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!

Week 21- Our End of the Year Party

Today was our end of the year party.  We had a special guest, Linda Peters of MainStreet Treasures to bring some ice cream treats and thank all the kids for their hard work on the postcard contest.  One of the kids had her work chosen in the second round of postcards to be printed in the late summer/fall.  And, one of my photographs will also be printed in the second round.  All of the kids' entries are on display in the window of MainStreet Treasures.  Congrats, everyone on the job well done!

Today I brought some of my Via Colori Chalk as well as some regular sidewalk chalk.  I pulverized the Via Colori Chalk, (which is actually Alphacolor Soft Pastels) and mixed them with a small amount of water.  Then, you use a paintbrush to paint the colors on.  The result is a very bright pigment against the dark blacktop.  These pastels can also be used in stick form with no water and the result is a lot like drawing pastels on dark paper.  Here's the piece I did for Via Colori in 2008 in Goodale Park.  My dog, Maggie.  ^ ^

And here's the awesome work of the art enrichment students....

Thanks to all the parents who brought food and drinks to the party.  Thanks to the Plain City Elementary PTO for making Art Enrichment possible.
And, thanks to Mrs. Luker and Mrs. Elizondo for all their help during the year with the art enrichment program.  I hope your kids enjoyed it... I know I did!

Week 20- Finishing our Abstract Canvas Project

This week, we finished our abstract paintings.  Last week, we cut out shapes from the center of the contact paper that resulted in various windows in which we painted a complementary color of paint.  This week, we did the opposite.  We cut shapes out of contact paper, and pasted those on the canvas.  We painted over the shapes.  The shapes are covering the previous work we did.  A complementary color will surround these shapes. The acrylic paint we use is student grade, so it's a bit sheer.  We can still see some of the previous work through the complementary color resulting in a very interesting abstract painting exploring shape and color.

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!