create an impression. We explored creating textural effects and making color choice using colored paper and different inks. The Eagles and Elephants invented their own city skylines:

The Bees invented their own robots, specifically a robot they would like to have as a best friend. Each of them have interesting back stories and special functions.

Kandinsky Circle Paintings

The Bees learned about the Russian artist Wassily Kandinsky and reviewed how to mix colors. While most students have learned to mix secondary colors with ease, I noticed many were unable to mix more nuanced variations, such as the difference between mint green and lime green. This projects goal was to really strengthen their color mixing skills combined with beginning to learn about abstract art. We watched a stop-motion video clip to help them visualize color combination with an easy to remember song:

Next, we analyzed Kandinsky's circle paintings and identified the various colors he invented. We folded our paper into 8 squares. Beginning with a dot, the students painted circle around circle around circle. Here is my demonstration example:

I challenged the students to invent as many new colors as possible. I provided them with challenges to mix specific colors we found in the art room. We also named some of our new color inventions.

Analogous Color Collaborations

The Bees collaborated to create a large art installation project! We learned about analogous colors and warm versus cool colors on the color wheel. The students created warm collaborations (red, orange, and yellow) followed by cool collaborations (green, blue, purple). Our aesthetic focus was to learn about and create organic shapes, from both a microscopic and macroscopic perspective. For inspiration we analyzed at artwork by Lea Anderson, recurring shapes and patterns found in nature, and discoveries we made at our field trip to the Tenafly Nature Center. The students learned how to collaborate and work together as team to build the installation. While we have been building our compliment charts and learning how to evaluate fellow classmates art with positive comments, this project allowed students to begin learning how to find solutions when they disagreed. They succeeded in working both independently and together in an team effort. 

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Color Detectives

The Eagles and Elephants participated in a one-day skill-building project called Color Detectives. Using paint color swatches as a guide, the students had to match the colors as they EXACTLY appeared on the swatch. While this sounds simple, it can be tricky to fine tune a color and requires independent problem solving to arrive a solution. They did a great job!

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Animal Color Schemes

The Eagles and Elephants learned about different color schemes: primary, secondary, monochromatic, analogous and complementary. We viewed and discussed a presentation about the effects of color schemes with work created by various modern artists and designers. We learned how colors can be purposefully used together to create feelings, moods and target audiences. After completing a worksheet based on the information learned, the students chose an animal reference to create an oil pastel drawing using a color scheme of their choice.

We learned more about how to use oil pastels to our advantage through different methods of layering to create illusion. Upon completion of project, the students wrote an artist statement about how their intentional color scheme choice affects their animal. Below are some photos of their impressive finished drawings with statements (which are currently on display).

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Flying Animal Sidekicks

The Bees and Little Eagles made a triumphant return to clay! Relating to our prior superhero collage project, the students built their own flying animal sidekicks. They independently chose an animal to help them fight evil and contribute to their superhero abilities.

The students quickly learned a new construction technique and demonstrated greater proficiency using clay since their first clay project earlier this school year. I did a quick clay demonstration for them, and then the students autonomously constructed their own sculptures. Demonstrated below, we used the "log method":

First, we rolled a log

After flattening it a little, we cut out two triangle slices on either end.

Next, we arched our sculptures into animal form, shaping the legs (if applicable). This method is easier than attaching an animal's legs using separate pieces because clay is vulnerable to cracking and falling apart once dry. Once our clay was a stable and structural form, we added texture and details using a variety of tools.

 After the sculptures dried, we painted our animal sidekicks using animal references for inspiration.

Lastly, the students added a layer of gloss to protect them and make shiny. 

Slug

Owl

Cat (appropriately named Hairball)

Skunk

Labrador 

Horse (with wings)

Dolphin

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