Superheroes

The second grade kids created superhero self-portraits!  I have been itching to do this project since last year.  In fact, I have had my example project ready to go for a year now!  Students were encouraged to invent their own characters but some students were so excited about superheroes like Batman and Captain America that they chose to become them!

We began by talking about how cartoonists create stylized versions of people.  Cartoons are often simplified (three fingers instead of five) and facial features are often exaggerated (eyes that are too big for the face and heads that are too big for the body).  The kids were asked to draw self-portraits but use cartoon versions of facial features instead of using a realistic style.

The next time we came to art class we looked at example pictures of well known superheroes and came up with a list of costume common characteristics: cape, mask, boots, gloves, belt, logo/symbol.  I asked the kids to use at least some of the common costume characteristics in their own work.

When we painted our backgrounds, the children were asked to choose a color scheme that would contrast with their capes and costumes.  I showed students how a blue costume is harder to see on a blue background than a red background.  

Background Color Schemes:

- Sunset: red, orange, yellow, pink

- Daylight: light blue, dark blue, purple.

We added salt to create a textured effect in the sky.

Great job second grade! You amaze me!

Learning Goals: I can...
- Explain what a self-portrait is
- Describe common characteristics of superhero costumes
- Work as a cartoonist (careers) to create my own unique superhero
- Use salt to create texture in my watercolor painting
- Used good craftsmanship when coloring, painting and cutting.

Things 1 and 2

Second graders created their own unique “Things” inspired by Dr. Seuss’s characters.  The kids loved coming up with their own hairstyle and outfits.  This was a great project not only for reading month but it also was timed right for crazy hair day at the Grove!

Learning Goals: I Can...

• Describe the characteristics of Dr. Seuss’s cartoons
• Explain what an illustrator does
• Create art in the style of Dr. Seuss
• Express myself through hair style and color choice

Bugs Bunny

Our second graders learned to draw Bugs Bunny.  During this lesson we reviewed a variety of art careers such as cartoonists and illustrators.

Learning Goal: I can...

- Use line to create shape

- Tell about art careers

- Describe how Bugs Bunny changed over time

Garfield

Fifth graders learned about Garfield's artist Jim Davis.  We learned that Garfield has changed over time.  Here is a fun video link to a brief history of Garfield.  From this video we learned that Garfield changed over time.
Here are some changes:
- He started walking on two legs (so that humans could relate to him better)
- He was given larger eyes (in order to better show emotion)
- He lost weight (cultural trend)


Through this project I wanted my students to see that even cartoon artists change and modify their creations over time in order to better relate to their audience!  Even Jim Davis didn't have his artwork perfect the first time.  It took him a while to go from Gnorm Gnat (which people weren't as interested in) to Garfield (a house pet that everyone could relate to and embrace). 

Learning Goals: I can...
- Explain how Garfield changed over time
- Describe what Garfield likes (and use this information in your artwork)
- Create unique artwork
- Explain what a cartoonist does (careers)