6th Graders did a really nice job on this project. We started off by learning a lot about the artist Roy Lichtenstein. We watched this video and read through this handout. Using iPads and computers students worked on editing their photo to make it in a comic book style. They drew from the image they created. I had to stress to them to draw what they were seeing and not what they thought it should look like. After seeing Lichtenstein's work, students set to work using only primary color markers (and black). They were to fill in some areas solid, and use Lichtenstein's dots in other areas. I had two very different types of students with this project; one group were the students who totally embraced the idea of using interesting colors on their face, and the other who were so self conscious about it they would work with their drawing on their lap so no one could see it. Even in this day in age, you know of the "selfie," many students were just so embarrassed to do this project. It was not because of the colors, but the idea of the self portrait. Do any of you struggle with your older students at the idea of a self portrait? How do you go about problem solving it?
Students learned about "upcycling" for our One to the World unit in art. One to the World (OttW) is a new initiative set forth by Loudoun County where students learn about a "real world" problem and consider a solution. We used 15 year old Mac software CDs that were once used by Eagle Ridge MS, and "upcycled" (repurposed) them to create artwork. Their designs were inspired by the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany and mandalas. All student CDs will remain hung together for the 6th grade art show in June-they are wonderful in person!
Inside every kid lies the heart of an artist.
This lesson was inspired by a project completed by a nonprofit organization called Fresh Artists. I was in awe of one of the projects involving young artists creating mosaics of fruits and vegeta…
April 16, 2012 This session I will be teaching my fifth grade class. Unfortunately my sixth graders left and will be moving onto the middle school next year:( I will miss them greatly. What a good bunch of kids! April 15, 2012 Silkscreening T-shirts with a Social or Environmental Message! Miss Flegal and I cashed in on these stretcher bars we came upon and combined them with white organza fabric to make silkscreens! Students brought in their own t-shirts and used elmer's glue to create a resist. The exciting component about this project was the glow-in-the-dark printing ink I was able to find to make their shirts really special! March 21, 2012 Sixth grade silhouettes complete! Our art program has been getting so many positive comments about the front entrance of our building and these vibrant mosaic silhouettes. Using marbled paper that the students made and thinking about color choice that coincided with their action or movement was very important. Lastly, we incorporated a literacy element inspired by Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear What do you see? March 9, 2012 My sixth graders are back and we are working on life sized art projects combining two types of art we just looked at and learned a lot about-- silhouettes and mosaics. These were inspired by an installation art piece we did last year as an entire building. I cannot believe how cool these are looking! Our media for this project has included cardboard, black latex paint, various colors of construction paper, shaving cream and tempera paint for marbling, scissors and glue stick. The poses for the silhouettes were derived from the children themselves and interests they have both in and outside of school as well an energy or emotion they are trying to evoke. When all is said and done we are incorporating an element of Eric Carle's Brown Bear, Brown Bear book. I can't wait to post more when they are finalized next week! December 2, 2011 This six week session I will be instructing my fifth grade class and will return to teaching fifth grade again in February. Stay tuned... November 11. 2011 Self Portraits in Chuck Close Style Students in sixth grade are integrating math skills by measuring and creating a grid for an exact self portrait drawing. This is the method that artist Chuck Close uses to create his portraits. After spending extensive time learning about his life-- he is my FAVORITE artist, we are now in the beginning stages of creation. So far, so good! November 4, 2011 Oh what a busy Friday! Students were busy glazing ocarinas as well as using acrylic paints to put finishing touches on their cubism Picasso sculptures. It was a great way to end a busy week and we will look forward to working in new art media next time. October 26, 2011 Pablo Picasso Sculptures in progress... Students are using some unconventional tools for their current sculptural project-- wood scraps, glue, wire and pantyhose. Yes, you heard me right. If your child has recently come home talking about using pantyhose as part of his art project, he is not lying to you. Here is what we have started in the past few days. October 19, 2011 Ocarinas We are trying our hand at constructing ocarinas out of clay. Students did extensive research online and here is what we have learned so far. The ocarina (/ɒkəˈriːnə/) is an ancient flute-like wind instrument.[1] Variations do exist, but a typical ocarina is an enclosed space with four to twelve finger holes and a mouthpiece that projects from the body. It is often ceramic, but other materials may also be used, such as plastic, wood, glass, clay, and metal. The ocarina belongs to a very old family of instruments, believed to date back to over 12,000 years.[2] Ocarina-type instruments have been of particular importance in Chinese and Mesoamerican cultures. For the Chinese, the instrument played an important role in their long history of song and dance. The ocarina has similar features to the Xun (塤), another important Chinese instrument (but is different in that Ocarina uses an internal duct, whereas Xun is blown across the outer edge.)[3] In Japan, the traditional ocarina is known as the tsuchibue (kanji: 土笛; literally "earthen flute"). Different expeditions to Mesoamerica, including the one conducted by Cortés, resulted in the introduction of the ocarina to the courts of Europe. Both the Mayans and Aztecs had produced versions of the ocarina, but it was the Aztecs who brought the song and dance to Europe that accompanied the ocarina. The ocarina went on to become popular in European communities as a toy instrument.[4][5] Its earliest use in Europe dates back to the 19th century in Budrio, a town near Bologna, Italy, where Giuseppe Donati transformed the ocarina from a toy, which only played a few notes, into a more comprehensive instrument (known as the first "classical" ocarinas). The word ocarina in the Bolognese dialect means "little goose." The earlier form was known in Europe as a gemshorn, which was made from animal horns of the Gemsbok. The ocarina was featured in the Nintendo video game The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, attracting a marked increase in interest and a dramatic rise in sales.[6][7] How an ocarina works: 1. Air enters through the windway 2. Air strikes the labium, producing sound 3. Air vibrates throughout the inside of the ocarina Covering and uncovering holes lowers and raises the pitch Source: Wikipedia Here are our ocarinas in progress... Let's hope they make music once they are come out of the kiln! October 17, 2011 After not having my sixth grade class for the first six weeks of this school year they are now occupying my room every morning for 45 minutes for the next six weeks. It is such a joy to have them and experience their growth since I last saw them as fifth graders. We started our time together with a pencil study called The Vanishing Snack. I adapted this from high school art teacher Mrs. Vogel of Field High School. My students as usual have risen to the challenge and are producing wonderful work. At each stage of their four part drawing, they are wrinkling a pop can and drawing it as well as all of its highlights and shadows in its new state. September 7, 2011 Because of our new six week schedule I will not see my sixth graders until October 10th! Stay tuned... June 1, 2011 Tile Triptychs in progress! Students in sixth grade are embarking on a triptych constructed of clay. A triptych is a three paneled piece of art that views as one continuous piece but is constructed in stages. This has been a great opportunity for them to learn about specific properties of clay and how to work with this medium from one class to the next, keeping it moist and workable. The students were expected to include text, an image and possibly a favorite verse that states something about themselves as an individual. April 21, 2011 Plaster Hands and Feet March 13, 2011 In sixth grade we have about three projects going on at once. One is our plaster hands and feet project that we started back in January. Here they are as works in progress.... January 31, 2011 Recently in sixth grade I set my students loose with plaster and these thoughts in mind. Below are the results so far. Once again, their minds, their thought processes and their creative journeys amaze me. I will keep blogging as their projects move along... Take a moment and think about all of the uses of your hands in the course of a day, the course of a hour or even a minute. For example list every way you can think of that you used your hands just this morning… -to brush your teeth -to eat your breakfast What do you think your hands can say about a person? Can they have polished nails? Wear certain rings? Does their appearance tell you a story? For example having wrinkles… Let’s think about some of those features. Next think about phrases that have the word hand in it… “hands of time” “helping hands” “clap your hands” “give me a hand” “lend a hand” “in good hands”… If you could compare your hand to another object of similar form what would that be? A growing tree branching out? Sunday, January 16, 2011 Don Drumm Inspired Endangered Animals Students in sixth grade studied the metal art works of local artisan Don Drumm and then decided to make a statement with their art. After doing some research about the current Endangered Species list they created these metal embossed pieces about animals of diminishing numbers. Next, by adding a statement, they could give the animal a voice to be heard. Won’t you do your part in raising awareness for some of these unknown creatures? Below is our display of the completed sixth grade Chuck Close inspired portraits. Chuck Close Self Portraits in Progress November 29, 2010 We are wrapping up our Chuck Close portraits and the end results are amazing. Not only are students manipulating charcoal very well to create various tones but they have mastered a likeness of their own face! Chuck Close Self Portraits November 15, 2010 Wow! It has been awhile since I have updated my sixth section of the blog. Students have been hard at work and are tackling difficult projects and techniques. Most recently we have begun working in Chuck Close grid style. You can see his work at http://www.chuckclose.coe.uh.edu/. He is my favorite artist. Using a grid, students have integrated math skills into their drawing by focusing on exact measurements for precision. Here are a few of their starts... Vanishing Snack Drawings October 14, 2010 Students in sixth grade are training their eyes to see close details through these altered still life drawings. They are working on drawing a pop can and then slowly crushing it until it becomes very minimal. At each stage they have to look closely at how their object has been changed and then try and draw it. Charcoal has aided them in learning about the value scale. They are beginning to see that with shadows some parts can be extremely dark and extremely light.
Dive into 50 engaging 6th-grade art projects to inspire creativity and teach vital art skills in middle school students.
I like to think of “selfies” as a form of modern day self-portraiture. Someone may snap a picture of himself/herself, publish it to social media, and wala! Selfie complete, quick and simple. Many …
This project was a huge hit with my 5th/6th grade classes. There’s something about the feel of sand through your fingers that is soothing. I’m telling you, every kid was very engaged.…
I loved this project. This has now become my favorite 6th grade project. There were so many different elements that went into this project and 6th grade students rocked it! I was so impressed by the work they did. I have around 200 6th graders and this is just a handful of the drawings they did, but the majority of students were so successful and much of the results reflect the images in this post. We spent about 4 classes on this project. The first day we did a step by step drawing of a pop can. Students were then given a handout of about 10 different kinds of pop and they began drawing the logo. On the second day students finished drawing the logo and began shading in the pop can with drawing pencils and blending sticks. On the third day we talked a little bit about OP Art and created our backgrounds together. I did require students to have 4-5 circles on their drawing. We drew them together by tracing around circles around the classroom. They then had the option to create a checker board or the curved line background. They then filled in the background with markers. On the last day students finished the background by choosing the colors of the soda can to fill in with marker. Here are just SOME of the awesome drawings the 6th graders made. What do you think?
This is a fantastic project that I did with my grade 5/6 class before March break. I wanted to do something with 2 point perspective, as ...
Dive into 50 engaging 6th-grade art projects to inspire creativity and teach vital art skills in middle school students.
Inside every kid lies the heart of an artist.
6th grade students finished their collages and they look AMAZING!! We used magazines to create a simple picture. We wanted the colors to be similar but to use different textures in the pictures to create more interest.
Inside every kid lies the heart of an artist.
What is OP ART? It is short for Optical Illusion. Op art, short for optical art, is a style of visual art that uses optical illusions. Op art works are abstract, with many better known pieces created in black and white. or contrasting colors. Typically, they give the viewer the impression of movement: waving, spinning, swirling, vibrating... Here are 2 Well know OpArt artist.... Bridgett Riley 1931- now 88 years old when posted Victor Vassarley 1906-1997 Victor Vasarely was a Hungarian-French artist, who is widely accepted as a "grandfather" and Although these ideas seem modern and graphic, They have been around for thousands of years. Cross Contour line is traced back to the 1400s... This was created by Paolo Uccello. It uses 2000 intersecting points to map out the mathematical form of a chalice. CRITERIA: -Final must contain at least 3 circles (or other shape) using cross contour line on them to create 3 forms. -A background that gives the illusion of movement (warping, waving, swirling using lines or checkerboard. If using 2 colors, they must be CONTRASTING. (background samples below) HOW DO YOU DO THOSE!? Above instructions for box 5,7 and 11 You can use the 4 I show above, then venture on your own and find more you like. Click Here for IDEAS.. or watch here... Make practice fun by filling in squares on a cube with the techniques. (above using complementary colors) (above on colored card stock using tints and shades) Color Design It is very important to use the correct colors in OPart. This light plays a big part on the eyes and how it reflects back onto them. Black and white contrast and are an easy way to make the eyes bounce back and forth. Complementary colors have contrast as well and will do the same. -Emphasize (make stand out visually) the 3 spheres by using -Contrasting (opposite) color choices in background and 3 spheres to compliment each other. 2023 HIGH SCHOOL EXAMPLES Examples of Past Op Art Projects from Mineola Middle School 2004-2014 Practice Ahead of time Helps... I recommend practicing with cross contour shapes and then a variety of backgrounds to use. (Student below practicing ) 2022 Op Art Ajia, Madison, Kinslee, Kaden, Emily, & Jaidyn Michelle, Jasmin, Eduardo, & Paislee Kali, Jazmyn, MAria, Jarezi, Ayden B. , Melanie, Selena, & Aubrey --------2021 Art One Student----- Justin, Jaylee, and Ozias Karen, Josilen, Peyton C., Stephanie, Caroline and Lovella Jannette and Carie Brielle, Lyndie, Destinee, Danielle, Tania and Addyson 2019-2020 ----6-8th grade Mineola Middle School Art---- 1st period (below) Yuka, Sa’Niya, Victoria, Ambria, Desiree, Kaleece, Jada & Jason 1st period Rylee, Katie, Ruben (left), Kaylynn & Stephanie (right) (below) 2nd period (below) NoName, Chance, Chris, Lucy, Zane & Moses Emmily & Francie (below) Danielle 6th grade (above) Hazel, Anonymous, Bailee & Kaylee Kris, krissie, Jorja, Tania, Maiyah, Chevelle, Makena & Mariana Bryan, Kaily, Athena, Maiyah, David & Nathalie 7th and 8th graders 2009-2012 Alexis and Angela (above) Benji and Brenda (above) Brianna and Colby (above) Corbin and Dalton (above) Drason ad Hugo (above) Lily and Shanna (above) Try This for Fun More Lost Sock OP ART projects Op Art American Flags http://tabithaannthelostsock.blogspot.com/2019/09/op-art-american-flags.html Three Dimensional Color Columns https://tabithaannthelostsock.blogspot.com/2014/03/3-d-color-columns.html Op Art Hand https://tabithaannthelostsock.blogspot.com/2012/10/art-elements-using-hands.html
Ready, set, POSE! I use my iPhone to take photos of my students. I usually do this on a day during which they are intently engaged with another lesson, and pull one or two students at a time into t…
