Abstract art is a great way to teach composition and the Elements of Art... without the intimidation that can occur when striving for realism. Take some musical symbols and create a random layout... and have fun with it!! Materials:12x18 black construction paperOil pastels (we used the Pentel 16 color set)Directions:1. Sketch your design using a white oil pastel. Include at … [Read more...]
Search Results for: elements of art
Tangle Drawings
Tangle drawing by Krista, grade 4Tangle drawings are like sophisticated “doodles”, with an endless variety of possibilities! Visit Zentangle.com (and its companion Flickr site) to be inspired and see how one couple has turned these simple, yet sophisticated drawings into a world-wide craze! Vocabulary: Tangle - a confused mass of something that is twisted … [Read more...]
What Inspires You?
While it's great to follow tried and true plans for a successful Art lesson, it can be fun to come up with a new project on your own, based on something that inspires you. Where do you get inspiration from? It's different for everyone, but anything that catches your eye (from the shapes and patterns of nature to the shadows cast on the building next door) can offer potential … [Read more...]
TIP #38: Help Students Avoid Project Procrastination
Many students experience "project procrastination" when beginning a new assignment. And it's no surprise… procrastination is a universal problem that affects young and old alike. When a student procrastinates it doesn't mean they don't care about their work… in fact, it usually indicates the opposite. Procrastination can be a sign that a student is confused or unsure about … [Read more...]
TIP #11: Drawing Outside? Try This!
There's nothing like taking kids outside to draw. Kids LOVE drawing outside. It doesn't have to be anywhere special… just the idea of going outside to do something evokes the excitement of a field trip! Supplies can be minimal. All you need is paper, a pencil, an eraser, and a portable flat surface to draw on. A piece of foam core board or thick cardboard cut to just a little … [Read more...]
Rock Babies – A Creative Activity for Preschoolers
Get your littlest ones outside, looking closely at nature, and thinking creatively... and you might even brighten someone's day with the result! Our son, Adam, made these adorable "Rock Babies" (his name for them!) when he was a prescho0ler. He's in his 30's now, and I still have them! I keep them in a kitchen drawer that I get into daily, and they still put a smile on my … [Read more...]
Illustrations with Surrealism
What better way to celebrate April Fool’s Day than with an image of Salvadore Dali caught in the act of pulling a prank??! Surrealism is a cultural, artistic, and literary movement which began in the early 1920’s. Founded by French writer and poet Andre Breton as a ‘revolutionary movement’, Surrealism is probably best known as a style of art featuring photorealistic images of … [Read more...]
Recycled Assemblage Sculptures Inspired by Louise Nevelson
Louise Nevelson (1899-1988) was one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century. Born in Russia, she emigrated with her family to the United States in 1905. Her unique artistic style was influenced by the cubist movement, co-founded by Pablo Picasso, and the found object sculptures of Marcel Duchamp. Calling herself “the original recycler”, Nevelson is … [Read more...]
Create a Successful All-School Display
Sometimes life can take some unexpected turns! A few months ago, I had to take a leave of absence from my teaching position to deal with a family emergency. My dad had passed away leaving no plan for my 93 year old mom. So we moved her 2500 miles to live where we can give her the help she needs. While I'm blessed to have this special time with my mom, her needs are too great … [Read more...]
Oil Pastel Houses Inspired by Marc Chagall
Students enjoy creating these quirky street-scapes inspired by Russian artist, Marc Chagall. There's just something really fun about crooked buildings and random things flying through the air! Materials: 12x18 black construction paper #2 Pencil with pink eraser (the eraser is handy for "sketching" your layout!) Oil Pastels "Wet wipes" for clean up Examples of the … [Read more...]