Cardinal Collages Inspired by Charlie Harper

My students recently learned about the art of Charley Harper, his love of animals and nature, and the use of symmetry in his work. After looking at his artwork, and some photographs of cardinals in the wild, we set out to create our winter scenes. We cut and pasted colored construction paper, then used markers, crayons, white tempera paint, and glitter to complete our collages. We talked a lot about symmetry, as the shapes of our cardinals, bird baths, and leaves were created. The bright colors and winter theme were a big hit! The children had lots of choices throughout the lesson. They had a variety of background colors to select, and the choice to create a male or female cardinal. They could use a selection of templates for the cardinal and/or bird bath shapes, or they could fold and cut their own symmetrical designs.

Inspiration for this lesson came from Shine Bright Zamorano, one of my favorite Art Ed blogs! 

A Visit to the Guggenheim

We recently took a trip into Manhattan to visit the Guggenheim Museum. They were having an exhibit of black and white works by Pablo Picasso, and we were all excited to see it! Here are some photos of our visit and sketches that we created while there.

Thank you to the Guggenheim for still printing postcards of current exhibitions! A lot of the museum shops have turned into design oriented gift shops that have nothing to do with the art being shown. A postcard is the perfect memento, especially for kids, without having to purchase a full sized catalog.

The museum is also a chance to discuss Frank Lloyd Wright and his brilliant architecture! If you get the chance to visit, remember to take the elevator to the top floor, and walk the galleries by descending. And locals, our library has a museum pass which you can borrow for free admission!

Stained Glass Inspired Self Portraits

I have a student and friend who is nearing her college years, and intends to study art. We have been working together and with my family to create some new pieces of artwork that may be added to her portfolio. Here is our first endeavor.

We took inspiration from stained glass panels to create these self portraits in ink and concentrated watercolor. We first sketched our self portraits in pencil, trying to fill the page with as much face and as little background as possible. Then with bold strokes and waterproof ink, we painted the initial outlines of our pieces. Watercolor was then used to fill areas, and non-realistic colors where encouraged. A second round of ink and watercolor wash were added, as well as waterproof markers to add details and render color areas further. As you can see the stained glass reference was loosely observed, but I think helped give us the opportunity to think in a more graphic style. Did I mention how much I love making art with others? Great job everyone!

Art Ed Blog Finalist and 200 Followers!

The results are in and I am happy to be a finalist among some amazing art education bloggers for Art Ed Blog of the Year! Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists. You can see all of us by visiting  The Art of Education. 

Over the last few days my blog has also reached over 200 followers! All of these confirmations of what I do are so appreciated. Remember that most bloggers are not compensated in any way other than knowing that you are out there, reading, commenting and sharing with each other. Thank you all for your support!

Best Artists in the Ocean: Animated!

Lovely things happen when you are part of a great community of art educators. I recently received an email from Ian Sands. His blog Art of Apex High School is also up for the 2012 Art Ed Blog of the Year at The Art of Education.  Ian asked if his students could use the squid paintings my students recently created after reading 'I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean!' by Kevin Sherry as inspiration for an animation project.
I was so excited that he contacted me and immediately agreed. What a great way for older and younger students to collaborate, utilize technology, and just have fun making art! Not to mention that we are in different parts of the country. Now it feels like we are sharing the same virtual classroom! Thanks Ian, to you and your students. It is just the coolest thing ever to have someone animate your art! My students are all smiles.

There's still time to vote for our blogs at The Art of Ed! 

Midnight tonight is the deadline. Good luck once again everyone! 

I'm off to find out about How to Milk a Dinocow!

Holiday Paintings

A few years back, my husband's grandmother requested a special gift for the holidays. She asked for each member of the family to create a holiday painting for her to display in her home. The older members of our family can be hard to buy for, and I was thankful for the request. So, this post isn't so much a lesson plan or tour of the art room, but a reminder that a handmade gift can mean more than something bought in a store. There's still time to create some art for family, friends, soldiers on a tour of duty, or the local assisted living home. Happy Holidays.

Please vote for Art Ed Blog of the Year 2012!

Woo hoo! I just found out from Jessica over at The Art of Education that my blog has been selected as one of the finalists to win "Art Ed Blog of the Year!" I am very excited, and hope you can take a minute this week to vote for My Adventures in Positive Space.

Voting is open this whole week from today through Friday the 14th. Follow this link http://www.theartofed.com/2012/12/09/2012-art-ed-blog-of-the-year-voting-open/.
All you have to do is click on the vote now button, check off my blog and any others that you adore, and then hit submit! My blog is truly in great company, and it would be an honor to make it into the Top 10 Art Ed Blogs of 2012!

 

Thanks so much to all that follow my adventures, and Happy Holidays!