I am so proud of all of the kids. They are all so talented, and it is such a mature thing to make a piece of art and to let it go. Here are all the entries created with cray pas and other media.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Award Winning Artist
I've had my young artists enter competitions every now and then. It is important for artists (and their teachers) to be recognized by the art world. And sharing our art is so important! The greatest painting hasn't reached its potential until it is given the chance to be viewed and shared. Well I was just notified that one of my students was chosen as an honorable mention by the World Awareness Children's Museum. Congratulations to Caraid! Her art will be part of a world youth art exchange and be exhibited in schools across the country, and possibly the world.
I am so proud of all of the kids. They are all so talented, and it is such a mature thing to make a piece of art and to let it go. Here are all the entries created with cray pas and other media.
I am so proud of all of the kids. They are all so talented, and it is such a mature thing to make a piece of art and to let it go. Here are all the entries created with cray pas and other media.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
My First Cupcake!
During one of my last days subbing in the art room, I was given my first cupcake. In our district children can bring in a small treat for their birthday, and they sometimes are allowed to pick one or two staff outside of the classroom to visit and share their treats with. I had a girl in the art room earlier in the day, who decided to visit me with her treat in the afternoon. I asked her if she remembered that her art teacher was absent, and she said " I know, I brought it for you." It totally made my day! I know there are many of you who have had their fill of cupcakes, but it's not the cake really. It's the thought! I was very thankful and told her that I would let her teacher know that she visited. And that I would eat the cupcake on her behalf--Yummy!
Here are some cupcake sculptures inspired by Wayne Thiebaud made using model magic. I can't remember which blog I saw them on specifically. The bottoms were made with flexible cupcake molds, and the icing was a basic coil. Then the children got to add cherries, sprinkles etc. to top them off. Enjoy!
Here are some cupcake sculptures inspired by Wayne Thiebaud made using model magic. I can't remember which blog I saw them on specifically. The bottoms were made with flexible cupcake molds, and the icing was a basic coil. Then the children got to add cherries, sprinkles etc. to top them off. Enjoy!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Navajo Storyteller Figures
The children and I learned about the importance of storytelling as tradition in the Navajo culture. Storyteller figures in terracotta clay depict that tradition. Each student created a storyteller of their own in terracotta air-dry clay, and decorated it with acrylic paint. Some distinctive features of the figures are the round open mouth, closed eyes, and traditional Navajo dress.
Standing figure forms were shaped like a bell, and then head, hair, and arms were added using score and slip method. For seated figures, children formed a thick coil, bent it into an 'L' shape, and then separated the bottom half into two legs. Again head, hair, and arms were added using score and slip method. Figures were painted using a limited palette and some areas of the clay were left unpainted. Details were added with fine brushes and/or black sharpie marker. Enjoy!
Standing figure forms were shaped like a bell, and then head, hair, and arms were added using score and slip method. For seated figures, children formed a thick coil, bent it into an 'L' shape, and then separated the bottom half into two legs. Again head, hair, and arms were added using score and slip method. Figures were painted using a limited palette and some areas of the clay were left unpainted. Details were added with fine brushes and/or black sharpie marker. Enjoy!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Art Teacher Inspiration!
Hello fellow bloggers. I did not intend to leave the last post up for so long. Things have been busy, and there was a long stretch there where I couldn't sign in and out of Blogger— did anyone else have this experience? Anyway, classes are going well as usual and new art lessons will be posted soon.
My most recent inspiration as of late has been due to some professional development I have been taking on my own. I've found that these things can be a bit of a mixed bag, but I recently went to the Spring Symposium for Art Educators of NJ and came home inspired by two fellow art teachers while I was there.
The first was Susan Bivona, who gave a demonstration and talk about Artsonia. Artsonia is an online kids art museum where young artists and students display their art for other kids worldwide to view. I had seen the Artsonia website before, but didn't really know what it was all about. And being an independent teacher, I didn't think the site was for me. Was I ever wrong! Susan navigated the site, demonstrated its capabilities and potential and I was sold. What a great tool for art advocacy, involving families in their children's education, and fundraising. It is endorsed by the National Art Education Association, and takes great measures to insure children's safety. Parents are so impressed by the site and that their children can title their works, leave comments, and write artist statements. Not to mention that they are sharing their art work with over 100 countries worldwide. My goal to start was to post 100 art works and to represent all of my current students. I've managed it already, and it makes me so happy! Start with one grade, one lesson or one piece of art, and see how satisfying it is to share and grow with families, students, art teachers and the world. I hope to add a public school Artsonia gallery when I get my first offical art teacher position!
You can see Susan's art teacher blog at:
http://www.art-on-the-move.blogspot.com/
And, of course you can look her up on Artsonia too!
The other inspirational speaker for the day was Tricia Fuglestad. She was the key note speaker and gave other workshops that day as well. Tricia is an elementary art teacher from the Chicago area and has made quite a name for herself as an art teacher who utilizes technology in the classroom. Her methods are inspiring! It makes perfect sense to use an interactive white board to aid visual learning by visual means! But I was a little hesitant to accept all of her knowledge. I assumed that she had the advantage of an affluent school district with the means to provide her classroom with the technology she has access to, and the good fortune of a community which gives the arts the priority and importance it deserves as part of the curriculum. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Well, Tricia actually raised the funds herself to be able to bring an interactive white board, computers and more into her class room! She wanted these things, made them happen, and loves being an art teacher who uses technology in the classroom. It is like second nature to her, and to her students. She excels with such ease it makes me wonder why all art rooms don't have these tools! It seems they are just as important as paint, paper, and oxygen to breathe!
Although I don't have the same equipment in my studio, just having a Mac in the corner makes a world of difference to me! I have a store of images to use as reference, access to interactive sights for kids, which my students use in class from time to time, and I can research and communicate with all of you, who take the time as I do to write, photograph and share lesson plans, ideas, student's work and more. Tricia is a great inspiration and I hope to grow and become the art teacher I dream to be, just as she has done.
Tricia Fuglestad's presence on the web can be tapped here at:
http://www.sd25.org/~tfuglestad/art/Drydenart.html
Make sure you check out some of her Fugleflicks, blog, and more!
She has an Artsonia gallery too!
Both of these women have been added to my amazing art teacher blog list. Thank you ladies for sending me home with such inspiration!
And a last note for this post: the winners for the "What a Difference a Year Makes" giveaway are: Katie Morris, Okeeffesbackyard, Janis, Josey M. Brouwer, The Art Fairy. Make sure you send me your mailing addresses, and I'll send out your art stamps. I hope you enjoy them!
My most recent inspiration as of late has been due to some professional development I have been taking on my own. I've found that these things can be a bit of a mixed bag, but I recently went to the Spring Symposium for Art Educators of NJ and came home inspired by two fellow art teachers while I was there.
The first was Susan Bivona, who gave a demonstration and talk about Artsonia. Artsonia is an online kids art museum where young artists and students display their art for other kids worldwide to view. I had seen the Artsonia website before, but didn't really know what it was all about. And being an independent teacher, I didn't think the site was for me. Was I ever wrong! Susan navigated the site, demonstrated its capabilities and potential and I was sold. What a great tool for art advocacy, involving families in their children's education, and fundraising. It is endorsed by the National Art Education Association, and takes great measures to insure children's safety. Parents are so impressed by the site and that their children can title their works, leave comments, and write artist statements. Not to mention that they are sharing their art work with over 100 countries worldwide. My goal to start was to post 100 art works and to represent all of my current students. I've managed it already, and it makes me so happy! Start with one grade, one lesson or one piece of art, and see how satisfying it is to share and grow with families, students, art teachers and the world. I hope to add a public school Artsonia gallery when I get my first offical art teacher position!
You can see Susan's art teacher blog at:
http://www.art-on-the-move.blogspot.com/
And, of course you can look her up on Artsonia too!
The other inspirational speaker for the day was Tricia Fuglestad. She was the key note speaker and gave other workshops that day as well. Tricia is an elementary art teacher from the Chicago area and has made quite a name for herself as an art teacher who utilizes technology in the classroom. Her methods are inspiring! It makes perfect sense to use an interactive white board to aid visual learning by visual means! But I was a little hesitant to accept all of her knowledge. I assumed that she had the advantage of an affluent school district with the means to provide her classroom with the technology she has access to, and the good fortune of a community which gives the arts the priority and importance it deserves as part of the curriculum. Sounds like a fairy tale, right? Well, Tricia actually raised the funds herself to be able to bring an interactive white board, computers and more into her class room! She wanted these things, made them happen, and loves being an art teacher who uses technology in the classroom. It is like second nature to her, and to her students. She excels with such ease it makes me wonder why all art rooms don't have these tools! It seems they are just as important as paint, paper, and oxygen to breathe!
Although I don't have the same equipment in my studio, just having a Mac in the corner makes a world of difference to me! I have a store of images to use as reference, access to interactive sights for kids, which my students use in class from time to time, and I can research and communicate with all of you, who take the time as I do to write, photograph and share lesson plans, ideas, student's work and more. Tricia is a great inspiration and I hope to grow and become the art teacher I dream to be, just as she has done.
Tricia Fuglestad's presence on the web can be tapped here at:
http://www.sd25.org/~tfuglestad/art/Drydenart.html
Make sure you check out some of her Fugleflicks, blog, and more!
She has an Artsonia gallery too!
Both of these women have been added to my amazing art teacher blog list. Thank you ladies for sending me home with such inspiration!
And a last note for this post: the winners for the "What a Difference a Year Makes" giveaway are: Katie Morris, Okeeffesbackyard, Janis, Josey M. Brouwer, The Art Fairy. Make sure you send me your mailing addresses, and I'll send out your art stamps. I hope you enjoy them!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
What a Difference a Year Makes!
Hello and thank you to all of my fellow art teachers, parents, friends and blog followers. It has been just over a year since I have started this blog of art adventures, and I have just hit the 100 followers mark! It thrills me to be part of this incredible community of creative people who value the arts. So, in classic blogger style, I would like to throw a little giveaway at you!
For five winners chosen at random, I will mail one of these new rubber stamps from Museum Stamps featuring the works of Wood, van Gogh, da Vinci, and Munch. I have used stamps like these in student's sketchbooks as a reward. I've also made book marks and thank you cards for art teachers that have allowed me to substitute for them. We have had a mini masterpiece gallery on the walls of my studio as well. The children would color the stamped images as a free choice activity, but the rule was one for them to take home, and one for the studio. I think it is something about the size and fame of the images that really make the kids love them.
Here are the rules:
You must be a follower of this blog—easily fixed if you would like to enter. Just join us! One entry each. Entering more than once will not increase your chances. Please enter by commenting to this post, and leaving an email address or way to contact you. You must enter by May 31st. Winners will be chosen on or about June 1st and mailed ASAP. Winners and stamps awarded by random drawing.
Good Luck!
And thanks for following, being inspired, and inspiring me.
For five winners chosen at random, I will mail one of these new rubber stamps from Museum Stamps featuring the works of Wood, van Gogh, da Vinci, and Munch. I have used stamps like these in student's sketchbooks as a reward. I've also made book marks and thank you cards for art teachers that have allowed me to substitute for them. We have had a mini masterpiece gallery on the walls of my studio as well. The children would color the stamped images as a free choice activity, but the rule was one for them to take home, and one for the studio. I think it is something about the size and fame of the images that really make the kids love them.
Here are the rules:
You must be a follower of this blog—easily fixed if you would like to enter. Just join us! One entry each. Entering more than once will not increase your chances. Please enter by commenting to this post, and leaving an email address or way to contact you. You must enter by May 31st. Winners will be chosen on or about June 1st and mailed ASAP. Winners and stamps awarded by random drawing.
Good Luck!
And thanks for following, being inspired, and inspiring me.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Great Art Sites for Kids— Keith Haring
It's time to add another great art site for kids to my list. This one is Haring Kids! Along with information about the artist, there are lots of games, interactive puzzles, and online as well as printable coloring activities. If you get a chance, check it out. There are also lesson plans and requests for teachers like you and me to submit our Keith Haring inspired artworks. Enjoy!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Blue Willow Plates in Tempera
I first saw this lesson at the Use Your Colored Pencils blog, and knew I would be using it someday. Thanks Anne! The supplies needed are minimal: white paper plates, tempera in blue/white/black, brushes and water. We practiced mixing shades and tints of blue for our designs. The cross-curricular opportunities range from poetry and storytelling, to the culture of China and its influence on pottery through out the world.
We looked at a piece of Blue Willow china and discussed what images we saw on the plate. I then told the children about the legend which the pattern illustrates. To help remember what we saw, and to help everyone to chose elements to use in their designs, I shared the following poem:
'Two birds flying high,
A Chinese vessel, sailing by.
A bridge with three men, sometimes four,
A willow tree, hanging o'er.
A Chinese temple, there it stands,
Built upon the river sands.
An apple tree, with apples on,
A crooked fence to end my song.'
They were asked to chose one, or a few of the elements, but some did even more! The children sketched lightly in pencil first, and then began to paint. I reminded them that the border was an important part of their design as well (the ridges of the paper plate can aid them in creating simple border designs.) Great job guys! I love them all!
If you might try a Blue Willow lesson, here are some great links to go with your planning:
Wikipedia has an article about the Blue Willow pattern:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow_pattern
A telling of the Blue Willow legend at:
http://www.thepotteries.org/patterns/willow.html
New Zealand director Veialu Aila-Unsworth made a short animated film about the Blue Willow legend. You can view the trailer here:
http://www.bluewillow.co.nz/Trailer.htm
And if anyone knows where I can see the entire film, PLEASE let me know!
We looked at a piece of Blue Willow china and discussed what images we saw on the plate. I then told the children about the legend which the pattern illustrates. To help remember what we saw, and to help everyone to chose elements to use in their designs, I shared the following poem:
'Two birds flying high,
A Chinese vessel, sailing by.
A bridge with three men, sometimes four,
A willow tree, hanging o'er.
A Chinese temple, there it stands,
Built upon the river sands.
An apple tree, with apples on,
A crooked fence to end my song.'
They were asked to chose one, or a few of the elements, but some did even more! The children sketched lightly in pencil first, and then began to paint. I reminded them that the border was an important part of their design as well (the ridges of the paper plate can aid them in creating simple border designs.) Great job guys! I love them all!
If you might try a Blue Willow lesson, here are some great links to go with your planning:
Wikipedia has an article about the Blue Willow pattern:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow_pattern
A telling of the Blue Willow legend at:
http://www.thepotteries.org/patterns/willow.html
New Zealand director Veialu Aila-Unsworth made a short animated film about the Blue Willow legend. You can view the trailer here:
http://www.bluewillow.co.nz/Trailer.htm
And if anyone knows where I can see the entire film, PLEASE let me know!
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