Kindergarten Blue Prints

What is an architect?  What do they do? 

Have you read Iggy Peck, Architect?  It's a beautifully illustrated story about a boy and his dream to be an architect.  Kindergarten students love the pictures and understand the message of the story. 

Kindergarten students pretended they were architects and made Blue Prints using a stamping method.  Check out this Mrs. Knight's Smartest Artists for this and many more wonderful art lessons. 

2nd grade Symmetrical Insect Prints

In order to understand the principle of art, Balance, 2nd graders looked at various art reproductions and discussed the difference between Symmetry and Asymmetry. 

It's common to think of insects when discussing something balanced because insects are so symmetrical.  Check out this video of an insect photographer who captures photographs of bugs up close and personal.  Students were surprised to see the amount of color and detail.

We discussed common characteristics of insects, and students designed their own bug using lines, shapes, and colors.  In order to create symmetry, students only drew half their bug and then monoprinted the other side. 

 

After cutting out the insects and gluing to a clean paper background, students created a word border by writing about their insect around the outside edge of the paper.

I think it's interesting how each insect is completely different and unique.  The students really explored their own ideas and own personal artistic choices in this project.

 

 

 

 

 

1st grade House Sculptures

What is the difference between something flat and 3d?  What do you call a 3d artwork?  How can you turn something flat into something 3d?

These are all questions discussed with 1st graders in the past few weeks.  Students know the difference between geometric and free-form shapes, as well as the difference between shapes and forms. 

Students discussed the South African culture, Ndebele, who are famous for their brightly painted homes.  Students identified patterns, lines, and shapes in the designs.

Students turned an ordinary paper lunch bag into a bright, bold, colorful sculpture inspired by the Ndebele people.