In September, all classes introduced to "Art through the Ages" an overview
of art. We discussed styles, subjects etc. of paintings. Comments by
students were great as we looked at pictures by Da Vinci, Van Gogh etc. All
classes were also busy designing Fire Safety posters.
In October our classes are involved in "Fall theme" projects. Grade 2,
3, 4, adn 5 are making a variety of masks as they apply "repeat patterns"
or positive negative techniques. They are also learning about the origins
of masks in various societies around the world. Grade 1 is learaning 3D
paper techniques by making "haunted houses".
November art classes were busy with projects relation to autumn or
Thanksgiving themes. Third graders made crayon resist leaf paintings and
clay leaves. Fourth graders designed with craypas on colored paper, large
sundae pictures. They also made life size icecream sundaes with "model
magic". Grdes 4 and 5 are creating cut paper pictures in the style of Henri
Matisse.
In December, coordinating with food as subject of the arts, 4th graders are
making food pictures in the style of Pop Artist Any Warhol as well as
designing holiday posters. Fifth graders are making circular designs using
radial symmetry, Third graders are making "stained glass windows", second
graders are making Nutcracker Suite candy houses, and first graders are
making holiday symbols filled with paper mosaics.
In January our classes will learn about the art of China, while
watercoloring or creating projects in a "Chinese" style. Children are shown
actual art from China and encouraged to bring Chinese items from home to show
students.
In February fourth graders will complete "cubistic" abstract pictures
of musical instruments based on Pablo Picasso's style of painting. They will
sketch a model playing the guitar. Fifth graders will create ads, complete
with logos.
In March Grade 1 will make prints using tape to "draw" picures, They will
also begin a unit on American Indian art Indian outfits. Grade 3
will start a unit on Navahjo art, including actual weaving. Grade 2 is making
sun designs based on Mexican suns.Grades 4 and 5 will be working on a unit of
Mexican art. They will become acquainted with ancient Mexican symbols by
creating mola designs as well as Oaxcan style art by making 3D paper and
clay animals.
In April,grade 1 and 4 will paint baskets of fruit in the style of French
artist Paul Cezanne. Grade 4 will make tesselation designs. Grade 2 will make
repeat patterns of insects, while grade 3 will make clay pinch pots decorated
in the Navaho style. Grade 5 will begin art projects based on sports figures.
In May, grade 1 will make Mothers Day tissue paper cards and robots.
pictures. Grade 2 will make name designs and flower designs. Grade 3 will
start a unit on"fish" as they make craypas and water color fish and 3 D
fish.l Grade 4 will be learning about Indian art and culture as they make
mehndi and p[aisley designs. The unit is highlighted with an "Indian Day
where parents are invited to take part in learning about Indian art as they
partake in making an Indian hand design with their children.
In June grade 1 will learn about making people as they make self portraits
and draw classmate4s who model with spoprts equipment. Grade 2 will do a
water lily project based on the art on Monet. They will also weave with paper
strips. Grade 4 will make "creative creatures" with craypas and
watercolors. Grade4 5 will make a PTA funded " Portrait Pillow" which
involves the use of a computer, sewing etc.
