GALLERY
Student Work
Abstract Paintings inspired by outer space
Monday WonderHUT Art Pre-k( age 3) to 2nd grade
Students learned that an abstract art work is a type of design or image that does not represent anything. Students worked with various paint tools and metallic paints and were asked to be inspired by thoughts of outer space but to make an abstract painting. Some students found it challenging not to represent while others engaged with the paint in an experiential way which translated into abstract imagery. Some students showed order, others energy. The results spoke of each artists inner emotional landscape, which is one of the beautiful aspects of abstract work.
Bird Watercolors/
Oil resist
Artists learned that representational artwork means the artwork represents something or is a "thing". It may also be realistic and look like a real version of what is drawn, sculpted or painted as opposed to being representational but not realistic, for instance like a cartoon. The students were challenged to choose a photo of a bird from the collection and to observe it closely then practice drawing and painting it. Artists used oil pastels (also called craypas) to create an oil resist drawings with water color paint.
Watercolor Landscapes
Students learned what a landscape and cityscape are. They learned about background and foreground and how to create perspective by drawing far away objects smaller and close objects in the foreground closer. The following week students worked with pictures and guidance to practice drawing animals and then added animals to their work. Students also practiced working with watercolor paint. How to get more saturated pigment, which brushes are watercolor brushes, the difference between rounds and flats ( brushes) and reminders about how to clean brushes between colors.
Mixed Media Seashore Pictures
Artists used mixed media to create these ocean pictures. The base was made with tempera paint, liquid water color, salt and shaving cream. The overlays were made by cutting out sea creature drawings made by observing photos of sea creatures. The fish prints were made with a plastic fish model and metallic paint.
Students learned about the primary colors red, yellow and blue and how they can use them to mix the secondary colors orange, purple and green. Students then learned about complimentary colors which are across from each other on the color wheel. If you can find complimentary colors of the same tone these colors when placed together "pop" or almost vibrate in your mind's eye. We made color wheels then complimentary color cards.
COLOR THEORY
HOLIDAY GIFT MAKING: Students used fabric paints and stencils to make napkins. Students made sand candles and scented soaps, learning about mold type sculptures and color tinting.
CHINESE NEW YEAR . We talked about respecting all cultures whether we celebrate different cultural holidays or not and to remember that people clebrate different holidays. Holidays often have art associated with them. In this case we looked at some mandarin writing wishing happy new yea, used good luck colors, made lanterns and drew tigers.
Valentine Cards We talked about respecting all cultures and that not everyone celebrates the same holidays , including valentines day. We talked about what it might be like to be a greeting card designer. We looked at old fashioned cards with funny puns, learned how to cut chains and hearts, worked with metallic pens and special edging schissors, cut X's and O's. We made our own decorative paper learning 3 different print techniques; styrofoam prints, shape printing, and using rollers with doilies and stencils.
COLOR MIXING AND BRUSHWORK . These circle paintings were a vehicle for students to practice mixing colors. We thought about what we learned during our color unit and practiced rinsing between colors and using a towel to dry the brush between colors. Students also had a chance to invent their own colors. We also worked on brush technique. How wet should the paint be to get a smooth line? Is a round or a flat better? Small or large brush? We used the circles and the negative spaces to practice following the edge before filling in.
CLAY SCULPTURE . Students sculpted with paper to create a habitat for their animals. Using a variety of clay tools and techniques they then worked with model magic, air dry clay and plasticine to sculpt animals.
