Robots: Da Vinci Meets Pollock

Before third graders learned about Da Vinci, we created backgrounds for our artwork in the style of Jackson Pollock.  We read "Action Jackson," and got a feel for how Pollock lived and worked.  We learned that Pollock dripped and drizzled house paint all over huge canvases in his studio.  Next, we did our own abstract expressionist string paintings on colored paper.  If you want to see how we did that check out this post from last year!

Next, we read "Leonardo and the Flying Boy."  Through this story, we learned that Leonardo was not only famous for painting the Mona Lisa but he was also a great sculptor, musician, scientist and inventor!  We got to peek at a few of his sketches of inventions that were drawn way before their time!  We used his creative inspiration to invent robots of our own!

Learning Goals: I can...

- Tell about Jackson Pollock

- Create a string painting in the style of Pollock

- Tell about Da Vinci

- Create my own unique robot

- Paint smooth edges

- Use chalk to create highlights to make more robot look more 3D (form)

Pollock Guitars

I just couldn't wait to post about our Jackson Pollock guitars!  The first day, third graders learned about Jackson Pollock. We read Action Jackson, and got a feel for how Pollock lived and worked.  We learned that Pollock dripped and drizzled house paint all over huge canvases in his studio.  Next, we did our own abstract expressionist string paintings.

We used clothespins to hold the strings this year and it was SO much better than fingers!

After that, we did something that Pollock would have hated! We turned our awesome paintings into guitars!  Students were given a photo reference sheet that had pictures of different guitars.  Everyone was encouraged to create their own designs!  This project was a blast for everyone!

Learning Goals: I can...
- Tell about Jackson Pollock
- Use creativity to make my guitar unique
- Explain that a graphic designer might help create the look of a guitar!