Fifth Grade Head. :)

Fifth Grade Collaborative Sculpture

This mini unit began as an attempt to combine an introduction to bas-relief sculpture and conveying emotion through art.  Fifth Graders created these interesting faces using Model Magic.  The idea was to combine them creating a larger face showing the many emotions we all experience.  However, perhaps it was the instruction (start with the nose, push in the eyes, etc…), but MANY of the faces have a particular look that may have been better suited for a fall project…   In the end, the faces were added to the glass head (thanks for the inspiration, Mrs. Gallant) and the sculpture certainly begs for closer examination.  It makes me think of all the things spinning through our minds!  Enjoy!

Keith Haring dance Party

Fifth Grade

Keith Haring Inspired

 Dance Party!

Fifth Graders are learning about gesture drawing (quick sketches used to capture the movement or position of a figure), and what better way to practice this, than by examining the work of 80s iconic pop art/graffiti artist, Keith Haring?!  Students learned about the short life and work of Keith Haring and identified the common characteristics of his work.  Then it was on to the freeze Dance Party complete with the 80’s music of Bananarama!  Students practiced gesture drawings of classmates and then transformed those sketches into Haring-ish figures to be used in this collaborative “Dance Party” piece.  I love the fun result!

Check out Haring Kids for other great ideas!

 

Perspective Trees

Fifth Grade Perspective Trees 

Fifth graders are learning about life cycles in their science curriculum, so we reviewed why deciduous trees change color and drop leaves in the fall -they stop producing chlorophyll and die as the tree goes into a winter resting state. We also learned about some artist techniques to show perspective- liner placement (things lower on the page appear closer to the viewer) and relative size (larger objects appear closer to the viewer.  We used these skills and sponge painting, oil pastels, and water colors to create these unique tree pieces.  Enjoy!

MA Arts Curriculum Frameworks:  1.1 Use a variety of materials and media, 1.3 Use appropriate vocabulary related to methods, materials, and techniques. 2.3 Explore the use of texture in 2D works. 2.6 demonstrate an understanding of foreground, middle ground, and background. 2.4 Explore the use of space and forms in 2D works.

Collaborative MLK Grid Drawing- Fifth Grade

Fifth Graders at the J. W. Killam School learned about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King and then worked together to create this stunning portrait.

 

Each student drew their own grid piece using a small version of their assigned grid cell as a reference.  Students needed to use a coordinate map and teamwork to make sure their drawings lined up with neighboring cells.  Once the pieces were drawn and cut out, students outlined their drawings with Sharpie and selected a color they felt represented themselves.

 

It was beautiful to watch the cooperation, encouragement, and excitement as students saw this collaborative work honoring Dr. King come to life. 

Mayan Name Printing

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perspective Trees, Fifth Grade

Inspiration for this lesson came from art teacher Kristin Howell, in the New Albany Plain Local Schools.  Thanks for sharing, Kristin!

 

Fifth Grade Perspective Trees

 

Fifth graders are learning about life cycles in their science curriculum, so we reviewed why deciduous trees change color and drop leaves in the fall -they stop producing chlorophyll and die as the tree goes into a winter resting state. We also learned about some artist techniques to show perspective- liner placement (things lower on the page appear closer to the viewer) and relative size (larger objects appear closer to the viewer.  We used these skills and sponge painting, oil pastels, and water colors to create these unique tree pieces.  Enjoy!

 

MA Arts Curriculum Frameworks:  1.1 Use a variety of materials and media, 1.3 Use appropriate vocabulary related to methods, materials, and techniques. 2.3 Explore the use of texture in 2D works. 2.6 demonstrate an understanding of foreground, middle ground, and background. 2.4 Explore the use of space and forms in 2D works.

 

 

Fifth Grade Celestial Art

 

 

Fifth Graders learn about the solar system in their science curriculum, so we created these beautiful celestial designs for the Original Works Fundraiser.  Students began by looking at various sun and moon artworks for inspiration and then created a design in their sketchbooks.  Final pieces were created using student choice of mediums.  These included crayons, markers, colored pencils, water color paints, water color pencils, and liquid watercolors.  I love how each piece is so unique!