Warm and Cool Trees

4^th grade students used their observation skills in seeing how our trees here at school grow.  They then sketched their tree and root system.  Using black pastels students filled in the silhouette of the tree and root system and then painted the negative space left with warm and cool colors.  Finally students added white acrylic paint to their tree portion to simulate snow.  Students had to consider how gravity would impact the accumulation of snow on their tree to paint a realistic perspective. 

  

Nutcrackers and watercolor

2^nd Grade students learned about the construction of nutcrackers and how simple shapes are used to create these holiday symbols.  Students used pencil to sketch their own self designed nutcracker and then outlined their drawings with permanent marker before painting their creation using liquid watercolor. Students were required to fill all the space and create a unique design including a colorful background to finish the piece. 

Block Printing for Holidays

5^th Grade Students came up with their own design that they felt represented the holidays.  Students then used a piece of rubber foam to engrave their image into it, which served as the "printing plate". Once all engraving was completed using a dull pencil students learned about the printing process and then printed their image onto different colored papers using printing ink and a brayer.   This was a messy project but well worth the final outcome and the learning of the printing process. 

1st Grade Winter Trees Using Symmetry

1st grade students learned about symmetry and how our world is filled with things that demonstrate perfect symmetry.  We talked about human natures appeal for symmetry and how the perfect Christmas tree would have good symmetry. Once the students learned how to use folded paper to create symmetrical shapes they created their own winter forest with at least 4 trees creating a winter forest scene including a moon and stars.  Lastly, students added white tempera paint using a Q-Tip to add the appearance of snow.   

5th Grade Upcycled Furniture Project

Although I normally would not take on a 3D art project at the start of the school year, my student teacher who spent the first 6 weeks of school here at Faubion really wanted to do something with my oldest students that aligned with his interests and experience.  Using his background in construction Mr. Lytlle walked the students through the design process in creating an up-cycled sculpture that in some resembled or related to household furniture.  This process also us in helping the students determine the best materials for completing their project.  Students were able to bring items from home but they had to be seen as items of waste or previously having another purpose.  Finally students were not allowed to create a sculpture larger than 12 cubic inches.  Initially it was our intention to have this project completed in 4 classes but as is often the case it took 6.  At the conclusion of this project each class got to have a "gallery walk" to see all the projects and then picked 7-8 projects they felt best represented the class to be on display in the library for the whole school to see.  Overall I feel like the learning that occurred as a result of this project was huge and I am very proud of all the students for their commitment to getting the job done.  ​

Pop Art Inspired Self Portraits

 

2^nd Grade students looked at the work of American artist Roy Lichtenstein and the style of art know as "Pop Art". Students were then guided through the process of drawing self-portraits and focused on the details and what makes each of us unique.  Next the students worked with their peers to create a list of positive adjectives that describe them.  Each student picked at least one of these adjectives and included it in their art piece using the previously taught skill of doing bubble letters.  Finally each student added any additional details to their drawing to fill the space.  The medium for this project was pencil, sharpie, and colored pencil.  Students were restricted in only being able to use the three primary colors of red, blue, and yellow as well as black and white.  Great job 2^nd grade very creative and colorful work. 

4th Grade OP Art

 

An optical illusion is a picture that tricks the viewer's eyes and brain into seeing something that really is not there.  In this project students created pictures that make the circles orspheres appear to be popping off of the page.  Students worked very hard to ensure their lines were measured out correctly and were consistent with the illusion.  Students used "bent" lines on the interior of the circles, which altered the size and shape of the grid pattern of the background creating the illusion that the circles were popping off the paper.  Students were only allowed to use complimentary colors to help enhance the illusion.  The medium for this project was pencil and marker.  Great job 4^th grade.

1st Grade Owls of Color

 

1^st grade students created these colorful owls by following a guided drawing lesson that focused on the specific features of an owl.  Students learned about owl's large eyes and flexible neck and how these traits help this predatory bird find prey.  Students also learned about owls being nocturnal and how their traits equip them to be successful even in the darkness of night.  Students used the Medium of pencil, sharpie and then painted using tempera water cake paints.  Students were only able to use bright colors for this project to help add to the creativity of the final product.  A big Hoot! Hoot! To first grade for this cool project.  

Home Design

3^rd Grade Architectural Home Design

For this lesson 3^rd grade students learned about the process of building a home.  We talked about the building process timeline from basic ideas or conceptual drawings to blue prints and elevation drawings to the actual building process.  All students started with the same basic house shape in center of their paper and then were given the opportunity to add all the details and ideas they wanted to make their house unique and special.  Students had to incorporate at least three architectural details and use a ruler for all straight lines to complete this project. Students used the Medium of pencil, sharpie, and Crayola markers.  Great creative and imaginative work 3^rd grade.   

Bug's Life

1^st Grade Bugs and Habitat

This project allowed students the opportunity to learn about and practice sketching while using a visual model to help guide their drawing.  The students used enlarged plastic bugs to try and capture every visual detail of the bug they chose to draw.  After bug sketches were finished students had to go back and add shading and shadows to make it appear three-dimensional. As a class we talked about habitat and how nature looks when looked at through a magnifying glass. Students used tried to capture the texture, color, and diversity of a natural landscape.  The medium for this project was pencil, paper, for the bug and pencil and watercolor for the habitat.  Students finished the project by gluing a small piece of Styrofoam behind their bug to make it appear more three-dimensional.