Pier Mondrian -- and -- Space Ships

Today we began work on 2 separate projects: one a 2-class project studying the work of Pier Mondrian-- and the second a multi class project on outer space.

We began the morning by drawing spaceships and UFOs! The kids followed along as I did a few step-by-step demonstrations. It was exciting to watch as the kids realized that they really are able to draw complex, real world images. At the end of the lesson many went on to create their own personalized spaceships. Then we colored the ships with colored pencil. Take a look!

Next we viewed a few images from the work of Pier Mondrian. I asked the kids what they noticed about his work. They noted that his work was very neat and in control, the colors were always inside the lines, all this lines were straight (no circles), he used  only a few colors and left much of the space white.

Then we went on to our project. When we began, some of the kids were worried that it would be hard to paint straight black lines. Luckily we didn't have to! We used cardboard squares as our painting tool. Turning a cardboard square on it's edge you have a perfect way to print a straight line! We worked with horizontal and vertical to create a multitude of square and rectangle shapes. Next week, adding color!

 

Robots! Complete!

Today we finished our ROBOTS!

I brought in a collection of found objects: bottle caps, buttons, pins, beads, sparkles and glitter. The children were free to decorate their robots with these items in any way they chose.

The only parameter on this part of the project was to be sure to be generous about sharing these items with friends. The kids did wonderfully. They added all sorts of decoration to their robots and with the glitter added all sorts of wonders to the galaxies their robots inhabit.

*Special congratulations to Ava who missed last class and was able to paint and decorate her robot beautifully in one class - with time to spare for drawing afterwards!

After the kids finished I brought out some mosaic photocopies for them to try coloring. These designs really call one to consider how to approach pattern. You can find these in their bags this afternoon. Beautiful work!

Space Robots! Part 2

This election Tuesday we continued working on our space robots!

We started by cutting out the planets, stars and comets that we drew last week. the kids glued them onto their outer space backgrounds.

Then we got to paint! We had a beautiful silver paint for the metal bodies of the robots -- and then red, blue and green for details. Next week we'll add sparkles and some small, decorative found objects as our final touches! Special congratulations to Meesh and Cole who missed last class and managed to both build and paint their robots today! Great work, kids!

Outer Space Robots! Part 1

Today we began work on what is always a favorite project: making outer space robots!

We began with a little design and work with a quick lesson on drawing stars, planets and comets for our background. A few of the kids were already experts in drawing stars (which is difficult!), for the rest we went through a step-by-step demonstration until everyone was comfortable drawing them and happy with the results. Then we moved on to planets, comets, shooting stars and the sun. The kids were more free to explore as they chose at this point and were happily inspiring each other with knowledge and details about the colors, relative size and defining features of each planet. They know ALOT about space!

Then we moved on to robots! I provided the kids with a selection of pre-cut cardboard shapes to use to build their robots. As they liked, they glued pieces on to a piece of large black paper. We cut special shapes as needed. As we worked the kids talked about the cool features of their robots and what special things they could do. As you can see below there was a nice wide variety of approaches. Next week we will paint our robots with a metallic silver paint, add colorful details and add the stars, planets and comets we made this week to the background!

Pastel Foxes

Today we explored pastels, a new material for us. We made beautiful foxes and then had the opportunity to explore the materials independently. To begin, here are a few of "free" pieces.

We began the foxes with a quick "follow along" drawing lesson. Shape by shape we constructed our foxes. Then the kids traced the lines of the fox with an oil pastel and colored their foxes with soft chalk pastels. The kids had free choice of color for their foxes although we did discuss that foxes in nature are red, orange, gold, brown and white. I also encouraged them to place their foxes in a world by working with the background.

The most wonderful thing about today's class was that we had the time to do a little class art critique. The kids were wonderful! Holding up one piece at a time, I asked the kids if they had anything to say to the artist about the piece. What do they love about the piece? What do they find interesting? How do they see the work? The kids were amazingly sensitive and supportive and were very free in praising one another's effort. It can be such an important and positive part the creative process to feel that your work is seen and appreciated. To be seen in such a way can give one an increased sense of confidence and accomplishment.

We also worked in sketchbooks and as we did the kids seemed eager to continue sharing work with the whole class. I followed the kids on this and allowed them to share only if they wanted to. I was happy to see that by the end of class all of the students had comfortably participated. Wonderful morning!