ROBOTS in action

We had such fun finishing our robots in class today! There wasn't much to this part of the project in terms of gaining skills in artistic expression. We really just had fun.

I provided the kids with glue and a bunch of exciting materials: tin foil, large sparkles, buttons, beads, paper clips, pennies among other things. They were free to add as many or as few details as they liked. There was no right or wrong approach. As long as the kids were generous with the materials (sharing with friends) and generally working calmly I was happy to let them have some freedom.

These robots are EXCITING.
Check them out below!

AWESOME!

Robots - Phase 1

Today we began what normally proves to be one of the favorite projects of the year: ROBOTS.

This is a project that focuses the children on using materials in a constructive, sculptural, three dimensional way. It is also a project designed to remind the kids that any material may be an art material, in this case repurposed cardboard! Armed with a wide selection of pre cut cardboard shapes, black paper and glue, I gave the kids a quick demonstration of how one might approach building a robot. We talked about adding the largest shapes first (body and head), adding whatever parts they thought necessary next (arms? legs? wheels?), and following finally with any details.

I was available through out to cut or alter any shapes as the kids required. As you can see, these robots are off to a great start. Next class we will have the opportunity to paint them with silver metallic paint and add details to our background. Enjoy!

Bee Hives!

Bee Hives!We had a great time over the last two art classes working on bee hives! We began by painting a single sheet of water color orange (as the background color for the inside of the hive). 

 While those were drying we discussed and practiced drawing bees. Once the kids felt confident we drew and painted bees using oil pastels and water colors. We began (in the usual way) drawing the outlines of the bees with black and painting with yellow watercolor. The kids have all used materials in this way before. The bees came out beautifully, but no surprises. 

 Next we drew bees with yellow and painted over with black watercolor. As you can see, these bees really popped. They were bright and beautiful! The watching the kids experiment and delight in the resistance of the oil pastel to watercolor was a real pleasure.

While those dried, we retrieved our (now dry) orange papers. Each child also received yellow paint, a large paintbrush and a square of bubble wrap. (Can you guess where this is going?) The kids painted the "bubble side" of the bubble paper and then printed it (flipping it upside down and pressing) onto the orange paper. Peeling the bubble wrap off, a beautiful honey comb print appeared!

The following class, we took the time to carefully cut out all of our bees and give them a home in their hives. Outstanding! Apologies for the lateness of the post!

Painting a Sunset

We spent this rainy morning working on a sunset project. 

We began by looking at a sunset painting by a former student. We noted the composition in particular. Then we worked together to draw a field of flowers with mountains and a sunset in the distance. 

The kids did beautifully with the project. When given the opportunity, many were excited to try drawing new types of flowers and to add their own interesting designs and patterns. After drawing, the kids painted their pictures with watercolor. Beautiful!

Buildings in color!

We had a fun (and unusual) art class today. 

Due to unforeseen events we were in a new location! We were unexpectedly moved to the hall where every kiddo walking to the water fountain or bathroom had a chance to see and enjoy our art making! As you can see, the kids had a chance to add color to the buildings they made last week. We used oil pastels. The kids were free to elaborate and color any way they chose. Enjoy!