We began our lesson by looking at examples of Monet's paintings in an old Monet art calendar. I chose his painting of Antibes for us to "copy" and hung it up where everyone could see it. Then I explained to my 1st graders that art students sometimes copy a famous painting in order to learn from it, and that it's okay to do that as long as you give the original artist proper … [Read more...]
How to Mix More Interesting Greens
Green is a color that students often take for granted. When painting greens, many kids will default to just using the green in their paint set. This results in paintings that lack depth and interest. With some basic color mixing instruction, kids can paint a variety of greens and greatly improve their paintings at the same time! Follow these steps to mix more interesting … [Read more...]
Children’s Prayers for the World
I love this project that 2nd-grade teacher, Barbara Mendence, does with her students each year! Not only is this a fun art lesson, but it makes for a great geography lesson and culture study as well. Armed with a list that includes all the countries of the world, her class commits to praying for every country over the course of the year. As they work through their list each … [Read more...]
Crayon Resist Easter Card
Here's a quick and easy crayon resist project I did with some of my 1st and 2nd graders. Students folded 12x18 paper in half and painted on the front, for a charming Easter card. Inside, they wrote: "He is risen! He is risen indeed!" Materials:12x18 heavy-weight white construction paperblack crayonswatercolors (I like the Prang OVL-8 set)watercolor brush (Don't use the … [Read more...]
Watercolor Fish
These are your basic crayon resist fish, but with a new twist.... students painted the fish separately from the background, then we glued them on top after everything was dry. The result is a background that looks continuous. Try sprinkling some salt on your background before it dries for an interesting, "watery" effect! I like to put up lots of visual references for students … [Read more...]
Kindergarten Birds
These kindergarten bird paintings are guaranteed to make you smile! I was completely charmed by these when my students did them last week, so I wanted to share a few, along with some tips for getting great results....I began by sharing a special "artist secret" with my students.... that "artists use shapes to help them draw things"! Next, I read them the story of Mouse Shapes … [Read more...]
Grade 4 Portfolios – “Ish” Drawings
There are lots of wonderful children's books available today, but "Ish" by Peter Reynolds stands out as one of my all-time favorites. This is a story that everyone (kids and adults!) can relate to.... in fact, it's so influential that I can literally see a "before and after" effect each time I read it to my students. This year, "Ish" is the inspiration for my 4th grade … [Read more...]
Grade 1 Portfolios – Design a Dot!
Every year, I start each of my Art classes by going over my "Art Rules". While this is review for most of my students, it never hurts to hear it again! And reading this book provides a great on-ramp to having this discussion!The Dot, by Peter Reynolds, has to be one of my favorite children's books of all time. If you only read one art-themed book to your students this year, … [Read more...]
Personalized Self-Portraits
Third grade self-portrait by ZacharyUse the inspiration of artist Frida Kahlo to have your students add a personalized touch to their self-portraits. Frida Kahlo is known for her prolific painting career.... paintings mostly of herself! She often used symbolism in her paintings as a "window to her soul". I like to have students add "something that helps people know them … [Read more...]
Butterfly Symmetry with Crayon Resist
Butterflies make the perfect subject for learning about symmetry and they're a great way to welcome the spring season. I love displaying them by putting a couple of staples through the body and pulling the wings out a little so they look like they're in flight! It's fun to let them "fly" off the bulletin board and onto the surrounding walls, or even right down the hall! … [Read more...]
