Monday, May 17, 2010

Week 19- Continuing our Abstract Canvas Project


This week, we added a layer of acrylic on top of the blended colors we put down on the canvas last week.  The kids cut out linear and geometric shapes in contact paper.


We talked about abstract shapes and artists and I showed some examples from Jean Miro, Paul Klee and also some Aboriginal art, since they are also studying that in their regular 4th grade art classes.



The students drew shapes on contact paper with sharpie marker and then cut those shapes out from the inside.  From there, they peeled the contact paper backing off with the help of myself or Ms. Elizondo and then carefully placed the contact paper on the canvas.


Then, the students picked a complementary color to paint in the windows they created in contact paper on to the canvas.  The result is a wonderful  blend of shape, color, and interesting composition.

Next week, well do the opposite.  We'll cut out shapes in contact paper, place those on the canvas and then paint over the negative shapes.  Instead of painting in the "windows" or in the shapes we've cut out, we'll be painting around them.  Sound confusing?  Well, you'll have to see how they all turn out as we unveil them at the Art Enrichment Class end of the year party on Ma 25th.  :)

By then, we'll know the winners of the Plain City Postcard Contest.  Speaking of which, one of our students, Rachel had her painting printed in the Plain City Advocate this week.  


The winners will be announced this weekend, at Plain City Heritage Days, 1pm at the Flatiron.
According to Mainstreet Treasures, here were 59 adult entries and 11 youth entries.  Fingers crossed that some of the youth winners are students from PCES!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Week 18- Starting our Abstract Canvas Project

This week, we started an abstract acrylic on canvas project.  The students chose two colors to blend as their background...


We talked about blending the two colors, so that you could see both the orginal colors, plus the blended color.  For example, students who chose red and blue would have red, blue, and some shades of purple on their canvas.  



We painted our entire canvas area... even the sides of the canvas, creating a natural frame.  There were some really beautiful color combinations.  The kids paired up in groups if they were using the same two colors.  But, no two canvases look alike!


This week, we'll work on our next layer utilizing Contact Paper cut in to abstract shapes.  See you then!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Week 17- Finishing our Watercolor Postcard Entries

Today we finished our watercolor postcard painting entries.


Some of the kids got finished early and did some free painting.  Look at these neat bookmarks the kids made with scrap pieces of watercolor paper...




I was really pleased with the kids' effort on these postcard paintings.  Some of them look like adults could have painted them.  Great use of color, layering and composition!  I hope one or more of the students work gets chosen to be printed as a postcard by the MainStreet Treasures shop.   The contest winners will be announced on May 22nd, during Plain City Heritage Days.

This coming Tuesday, we'll start our acrylic on canvas/aboriginal art inspired paintings.  See you then!