5th Grade Gyotaku

 This fun printing process is achieved with rubber sea creatures, printing ink, and cotton cloth painted with watercolors. Gyotaku is Japanese for fish print, and is the inspiration for this project.  I have heard that an art teacher attempted this process with a real fish... no thank you!  The prints created with the rubber stamps are very life like, and are reusable, year after year.

3rd Grade Symmetry Creatures

Students had a blast with this project, which actually contains the name of each student in the image.  The paper was folded in hotdog fashion, and names were drawn on the fold.  After outlining around the name, students cut the outline, unfolded the paper, and began brainstorming possibilities for their symmetrical shape.  The results are very imaginative!

5th Grade Name Designs

 This is one of my favorite 5th grade projects, because everyone can achieve great success, no matter the ability level.  Students create radial symmetry by drawing and transferring their name to all 8 sections of the paper.  Carbon paper is used in the transfer process; I have fun explaining what carbon paper was used for, way back when I was in elementary school!  We use warm and cool colors to hide the letters, and the results are intricate, and just beautiful!

Winter Wonderland - 3rd Grade

Although I am very tired of this relentless winter weather, I came across this project on line, and had to give it a try.  Students had a great time experimenting with white charcoal pencils, chalk, glitter, and the toothbrush paint splattering effect (I helped with that process).  I am very pleased with the completed landscapes, and students were very proud of their work as well.

2nd grade Abstract Paintings

Students analyzed the paintings of Kandinsky, and then used bold lines, the primary colors, and patterns to create their own abstract art.  The results are very striking!   Abstract art is ideal for younger students, because attempting to create realistic images can be stressful...art should always be FUN!!

Sponge Painted Snowmen

 First graders has great fun sponge painting these cute snowmen.  Details were added with oil pastels -they all have their own special personalities!  I love the mug of hot chocolate!