Observational Drawing

First and second graders are practicing observational drawing. We talked about how observation means to look at something closely, so observational drawing is to look at something closely and draw what you see. We also talked about how artists can get frustrated by trying to make their drawing look exactly like what they observing, but it is more important to try your best and include as many details as you can. Sometimes it looks more interesting as a drawing if it doesn't look exactly like real life. Lukas in 2nd grade said that it is more important that you put your artistic spirit into it. I like that.

So first graders looked at drawings of fish by Hokusai and Munari. We tried to guess which artist worked from observation and guessed that it was Hokusai because he included more details. Students then used sharpie to draw a fish from observation. We worked from rubber reproductions of fish that show tons of detail.
Next, they incorporated details from their imagination about where the fish would live. Most artists made under the sea scenes:

But some artists had other ideas:

See the final results on display next week on the second floor. Great work!

Second graders have begun practicing drawing bugs from observation of photos. We will be taking these skills to a whole new level to create drawings inspired by one of my favorite movies:

Get excited!

Here are some photos of second graders working on practice sketches:

Weaving

Fourth graders are almost done with weaving! Look for their pieces on display in the lobby in June. Here is an example of how one student turned her woven fabric into a fashion accessory!

Kid With A Camera!

Don't forget to participate in the annual Kid With a Camera exhibition! There is still time to submit photos, just remember that you must submit a printed photo, not just a jpeg. Click the poster to enlarge and see all the info.

May Newsletter

I can't believe it is May! Here is what's happening:

Studio 220 Newsletter: May 2010

First Grade: First graders are continuing on their sculpture unit and have moved on to creating sculptures with found materials and assemblage. Students are looking at the work of Louise Nevelson. We are exploring how sculptures can have a limited amount of colors so the focus is on form. We are also figuring out how you can transform 3D sculpture into 2D. Check out the blog for our explorations.

Second Grade: Second graders are working on an observational and imaginative drawing unit. We are exploring the different ways that an artist can make drawings and trying to see what happens when they are combined. We will be looking at the work of a number of contemporary artists who focus on drawing and experiment with a number of media. Students will work with pencil, charcoal and ink.

Third Grade: Third graders are creating collages of landscapes and dreamscapes. We are looking at what makes a piece of art a landscape. We are looking at the work of artists including Esther Pearl Watson and David Hockney to see how artists draw inspiration from a place and also add elements of their imagination.

Fourth Grade: Fourth graders are finishing up their weaving unit. We have been considering how color choices are as important in weaving as they are in painting. Students are considering what colors contrast and what colors blend together. Next, we will be moving onto a clay unit.

Fifth Grade: Fifth graders are working on collograph self-portrait prints. We have been studying portraiture and students are experimenting with how collograph painting is different than drawing.

Don’t forget to visit the art blog: www.megankimball.blogspot.com for photos and up to the minute details of what we are working on!

As always, I am in need of baby wipes! Any donations are much appreciated!

Megan Kimball