Van Gogh Leaves

Second graders learned to create leaf prints using these neat rubber leaf stamps!  This is the kind of cool art supply that is purchased with Square 1 Art  fundraiser money!  This project just isn't the same without these stamps!

We used warm colors to paint the leaves with tempera paint. Then the kids carefully turned the stamps over before gently lowering them onto their papers and pressing firmly.  After the paint dried, kids learned the math word "perimeter" and outlined the leaves around their perimeter.

Next we learned about Vincent Van Gogh and how great he was at showing movement in his artwork. We watched this video which helped us notice all the movement in his artwork.

We used broken curving oil pastel lines to create the illusion of movement in our artwork much like Van Gogh did in his famous painting "Starry Night."

Lastly, we layered light blue, dark blue and purple watercolor paint to fill in the sky!

Learning Goals: I can...

- Tell about Vincent Van Gogh

- Use broken spiral lines to create movement in my artwork

- Create a print using a stamp

- Blend warm colors

- Explain what the perimeter of a shape is

- Layer watercolor colors

Cat in the Hat

The “Cat in the Hat” is a “March is Reading Month” favorite.  First graders used Dr. Seuss’s character as inspiration for this project.

Learning Goal: I can...

• Explain what an illustrator does
• Use multiple printing techniques and tools to create texture (sponge, foam roller, shape blocks)
• Use good craftsmanship when drawing, inking, painting, printing, cutting and gluing

Blue-Ringed Octopus

Since our elementary districtwide cultural focas area this year is Australia, I couldn't help but introduce classes to some of the unique wildlife found in Australia.  After studying Australian Aboriginal artwork and creating our Kangaroo dot paintings, we dove into the ocean for a closer look at this particularly unique creature! Fourth graders learned about the blue-ringed octopus.

The blue-ringed octopus is found along the southern coast of Australia.  While it is about the size of a golf ball it is one of the most deadly creatures for humans. The poison is produced by bacteria that live in the saliva of the octopus. Unlike other octopus, this octopus has blue rings that light up when it is agitated.   Here is a link if you want to read more!

Learning Goals: I can...
- Tell about the blue-ringed octopus (where is it found and what makes it different?)
- Use good craftsmanship to create smooth edges with paint (keep your paintbrush loaded)
- Show form using paint (add shadows to make it look more 3D)
- Use found objects to print bubbles (marker caps)

Australian Lizards

This year our art department's cultural focus area is Australia. Third graders created Australian inspired art.  We looked at Aboriginal (Native Australian) art and discovered some key characteristics of Australian Art.  We learned about Aboriginal dot paintings and x-ray paintings.  Aboriginees use dots to create implied lines and pictures.  X-ray paintings are often found on cave walls. These paintings show both the outside and the inside of the the animal at the same time. We used printmaking techniques to print shapes onto our lizards using neon paint.  We finished our designs with dots using short dowel rods! 

Learning Goals: The learner will...
- describe key characteristics of Aboriginal art
- use x-ray painting concepts
- create a dot painting that emphasizes line
- develop fine motor skills and techniques required for printing shapes