"Graffiti Art"

Fifth grade is working on some awesome "graffiti art name designs". I just love how this technique teaches so mant concepts.

1. Analogous Colors
2. Complimentary Colors
3. Blending techniques with oil pastels
4. Outlining and enhancing art with detail 
     - such a black outlines, etc...
5. Highlights and Shadows

The Creative Classroom Book...

Exciting News!
I'm working on my second book and I'm almost done. I just love that way this book is turning out and I can't wait to share it with art teachers, classroom teachers, homeschool parents, etc... The video above will help explain how my book looks and the great lessons that you will find inside.

It's similar to my first book in that the lessons are full illustrated, 4 color photos, links to book, videos, etc.. and so much more. If you haven't seen my first book, here's a link to it in my TPT Shoppe: "The Creative Classroom" Art Book

Kindergarten Art featuring Artist "Piet Mondrian"

Composition II in Red, Blue & Yellow, 1930

Whenever I introduce Kindergarteners to the color wheel and elements of art, I do it in steps. I start with the primary colors (red, yellow and blue) and who better to use than Piet Mondrian. I love the simplicity of his primary color works of art. 

This lesson is a great lesson. because it introduces the following concepts and is a start to the elements of art. 

Example #1

Elements of Art:

Example #2 (student art)

1. Lines - introduce vertical and horizontal lines.

2. Color - Primary Colors (Red, Yellow and Blue).

3. Shape - Squares and Rectangles. 

4. Texture - the thick painted lines. 

When doing this lesson students are using atypical medium, such as cardboard to paint with and oil pastels. I do this so I can teach them how to use a variety of medium and that you can paint, etc... with other things beside paint brushes. 

It's also a great way to introduce a variety of new art terms. 

Here's some great photos of Kindergarteners in action...

Artists of the Month

Congats to Riley, Zella, Ela, Catherine, Jenna, Caroline, Helen, Will, Sadie, Nell and Carmen for being added to my "Artists of the Month" Bulletinboard! Way to Go! :)








  

Sketchbooks

...I truly believe that it's important for students to have a sketchbook. I use them with every child through out the school year for a variety of reasons: 
1. Great way to introduce the concepts of line, shapes and patterns. 
2. Allows you to see before starting any art projects, their artistic abilities. 
3. Great for early finishers.
4. Allows you the chance to teach drawing techniques such as outlining with markers and coloring with crayons and colored pencils. 

When starting the school year, each student creates a sketchbook cover and then we assemble their sketchbooks. The inside pages are filled with newsprint paper for sketching.

I almost always use a "Name Design" theme for their covers. This is a great way to learn your students names faster and they love having something that belongs to them.

I only spend 1-3 days on their sketchbook designs. Easier designs less time than complicated designs. The reason why is I want these to be a work in progress (using them when a project is finished early) and I want them to take their time and go slow with their patterns, etc... If you spend too many days in a row, they get bored and hurry through them. 

These are just one example of the "Name Design" for this school year. I'll post more ideas as students finish up there covers.