7th & 8th Painting Critique

Critique & Smoothies

What a wonderful, creative, highly motivated, FUN quarter this has been in our 7th & 8th Painting Elective! We ended the quarter with a final critique, celebrating all of the work made over the past 10 weeks. I also brought in my blender and we made smoothies. 

Why Critique - 

Throughout the quarter, students engaged in mid-project and end of project critiques. Although they are always encouraged to discuss artwork with peers, critiques are designated times to present, share, collaborate, comment, encourage and celebrate everyone’s work. At the 7^th and 8^th grade level, critiques are student-led as one person shares their process, their inspiration, and next steps, others then comment, pulling from a vast artistic vocabulary. The environment created through critiques is inviting and encouraging of peer suggestions, while maintaining trust and freedom to express individual aesthetics. It is quite a sight to see middle school students talk about their work and the work of others with such a high level of care towards one another! 

Why Smoothies - 

They are nutritious and delicious. 

As a side note, smoothies became a popular topic of discussion this quarter as several students played the daily game of "what's in Amy's smoothie". 

Next quarter's elective .... Mud & Fire!!

5th Grade - Abstract Leaf Paintings

More Fall Fun in the Art Room!!

We began with heavier-than-normal watercolor paper, taped it to a large piece of cardboard and headed outside to gather leaves. We had to use soft, not dried up leaves to work best. 

Using a wet on wet watercolor technique, students applied a layer of water to their paper before starting. They then created a composition with their leaves, pressing each one to their paper firmly and holding it in place until it stuck to the wet paper. 

Students then chose two analogous colors and one contrasting color and applied "blobs" of paint throughout their paper. 

The different color combinations were quite spectacular! 

We left the paintings to dry with the leaves still attached. 

Once dry, students pulled off the leaves to reveal these amazing creations. 

Kindergarten - Fall Art Centers

Fall has arrived in the Art room!

Kindergarten classes are working on several autumn themed projects while using a range of different art materials and processes. As the leaves change colors and the weather gets cooler, we are taking notice of the beauty outside our door and finding artistic inspiration from nature.

Still life drawings using pumpkins and guards.

 We explored adding shadows and highlights using oil pastels. 

Leaf painting and printmaking using leaves collected from outside of our Art room. So much fun! 

We are also working on leaf rubbings, fall landscape drawings, and fall colored sun catchers.