Hundertwasser inspired

Hundertwasser inspired second graders created these motifs based on nature. The first step was to create painted paper with found objects (so fun!) then cut up and collage. I encourage them to do an "art paste sandwich" (art paste, paper, art paste) which helps the paper lay flat and mixes the tempera painted paper as you work. I found these fun one inch punches at Michael's a while back, you'll see lots of polka dots popping up in our work recently :)

t.p TUBE art

I pre-chopped TONS of recycled t.p. tubes (thanks to all of the devoted recyclers in our community!) for this project during recycled art month in the art room. Then, the second graders arranged and rearranged the tube pieces into arrangements on mat boards. The second graders dipped one side of the ring into art paste and then attached it to the board. Next class period, they painted. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.

Chihuly inspired 2nd Graders

Inspired by Chihuly, the 2nd graders created an interpretation of his blown glass work from coffee filters, washable markers and spray starch. They then mounted their sculptures and I hung them from the ceiling. Next, we looked at Chihuly's, 'Niijima Floats' series of drawings, discussing the abstract and experimental nature of they offer. Check them out here: niijima floats Next, they used chalk pastels and drew from their sculptures that were hung above their tables, pulling colors, patterns, and textures from their own work as well as the work of their peers. They have the option of adding tempera paint (object printing, brushed, splattered, marble rolling) liquid glitter & dry glitter.

mixed media student example, inspired by Chihuly's, 'Niijima Floats' series

coffee filter "blown glass" sculptures

Mounted on construction paper and hung from the ceiling around the room

metallic paint station

A student working on her chalk pastel drawing

student examples

Dot Paintings

The second grade students wrote a short story and painted an image inspired by aboriginal artworks. The paintings were framed with a pattern of construction paper squares creating a border.

Soft Sculpture Fish

Painting with both hands?! We painted each side, stapled, stuffed with news paper and collaged on "fish textures"

A blowfish!

Inspired by Lois Ehlert's story Fish Eyes, the second graders have been busy creating gigantic fish sculptures. Focusing on Symmetrical designs, transferring sketched ideas into finished works of art, painting and collaging techniques. My room looks like a giant aquarium with the fish suspended from the ceiling. Again,  I thought this project was a success, however it has taken us many class periods already, and I still have a few students that need more time. So, before I do this project again I think it could use some refining- maybe line design/texture with ink or marker and possibly replicating a specific fish or sea creature... hmmm?! Suggestions?

Starry Night Interpretations

Second Grade interpretations of Van Gogh's Starry night. My students really enjoyed this video, Van Gogh Starry Night which we viewed prior to starting the lesson. Day one, we talked about landscapes and sketched a mountain range, and sky scape. Day 2, we went in with oil pastel and outlined and added our own version of "mark making" to create rhythm after learning about Van Gogh's style of painting.  Day 3: We added textured swirls in the sky scape using glitter gel and tiny sequins. We also added a collaged element in the sky (swirls) and the foreground (plants and village buildings.) This lesson took between 4 and 5 class periods to finish, I set up centers in the room to allow my students to work at their own pace. This is something I hope to do more and more of, self directed, self paced, creative experiences.

Paper Sculpture

In-progress paper sculptures

Display near the art room/second grade hallway...

I really enjoy how far the sculptures pop off the wall, however I thought this might encourage students passing in the hallway to "interact" with the sculptures. So far, it hasn't been an issue, yay!

The Second Grade students created sculptures inspired by sculptures unique to the Midwest, taking a closer look at the "The Calling" located downtown Milwaukee near the MAM. We have been working on lines, elements/principles of design, as well as developing a better understanding of 2D and 3D works of art. I was impressed and inspired by some of the creations in the classroom. My favorite was the hidden letters in their sculptures as well as loops inside of loops, on top loops, underneath loops... and loops on loops.