HOME SCHOOL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

ART

 

Mrs. Craven is currently collecting newspapers and drink cans (rinsed out) such as pop, sparkling water, lemonade cans, etc. for our special projects~ Thank You in advance~

 

K/1 - This quarter in Art finds these energetic, creative, little learners getting familiar with the Art room procedures and expectations, meeting new friends, and enjoying being creative!  Our first task was to get the sketch pads for each child (these are stored in the art room until the end of the school year.) Our first project was an oil pastel/paint wash which focused on the 4 Nature Elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. From now through the end of the semester, we are switching focus from 2-D work to 3-D. Students enjoyed the children’s literature “Wild Birds,” by JoAnne Ryder Wild Birds - Joanne Ryder - Google Books and are in the middle of creating a small multi-media model magic wild bird of their own.  We are hoping they will choose to display them in the front lobby in the case when completed.

 

2/3 - We are off to a wonderful start in grades 2/3 with lots of returning faces and some new ones as well.  We kicked off the school year with the theme of Nature Elements (Earth, Water, Fire, and Air) with an integrative watercolor painted weaving combining two paintings which utilized the Art Element of “Contrast” as well as Line, Color, Pattern, and Movement.  We explored different techniques with washes, salt, fan brushes, dot brushes, and sponges. The remainder of October and November finds us creating a “Wall Pocket” out of clay and reviewing/learning all of our Clay Unit vocabulary terms.  The pockets will be made with the Nature Theme in mind with an estimated completion date of December or January depending on kiln firing schedules.

 

4/5 - This is one of our biggest bunches within a grade level, and they are delightful to work with!  It is heartwarming to see our veteran students welcoming our new students and helping them to understand the expectations and workings of the Art Room.  These kiddos also just completed a “Contrast” watercolor weave focusing on the Nature Elements theme with woven Elements of Art.  Currently, we are kicking off the much anticipated clay unit~ MUGS! This project has some wonderful components of construction and utilizes teamwork!  We are in need of pop cans/sparkling water cans etc. (rinsed out) to form the clay around.  

 

6/7 - The Nature Elements theme of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air along with the Art Elements are the foundation and inspiration for our projects this year.  We used experimental techniques with watercolor painting and joined two CONTRASTING works for the water color weave.  Students could choose whether to take home or hang up at Rex until the Drama plays.  Our exciting CLAY unit for this year is the much anticipated Ceramic Whistles (“Ocarinas”)  which translates in Italian to “Little Geese.”  Our hope is that the kiln firing schedule will allow for them to be completed by winter break.

 

8/Thursdays - Students in grades 6-8 Mon-Thurs also created a “Contrast” (Opposites) Watercolor Weave with enhanced materials of their choice such as fan brushes, dot brushes, sponges, and salt. All students are given the choice to hang theirs up with the others at Rex Mathes, or to bring their artwork home.  We are just wrapping up this 2-8 grade unit which resembles the interconnectedness of our student population and how we are “woven together” in friendship and as learning partners. 

Up next: CLAY! The focus for the middle schoolers will be on ceramic slab rolling, coiling, carving, and assembling with Elements of their choosing which relate to our Nature Elements Theme as well as being intertwined with the Art Elements and Principles of Design. Their works will have a functional element (Party Platters!) and likely will have a construction completion date of December, two weeks dry time, followed by “bisque” and “glaze” firings.  We hope to showcase these works in January.

 

8-12 Fridays - This energized, fun bunch began the semester by receiving their sketchbooks.  At this age, students have the option of bringing their books home to work in and back to Rex during their 60 minute Art class on Fridays.  A “Journal Prompts” page was offered for students to tuck into their book as a means for additional drawing motivation.  Our first big unit was a blast~ We spent two weeks learning about paint wash marbling with starch and created two prints.  From there, we are now compiling the two sheets into a front and back cover with blank drawing/journaling pages, magazine collage components, and twine or yarn to hold it all together.  One of the options is to laminate the covers, and students are invited upstairs to witness and join in the process.  Lastly, we will use calligraphy markers inside the books before displaying them at school, or taking home for the holidays.

Next up:  CLAY!  Our projects will involve a review of all Clay Unit vocabulary and terms followed by an individually designed and created large pot emphasizing techniques of slab rolling, coiling, carving, and scoring.  Students have a range of choices as they design symbolism within their works.  Mrs. Craven’s sample project will contain symbols which go with our theme of “Nature Elements.”  Art Elements and Principles of Design are reinforced throughout~

 

**SIDENOTE:  Mrs. Craven would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to those who have signed up to help during M/TU Kindergarten Art and Lunch times.  You all are so very appreciated~  :)