4th Grade-Counter Line Drawing/Pattern and Texture Creation

The visual arts has its own vocabulary.  It is important for students to understand the words that artists use to describe their work.

Fourth grade students talked about line.  They found it hard to define without using words like straight, or thin.  One student said that it extends forever in both directions.  I then drew a short line on my chalk board.  We all laughed about it, but I then realized he was correct--if he was in math class.  The geometric definition of a line is different than the definition that artists use.

Line-a mark made by a tool as it moves across a surface.

We discussed how a line could be made by a pencil, a piece of chalk, a glue bottle, even a toe as it drags across sand on a beach.  I believe this discussion changed fourth graders perception of line.

Next we talked about a particular type of lines used in art-contour lines.  Contour lines are lines that define an edge, shape, or body.  I showed students how you could use contour lines to draw your own hand.  Students were told to concentrate hard and spend more time looking at their hand than their drawing.

Students will draw overlapping contour line drawings of their hands and then fill this with various patterns and textures.

3rd Grade-Henri Rousseau Style Jungle Scenes

Students in the third grade looked at this painting by Henri Rousseau titled "Exotic Landscape"

Click here to go to a site where you can zoom in on the image.

Students brainstormed various jungle animals and are currently working on drawing out their own versions of jungle animals.

2nd Grade-Jasper Johns Style Number Grids

I met with the 2nd graders for the first time today.  We are going to be doing artwork inspired by Jasper Johns.  I showed students this image and we talked about color, grids, numbers, and texture.

Links to Lesson Plan forthcoming

Welcome to the Blog!

I am really excited about this school year.  Even though I have jumped in a bit late, I have a ton of ideas for some fantastic art experiences.  On this blog, you'll find lesson plans, pictures, artwork, and various things that students complete throughout the year.