Killam Family Tree

J.W. Killam Family Tree

This is our Killam School Family Tree inspired by the work of Gustav Klimt.  Each student and staff member made a self-portrait to create the “leaves”  for the tree.  Students learned about facial proportions and were introduced to the Art Nuevo style and the work of Gustav Klimt.

My original plan was to have students create a new portrait each year and to save them so children would leave elementary school with a series of self-portraits from Kindergarten through fifth grade.  However, my bubble was burst when I heard numerous groans while introducing the assignment in September.  I am not one who believes every lesson needs be shiny, new and exciting at all times, but I really do want students to be enthusiastic about the brief time they have in the studio each week- and so, I am rethinking this plan.  But for now, our tree shows how we are each part of a bigger picture and together, we create a masterpiece!

The inspiration for this collaborative art came from a photo posted on The LearningExperience.  Thank you for sharing your beautiful mural and inspiring ours!

All School- Creation Station Option

I am trying to have some on-going community art projects for students to work on as time allows.  This ART collage is nearly finished.  We just need a few more ARTs to fill in the blanks and a clear coat.  Look for it soon outside room 1!

 

 

 

Community Looms- Weaving

 

My students LOVE weaving!  I picked up the smaller loom at a garage sale and keep it available for students who have a little extra time.   The larger loom was crafted from a flea market frame.  I did need to attach some corner brackets to the back to make it a bit sturdier, but it seems to be holding up just fine.  I added the warp to little eye screws.  The weft students are currently working with is actually old paint smocks cut into strips.  I am excited to see how our first big weaving comes out!

 

 

Tints, Shades, and Tones- Oh My!

Mayan Name Printing

 

 

Native American Inspired Necklaces

Pinch Pots- Second grade

 

Second Grade Pinch Pots

 

Second graders created these beautiful clay pots using the pinching method.  Students started with a ball of clay and used their thumbs to begin the bowl shape.  Then they carefully pinched out the walls concentrating on pulling the clay up toward the top to create even walls and avoid bottom heavy pots.  Even thickness is important for clay pieces to avoid cracking when drying and firing.  These pots were then painted with acrylic paints, decorated with black marker and topped with a gloss coat.

 

MA curriculum Frameworks- 1.1 Use a variety of materials and media, for example, crayons, chalk, paint, clay, various kinds of papers, textiles, and yarns, and understand how to use them to produce different visual effects 1.2 Create artwork in a variety of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) media, for example: 2D – drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, weaving; 3D – plastic (malleable) materials such as clay and paper, wood, or found objects for assemblage and construction 1.3 Learn and use appropriate vocabulary related to methods, materials, and techniques 1.4 Learn to take care of materials and tools and to use them safely 2.4 For shape and form, explore the use of shapes and forms in 2D and 3D works 5.2 Classify artworks into general categories, such as painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, pottery, textiles, architecture, photography, and film

 

 

Matisse Inspired Name Signs- Third Grade

Third Grade Henri Matisse Inspired Name Signs

 

Third graders learned about the life and work of French artist, Henri Matisse (1869-1954).  Matisse is considered one of the greatest Modern Artists, known for his use of rich, bright colors, patterns, flattened abstract forms, and graceful lines.  Much of his later work was paper cut collage using boldly painted paper and organic shapes. He called this “Drawing with Scissors.” 

Third graders created these beautiful name designs using only paper, scissors and glue.  They focused on adding curves and swirls to create letters with an organic flair.  Each artist also included symbols that tell the viewer about the things that are important to them.  Look carefully- What can you discover about each artist?  Enjoy!

MA Standards: 1.1 Use a variety of materials and media 1.2 Create artwork in a variety of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) media, For shape and form, explore the use of shapes and forms in 2D and 3D Works 3.2 Create 2D and 3D expressive artwork that explores abstraction For example, a student simplifies an image by making decisions about essential colors, lines, or textures. 3.5 Create symbolic artwork by substituting symbols for objects, relationships, or ideas

This unit was inspired by a lesson shared by Patty Palmer on Deep Space Sparkle.  Thanks for sharing Patty!

Op-Art Wiggle Worms

Fifth Grade

Op Art Wiggle Worms

This unit was inspired by Mrs. Brown on Mrs. Brown's Art Class blog.  Thanks for sharing!

 

Fifth graders learned about Op Art or Optical Illusion art.  This unique type of art is designed to fool the eye, is often non-representational (meaning it does not need to have any meaning to it), and colors, lines and shapes are all used to create a complete effect.  The designs are well thought out and planned.  

Students also continued their study of using value to add a 3D effect to 2D works of art.  Notice how each “worm” looks as if it is budging off the paper.  Part of this illusion is created by careful use of value, or the lightness and darkness of color.  Color selection was another key part of this unit.  Students selected color schemes based on intended results (analogous for a smooth, mellow look, or complimentary with a neutral for a more striking vibrant effect, or a combination of both).  I think the results are amazing!

MA Visual Arts Frameworks: 1.1 Use a variety of materials and media, for example, crayons, chalk, paint, clay, various kinds of papers, textiles, and yarns, and understand how to use them to produce different visual effects 2.1 For color, explore and experiment with the use of color in dry and wet media, Identify primary and secondary colors and gradations of black, white and gray in the environment and artwork Explore how color can convey mood and emotion 2.4 For shape and form, explore the use of shapes and forms in 2D and 3D works 2.6 For space and composition, explore composition by creating artwork with a center of interest, repetition, and/or balance  3.2 Create 2D and 3D expressive artwork that explores abstraction For example, a student simplifies an image by making decisions about essential colors, lines, or textures.