Artist Emulation

One class that I taught during my student teaching experience was a High School beginning 2D course. I had a lot of lesson ideas in mind, but I really did not have a good sense of what THEY were interested in learning. So, I created an "independent study" allowing each student to design a project to fit their interests and talents. I created a "Independent Study Contract" and we headed to the library to do some research. Each student was asked to pick an artist of interest to emulate into a self portrait. While we were in the library, I also had them answer some specific questions about what they learned about the artist, why they picked he/she, and so forth. I also printed an image of their work for each student and took a portrait of each student (day 1) The next day the students were asked to finish their "contract" by choosing a media/medium to work in, as well as the dimensions of the the paper within 12 x 18 and 18 x 24.  They began sketching, experimenting with their medium, and got the  "ok" on their contract.  From here the students worked independently (with individual assistance ask requested.)  At the end of the unit the students turned in their self-portrait, contract, and artist example. Half of their grade was based on following directions (completing contract, turning in all elements of the project, etc.) The other half was based on their Self-Portrait (use of material, emulation quality, etc.) This project demonstrated individual strengths and interests, which was my goal as a short-term teacher. Overall, I would do this again with some alterations to ensure good quality work (I was a bit relaxed in that department!) This was a good project to exercise skills in both following directions and problem solving...both very important in the art room!

Blooming Hats!

This post is inspired by another favorite  from my childhood, Caps for Sale, By Esphyr Slobodkina. "A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys, and Their Monkey Business." Knitting will always have a place in my heart, however I now have a new love: crocheting.  caps, caps, caps for sale! More images to come...

Recycled Paper Beads

During my student teaching, I had the unique experience to teach a small class of all girls titled "Folk Art." This was a lot of fun and offered a new perspective to the art room. A lesson that I taught was "Recycled Paper Jewelry," Inspired by the women of Uganda. Here is a great website to check out for more information, images, and if you ever need a school fundraiser this is a great one! http://www.beadforlife.org/. The students were required to make a "set" consisting of 3 items. The girls were so creative! One student found some images of Andy Warhol and his work and made oblong Warhol earrings (the red necklace and earring set below.) Way to go girls! This was a great lesson to integrate culture as we as environmentally friendly art. Some good papers to use: wrapping paper! (those wrappings that you don't want to ruin by opening can now be turned into jewelry) magazines, newspaper, fibrous handmade paper, homework, sketchbook pages, letters, valentines... enjoy!

Colored Feather Study

The following day, things got a bit more exciting...we added color! Same concepts in chalk pastel. Detail level and interpretation of color really varied on these.  One thing that caught me off guard during this project was my most challenging student of the class (who frequently does not do her work) completed three feathers- above and beyond for her. You never know what will grab their attention! It made me smile :)

B&W Contour Line Feather Study

Here is a quick one day activity to practice (or evaluate) contour line drawing. I taught this lesson at the elementary level as well during my student teaching, now to high school students. It seems to be successful at any level, and it's fun! Basic instruction: start with contour shape, and then find the lightest lights, and darkest darks, as well as the texture and "weight" of the feather. These are black and white charcoal pencil.

edible art, yum!

Throughout my semester of student teaching I had limited time to create art in my own time, however I still had to eat. I never miss a meal!  I used my time in the kitchen to create food art and let out some creative energies. Here is a meal I made (and consumed) a while back... corn onion pepper fajitas with roasted talapia, black beans and rice, CHEESE (Wisconsin cheese of course) pico de galo, and guacamole. deeelish, for both my tummy and my mind.

Coiled Clay Cups!

The lesson the seventh grader's waited for all quarter: clay! I don't know what it is but they love clay (I've heard the same from other teachers too.) Simple clay coil cup, but a trick I learned from another art instructor this summer was building a slab out of coils flat on a template and then rolling it into a cylinder shape and adding a base...an any other additives like the coil creation above :D

High School 3D Coil Bowls

Dots, coils, spirals, braids, twists, and other fun shapes! These were built on or in another bowl, a simple & successful introduction to clay lesson.

Batik Paper Lanterns

I have some of these lanterns hanging in my house, and in sparked a lesson idea for my 3D class while I was student teaching. The student's really loved creating these lanterns, and I think they surprised themselves with their talent! The project began with the students making prototype lanterns out of drawing paper (sketching thumbnails-measuring & cutting out paper prototypes, practicing attaching (sewing/gluing) all of the pieces together..etc.) Then, we did a week long batik dying with traditional batiking wax and tools. This was a bit frightening for me, but my CT assured me that it would be okay! I've just heard stories of fires and such, eek! Anyways, the student batiked dippidy-dye paper (amazing fiberous paper!) layering wax and mixed water soluble dyes. Then, we backed the dyed paper to make the walls of the lanterns stronger and then cut, folded, glued, sewed, and hung the lanterns. They were the talk of the school for a while as they hung in the hallway- but we did have to watch some of the Middle School students in the hallway... they seemed to really, really want to touch them. Good project overall, I would do it again!

Keith Haring pOp Art!

The 7th grader's turned into Pop Artists earlier this semester as we studied Keith Haring! We created a paper mural using Haring's figurative style, bright colors, and use of motion.  The student's did a great job tracing, painting, and creating individual posters. The mural was put up in the main Middle School hallway for everyone to see.  It was a great way to get the students out of their seats and moving!