(Pr-K) Creating Mosaic Letters

What a better project for out first week back to school than to decorate the first letter of our names?

The students used letter stencils for this mosaic project.

We used pencil to trace our letter and later we used black sharpie.

We discussed how to  create a mosaic composition by overlapping small pieces of paper.

We used tempera paint and water colors for the background.

We discussed how brushstrokes are created from the movement of our brushes. 

We began to understand how to create two shades of the same color.

We have no fear of paint in our art room.

This student created a textured background by using a cotton ball dipped in paint.

We observed the difference in creating a textured background using cotton balls versus 

a background where we only used brushes.

Making an effort to glue our paper inside the lines. 

  

(G2,G3) The Leaded Glass Windows of Frank Lloyd Wright

The objective of this lesson was to use geometric shapes to create windows in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. 

We looked at examples of windows that he designed, and we discussed the geometric quality of his design.

The students understood the importance of  balance and symmetry for the creation of their windows.

Frank Lloyd  Wright "Tree of Life" Window Robie House (1908-1910)

Frank Lloyd Wright (June 8, 1867- April 9, 1959) was not only one of the greatest American architects, but he was also a great designer of stained glass windows.

However the functional integration of the window into the architecture was more important that the ornamental qualities carried by the window.

Creating balance and symmetry.

Using water colors to complete the composition.

Working in creating a balanced composition.

(KG) Exploring Organic and Geometric shapes

The objective of this project was to learn the difference between Organic and Geometric shapes.

Geometric shapes such as circles, squares, or triangles have uniform measurements and

don't often appear in nature.

Organic shapes are shapes that have a curving and flowing appearance. 

We looked at Joan Miro's painting The Harlequin's Carnival where organic and geometric shapes are in abundance.

Joan Miro, The Harlequin's Carnival. 1924-1925

Students cut strips of paper in order to create both organic and geometric shapes.

To complete  our composition we folded two pieces of black paper, demonstrating a 3-D organic and geometric shape. 

(Pr-K) Learning how to create a mono-print composition

Students learned how to create a mono-print composition.

We voted on the designs we wanted to use for our mono-print blocks.

The winner designs were: The big fish, the little fish, the wheel, the leaf and the apple.  

I drew the designs on Styrofoam sheets. 

The students used  the end of a small paint brush to "cut" into the design.

I showed them how to create deep grooves so that the paint would not sink in.

Preparing the background for the mono-print composition.

We applied acrylic paint to the foam. 

The students were instructed to avoid the grooving areas of the mono-print.  

Observing what happens to the images when more paint is required.  

Controlling the paint results in a successful mono-print.

Pressing hard with both our hands.

Voila! a successful  composition.