Owl Texture

Kindergarteners made these cute texture owls!  We talked about texture (the way something feels or looks like it would feel) and the neutral color family (black, white, brown and grey).

Owl Babies a great story book that I like to use to point out texture in the art!

Learning Goals: I can...

- Tear paper to create texture (fine motor, hand strengthening activity)

- Tell about the neutral color family

- Tell about texture

Van Gogh Sunflowers

While studying Vincent Van Gogh, second graders created their own unique versions of Van Gogh's famous sunflower paintings.  We read the book "Camille and the Sunflowers" to get a better picture of Van Gogh's life. Here is a video of the book!

We used a technique called scumbling (controlled scribbling) to show texture in our artwork.  Then we added watercolor paint to fill in the white spaces!

I got the idea for this project from Mrs. Bandstra the art teacher over at Alward Elementary. Here is a link to her blog! She does cool projects with the kids!

Learning Goals: I can...
- Create my own unique version of Van Gogh's sunflowers
- Use scumbling to show texture
- Tell about Van Gogh

Texture Hen Collages

Second graders read the book Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum to learn about texture. This is a fun book with great illustrations. The author uses interesting texture words.

On the first day of our project, we painted paper and talked about how to use brushstrokes to create a rough textured look for the feathers and a smooth look for the hen's coat.

Next, we talked about collage and strategies to use when using glue and scissors to create a collage.

Here are some sayings we use in the art room for good craftsmanship!

Glue: "Just a dot, not a lot!"
Scissors: "Turn the paper, not the scissors! Scissors always point, up, up and away!"

Finally, we added the background using oil pastel to make it appear like dirt texture (visual texture) and rocks so that we could actually feel the texture (tactile texture).

Learning goals: I can...
- Create texture
- Create a collage
- Use good craftsmanship

Toucans

Second graders learned about the artist Henri Rousseau in this oil pastel project!  Henri Rousseau was a self-taught artist who loved to paint jungle scenes.  Just like Henri Rousseau, we created rainforest art.  This year students have been studying art from Central America and the toucan is found in both Central and South America. In addition to learning about toucans students studied the art element of texture. They created smooth textures by coloring in completely with oil pastel and rough leafy textures by using controlled looping lines (scumbling). Any exposed paper that remained was painted with watercolor paint! Great work second graders!

Learning Goals: I can...

- Tell about Henri Rousseau

- Tell about toucans

- Create texture using oil pastel

Chalk Owls

This week fifth graders pulled out the chalk and had a hoot!  Chalk can be messy but it sure does blend well!  We talked about how to use chalk.  The kids did a great job of avoiding piles of chalk dust! We used blending techniques, highlights and shadows to make our owls look more 3D.  It was great fun to see these little owls coming to life! Great work 5th graders!

Learning Goals: I can...
- explain what a medium is (our medium for this project was chalk!)
- use chalk effectively
- Create different textures

Evergreen Trees

Our first graders created these cool textured evergreen trees! Students got a chance to play"teacher" and teach the class how to created their own unique patterns.
Learning Goals: I can...
- Create unique designs
- Create texture
- Use shapes to create a picture

Inspiration for this project was found here.

Owl Babies

Kindergarteners learned about texture through our Owl Babies project.  We watched this awesome animated book called Owl Babies (here is a link) and noticed all the texture and highlights in the artwork.  Next we used sponge painting to create our textured branches and highlights.  We used marker caps to print the stars and then colored them in with a brush.  Finally, we added all the fluff (from an old pillow) and the details.

Learning Goals: I can...
- Explain what texture is and give examples
- Create a highlight
- Use a variety of new materials: sponge, marker caps and cotton.

Texture Frogs

This second grade project had an emphasis on texture.

We talked about two different groups of texture, visual (texture you can see) and tactile (texture you can feel).

Learning Goal: The learner can...
- explain the two groups of texture (visual and tactile)
- name textures (smooth, bumpy, wavy, scratchy, etc)

Students noticed that the frog looked like its belly would feel smooth but the water looked like it would feel wavy.  We added the 3D Model Magic flower so that we had a texture that pops out and begs to be touched!  Everyone's frogs were awesome!