Kids of all ages enjoy art history when you teach it through projects inspired by the work of famous artists. Abstract art is especially fun for kids because it removes the pressure that can come with trying to achieve "realism". This project is inspired by the Surrealist movement and the work of Spanish artist Joan Miró. Joan (pronounced "Djo-ahn") Miró was a painter, … [Read more...]
Paint a Monochromatic Delft-Inspired Plate
Parents, are you looking for ways to keep your kids learning and engaged at home that don't involve screen time? I’ve got you covered! I'll be posting more of my favorite art projects using minimal supplies that you might already have at home. These projects develop the skills of critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving, and invention - the very qualities we need to see … [Read more...]
Patriotic Noisemaker Tacos
Take your summer craft projects to the next level when you include the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, color) and the Principles of Design (contrast, rhythm, proportion, balance, unity, emphasis, movement, and variety). Look for ways you can weave some of this art vocabulary into every project you teach, like I've done with the project below. Be … [Read more...]
Easy Sugar Skull Kirigami for Day of the Dead
This easy sugar skull art project is sure to be a hit with students in grades 3 and up. Sugar skulls are a popular icon representing the Day of the Dead holiday. Day of the Dead (or Dia De Los Muertos) is a festive two day celebration (November 1st & 2nd) honoring the lives of loved ones who have died. This colorful holiday from the Hispanic cultures of Mexico, … [Read more...]
My Mona Lisa Surprise
Our son’s wedding in Europe last week gave us the perfect excuse to visit some of the world’s most spectacular museums and view masterpieces up close that I'd only ever seen in books. As an Art teacher who had never experienced Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa in person, the Musee du Louvre in Paris had to be our first stop! Many people warned me that I’d be surprised when I … [Read more...]
Ceramic Sugar Skull Plate for Dia de los Muertos
November 1st and 2nd is a Mexican holiday known as "Dia de los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead"..... an no, it isn't "Mexican Halloween"! It's not meant to be scary, spooky, or morbid, but rather a colorful tradition of honoring loved ones who have passed. I'm blessed to live in an area of the U.S. with a large hispanic population, so this holiday is big here. And the more I learn … [Read more...]
Easy Sugar Skull Ceramic Planter
When I saw this awesome sugar skull ceramic planter at Trader Joes I knew I had to come up with a way for my students to make them! So here it is, just in time for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1 & 2! All you'll need is clay, a popsicle stick, a fettling knife, and a dull pencil.... Make a sugar skull ceramic planter: If you want to plant … [Read more...]
Scholastic Art Giveaway
When the editor of Scholastic Art contacted me about reviewing their magazine on my blog and hosting a giveaway, I jumped at the chance! Scholastic Art has a special place in my heart. As a high school senior, I was chosen to receive a Scholastic Art Scholarship to an art school in Boston. Even though I had to decline the scholarship, the honor of being selected gave me a huge … [Read more...]
Origami Flower Balls
The Japanese art of origami always seems like a fitting thing to do at Christmas. It’s peaceful and calming, almost meditative to work on, and it makes a beautiful decoration when finished! As with many origami projects, this unique hanging ornament looks much more difficult than it is. It’s really just the same simple sequence repeated over and over and then glued together. … [Read more...]
20 Interesting Facts about the Sistine Chapel
If you're reading this post, you're probably a person who enjoys learning about art and the artists who create it. Yet we all know people who don't share this interest, and may even find art history to be dry and boring (gasp!). Well, art history is anything but dry and boring if you know the stories behind the paintings! From DaVinci's Mona Lisa to the diverse works … [Read more...]
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