Wednesday, February 16, 2011

(EV) The shoes of an artist 5/5

Artists can make art out of anything.
This pair of shoes can tell you stories if you are willing to listen carefully.


The wall of this art studio was entirely covered with pictures.
Family pictures, pictures with friends, and favorite things of the artist.
The wall is telling us something about the artist.


Examining a conceptual work of art.
Observing the details and trying to figure out the intentions of the artist.



Artists use humor in their art.

(EV) Meeting the Jewelry designer 4/5

We learned how jewelry is made by using a hammer on a steel base.



Examining the rope design in the bracelet.


We examined these wired wrapped rocks and it reminded us of a project we did in class.
The students remembered that it took three sessions to complete the rock and the wire project!


Observing the art of hammering the wire in order to create the desired shape.



Student comment: "This is very heavy" referring to the steel base.


Examining closely the technique of making metal jewelry.



The Jewelry artist was also a painter.
She is explaining how her painting is telling a story.


(EV) Meeting the Fiber artist 3/5

The Fiber artist is explaining the sources of her inspiration.


The artist is explaining the overlapping method of placing the fiber together.


 Voila! this is a work of art.


Examining some of the pictures the artist is using as a source for her inspiration.


The students were able to touch and feel the soft texture of the wool.



(EV) Meeting Mr. Norval and learning about his work 2/5

We had the privilege of visiting with Mr. Norval.
He welcomed us in his studio and gave us a tour.


Mr. Norval explained how it feels to work with oils.
He demonstrated mixing different colors on his glass palette.


 Mr.Norval's glass palette.


The students are examining the artwork on the studio walls.


And of course every student had a favorite painting.


M. Norval is explaining about his inspiration for his paintings.
He made a painting of his neighbor's dog. 


Ms. Johnson, our Second grade teacher, and Ms. Clemson our Third and Fourth grade teacher are posing against Mr. Norval's wall.

(EV) (G2,G3,G4) Our visit to Artspace ( Meet the artists in their studios) 1/5

Learning about the history of the building.
Artspace is located in a downtown Raleigh in the historic Sanders Ford building.
The Artspace facility was once the city's livery and later Sanders Ford Car Dealership.
The building is one hundred years old.


Discussing the scale of paintings.
Observing the variety of lines and the brightness of colors.


Understanding modern sculpture.
Discussing the 3-Dimensionality of the artwork.


This is not an ordinary lamp.
Discuss the different material that the artist incorporated in this artwork.


Looking at the details on the mixed media sculptures.  

Sunday, February 13, 2011

(G1) Collage with numbers and pictures ( A Connection of Art and Technology


Our Technology teacher Ms. Gillis helped us with finding the appropriate fonts in Technology class.
It was a challenging project but we were really happy with the results.

Project objective(s):
- Arrange numbers and pictures in a coherent way
- The effect of overlapping
- Use markers to create your own fonts


Lines create numbers.


We had and interesting discussion on how to create original compositions.


Adding details is part of the art process.



The importance of using markers correctly.


Ability to draw curvy, wavy and straight lines.



The careful choice of water colors enhances the composition.



Making corrections is part of the art process.


Working hard for the final details.

(G2) Learn how to make a pinch pot

Project objective(s):
- Learning about the properties of clay
- How to prevent cracks in your clay design
- Learning about the pinching method
- Your fingers are your best tools


Using the pinch method by squeezing clay between thumb and fingers.


Learning that clay dries fast.


Checking for even thickness in the walls of the pot.


Smooth cracks with moistened fingers.


Learning how to create coils.


And voila! My pinch pot is done.

(KG) Learning the properties of Clay

Project objective(s):
- Feel the texture of clay
- Use you fingers to create your free design
- Use tools to create details


Creating textures by using tools.



 Tools help with creating details in the design.


A big smile after the completion of the clay project!


Student comment: " I made a dog, a sun and the sky".


Student comment:  "I made a flower, a butterfly, the rain and the sun".


Student comment: "This is a microphone". 

(PS) The organic and geometric qualities in Joan Miro's artwork

Project objective(s):
- We will learn the difference between organic and geometric shapes
- The students will use both organic and geometric shapes to create imaginary creatures


A student is working in filling in the circles.


Using both primary and secondary colors in order to color the circles.
Practice color fencing.


Observing the difference between organic and geometric shapes.


Creating imaginary creatures by using both organic and geometric shapes.


Use your imagination to draw imaginary characters.


Drawing a guitar with four eyes!
Student comment:  "Miro's guitar does not have eyes" referring to Miro's picture: " The Harlequins Carnival"
Drawing a person with eleven feet while creating a pattern by using red and blue.


Student comment: " I drew the face of Joan Miro and wrote his name in my picture"
" His face is organic"