Week 7- Alberto Giacometti Inspired Sculptures

This week, we talked about the work of Alberto Giacometti and his bronze sculptures of the human figure. Alberto was categorized as a surrealist.  I put together a Power Point presentation which you can view here.

We talked about how abstract figures like Giacometti's can have elongated arms and legs.  It exaggerates the movement of the pieces.

Each student got on long piece of sculpture wire to twist and bend to form the shape of the head, torso, and legs.  Then, they hooked the legs (or in some cases, leg) to the styrofoam bases.  Then, we added a piece of wire for the arms.  It's really cool to see all the different gestures and positions the students sculpted their forms in!

Next week we'll use a substance called Paverpol to attach newspaper on to the wire and base.  See you then!

Week 6- Drawing Realistic Portraits

This week we did a 180 degree turn from our abstract masks and learned how to draw a realistic face using charcoal pencils.  We talked about the structure of the face, the shape of the face, how the eye line is half way down the face, then the nose line half way from the eye line to the chin, and then the mouth line half way from the nose line to the chin.  We talked about how human faces can vary and no two faces are alike, but normally the structure of the face is the same for everyone.

We also talked about shading, value, light and dark and how to show dimension in the structure of a portrait.  I think the kids did a great job with these!

Next week we'll start a long term abstract sculpture project.  See you then!

Week 5- Painting our Cubist Masks

I've gotten a bit behind on the blog again... I apologize for that.  This week we painted our cubist masks and found that they had cracked while drying in multiple places.  I actually contacted Columbus Clay, which is where we purchased the self hardening white clay.  They told me that the cracking was likely due to the thickness of the masks.  We'll still be able to salvage them... all is not lost!  Mrs. Luker and I have plans to mount them on some sort of hard board before the spring show in May.

The students did a great job of painting the masks in a cubist and abstract manner, emphasizing the different shapes in their masks.  

Week 4- Sculpting our Cubist Masks

Today we began sculpting our cubist masks out of white air dry clay from Columbus Clay Company.  I showed the students a quick presentation on Picasso, African Masks, and Cubism before we began to help them understand abstract elements in cubism a bit better.  You can view the PowerPoint Presentation here.  The students understand that each element Picasso used has purpose.  They aren't just random shapes all jumbled up.  He painted 3 dimensional objects from both sides.  Our task is to try to show all sides in our masks...

I think the kids really have a good grasp of the cubism and understand how use these elements in their masks.  Next week we'll paint our them.  I'm looking forward to seeing how they turn out!

Week 3- Sketching Cubist Masks

Today, we began a long clay sculpting project.  To begin, we sketched ideas for our cubist masks.  We talked about Picasso's cubist movement and how he was influenced by African art.  Picasso used geometric shapes to describe the human face.  He also used cubism, which is like painting a three dimensional object all at once from both sides.

Next week we'll begin sculpting our masks out of clay.  See you then!

Week 2- Exploring Imagination

I've gotten a bit behind on updating the blog.  I'll try to do a better job of keeping up!  During week two, we explored our imaginations by drawing things we saw in patterned paper.  I printed out photos of the formica pattern of my bathroom counter and also brought in paper patterned with India ink.  Finding shapes and objects in these patterns is sort of like looking up at the sky on a partly cloudy day and seeing animals in the cloud formations.  There are no wrong answers.  Only your imagination is the limit!

Art Enrichment Begins Again!

 Art Enrichment began again this year with a new class of fourth graders eager to get down to making some art!  We began this class by outlining what was expected in Art Enrichment:

• Mrs. Luker and I want it to be fun, but we also have to work too.  So, behavior in AE should be just like it is in regular art class during school hours.  
• Students are allowed to bring a "working snack".  
• Clean up at the end of class should be handled just like it is in regular art class.  You are expected to put away all supplies and leave the table and chairs just how you found them.  
• We'll work on short projects that take one class period, other projects will span several weeks.  
• If you miss a class, you can check this blog for details on what we covered.  

For our first class, Mrs. Luker came up with a great way for all of us to get to know each other, as I don't know all of your names.

Students drew their first names in block letters, and then decorated them with their favorite things.  Some kids obviously like patterns, while others were very specific and drew pictures of themselves playing sports, favorite foods, and other descriptive elements.

Then, each student presented their name drawing to the class and explained what they drew and why.  There were some really creative drawings and explanations!

Next Tuesday, we'll do another fun drawing project that'll require lots of imagination and creativity.  See you then!