The Very Busy Spider

Because you HAVE to wear a spider dress with this lesson. ^_^

This lesson is a new addition to the kindergarten curriculum this year as a study of secondary colors. I adapted this lesson after seeing it on Artolazzi's blog. We started by mixing secondary colors from primary colors and used texture combs to make the papers more interesting. I cut their papers into different shapes before we painted so that they could be used for the spider's body, head, and legs. 

The following week, we worked together to cut the oval body, circle head, and stick legs for our spider. We used horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines to create a spider web drawing for our spider's home. Adorable, will definitely do again! 

Kusama Paper Sculptures

We tried out a new project in our Yayoi Kusama unit this year. 4th grade used paper sculpture techniques to create these 3D pumpkins. We started by using a ruler to create even lines on a piece of paper. Then we added the dots. After that, we cut the paper into strips and glued them in a "star" formation. 

Then we joined the strips after curving them upward to create the pumpkin shape. We placed them on a base and added a stem to complete these. 

And have I said how much I love my new display cases?

Kandinsky Marker Paintings

I tried out a new technique in kindergarten and first grade this year. We were using diffusion to create paint from washable markers. After viewing the works of Kandinsky, we used Sharpie markers to trace circles and rulers for straight lines. Then we outlined those with primary colored washable markers. After the lines had color, we used wet paintbrushes to spread the colors. 

They loved the magic of water and markers and we got an introduction to color mixing when the colors overlapped. 

Aluminum Foil Prints

We had some extra time in 5th grade, so we experimented with aluminum foil printmaking. They drew a design of their choice with a Sharpie marker on their paper. Then we used washable markers on foil and water to turn the markers into paint. Then we took a monoprint of the color onto our papers. Interesting results and it may be a technique we incorporate into future projects. :) 

Marbled Paper Starry Night

Shaving cream marbling is always so fun and creates amazing results! 2nd grade used this technique to emulate the movement we see in Van Gogh's Starry Night. 

After the paper dried, we used black paper and yellow & white oil pastels to add scenery to our artworks. 

Van Gogh's Sunflowers

5th grade used a simple pinch pot method to create bowls. Then we added petals using the slip & score technique to turn them into sunflowers inspired by Vincent van Gogh's paintings. 

When a student asks if they can add a turtle in their sunflower, you don't say no. ^_^

This is my first time in many years using a kiln and my first time using glaze. All went well and they turned out super cute! You can find more information about this lesson and other Van Gogh lessons here. 

New Year, New School!

Most of you know that this year I moved from Tennessee to Kansas. I am starting my new school year in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools District! Excited to share my lessons with new students and meet the local art teachers! ^_^

How to Draw a Mouse...with letters

Someone AGES ago asked me to share how we draw our mice for our Mouse Paint lesson in kindergarten. I have uploaded the directions to my TPT for FREE! Go get it if you want it! Make some adorable mice! Learn about primary colors! Follow the link here. 

Warhol Flowers

Just realized I never posted these fantastic Warhol-inspired flowers that 1st grade made! We started with squares of colored paper. Then we used paint scrapers to add scratchy black paint. Once those were dry, we drew and cut simple flowers to add. Easy process and a knockout at the art show!

Elements & Principles Pack

I recently finished part of a project I have been working on for a while. I am working towards creating an entire elements & principles of art curriculum for lower elementary. Today I finished the pages of the student workbook. I am sharing a link to the pages here on my TPT in case you would like to use them in your classroom. See previews of a few pages below. The entire pack includes 17 student activities, book covers, and answer keys. Check back in the future for more resources, search the tag TPT!