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!

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!

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!

Week 16- Painting our Postcard Contest Entries

This week, we continued on with our postcard contest entries and started painting.  I briefly went over the watercolor techniques and tips on painting outdoors, since some of the kids decided to paint the school.

Some kids painted inside...

I know some of the students weren't entirely happy with the results of their paintings.  They are free to do another painting at home if they'd like to submit it to the contest in addition to the one we submit from the class.  I sent out the guidelines and entry forms.  If you need another copy, please e-mail me at hframbes at gmail dot com and I'll be happy to send you another form.  

I'm in the process of planning a party for the kids, parents and teachers on the last day of class, May 25th.  Stay tuned for information on that.  See you next week!

Week 15- Starting our Watercolor Postcard Contest Entries

This week, we started our watercolor postcard contest entries by working on our drawings.  The theme or the contest, which is open to kids as well as adults, is "What does Plain City mean to me?".  The kids can paint any subject they wanted to explain this theme.  About 1/2 the class decided to paint the school, so I took them outside....

Even though many of the kids decided to draw the school, their viewpoints will all be different.  Some kids decided to focus on one part of the building, while another chose to draw the flag that sits in front of the school.  

Special thanks to Mrs. Luker's long term substitute Sara Elizondo for helping helping me with the art enrichment program for the rest of the year.  She stayed inside and helped the kids who wanted to draw from photos of Plain City that I brought in.  

Be sure to check out the art enrichment students' paper mâché sculptures in the cases at the front of the school.  They really turned out wonderful and all of you should be proud of a great job done.  Mrs. Luker told me that she got lots of compliments on them while they were still in the art room.  

Next week, we'll start painting our postcard entries.  We've got 2 Tuesdays before the due date, so come to class ready to paint.  See you then!

Weeks 13 & 14- Painting our Animal Sculptures

Sorry I haven't put up a blog post lately.  During the past 2 classes, we painted our animal sculptures.  

Mrs. Luker told me that she's gotten lots of compliments on the kids' sculptures.  I'm not surprised... they look amazing!  Look for these sculptures after spring break in the glass display cases at the front of the school.  

Speaking of Mrs. Luker, this is the last class that these fourth graders will have with her, as she will be off for maternity leave after spring break.  Mrs. Luker... thank you so much for your time and talent in art enrichment class!  We wish you all the best for the upcoming birth of your child!  :)

After spring break, we will start a couple of painting projects.  One involves painting with acrylics on canvas and layering shapes with contact paper.  The other, is a postcard contest sponsored by the Plain City Business Association.  Details to follow soon!

Week 13- Painting our Animal Sculptures

This week we began painting our animal sculptures with acrylic paint.  Acrylic paint is opaque, which really covers the newsprint well.

Some of the kids decided not to paint their animal exactly how it looks in nature. I thought this was a fun idea. One student thought it would be fun to put a tie dye pattern on her penguin. Another student decided that spots would be neat on a dog. I like the idea of playing with these sculptures and making them even more interesting to look at. We've been stuck in our houses all winter with gray skies outside. Why not have some fun with color?

For this blog update, I decided to directly upload the photos to the blog instead of using flickr as my picture hosting site.  I've heard that teachers at the school haven't been able to view the pictures on the blog, because flickr is blocked.  Hopefully, you'll all be able to see the photos now.  :)

We'll continue painting our sculptures next week and finish up this project. See you next week!