(G2,G3) Butterflies (A Mixed-Media Project) Part II

For this part of our butterfly project, the students used a variety of materials to create a mixed-media composition. The students had the option to use markers, water colors, beads, color pencils, paper scraps, and modeling clay. It was interesting to watch them as they were making their choices on how to use the different materials to enhance their compositions. Please click  Here to view the drawing part of this project. 

This student made the choice to use water colors for the background.

She used markers, paper, beads, and clay to complete the butterfly. 

It took a lot of patience to go over her drawing with a marker. 

Working with beads and clay.

This students used paper, beads, and clay for the upper and

lower part of the wings.

She used markers for the middle part. 

Using markers to create a line pattern.

This student methodically divided the butterfly into two sections.

In one section, he used only markers, while he used a variety of

materials to complete the second section.  

Using clay on one side of the butterfly.

Using tools to create textures on the clay.

Making dots with a black marker to enhance the texture on the clay.

Using glue to attach the clay pieces on the butterfly.

Cutting paper into desired shapes.

Creating patterns using color pencils.

This student used a minimal quantity of all the available material to complete her butterfly.

Her favorite part was using water colors for the background.  

(KG) People in Motion

For this project, the students used pipe cleaners and beads to create people in some kind of movement.

I find it challenging to teach kindergarten students how to represent the human body in motion.

We looked at a variety of pictures showing people walking, jumping, and dancing. We discussed how these pictures depicted the expression of the human body.  I showed the students how they can create the movement of the body by using pipe cleaners and beads. The students were amazed on how they were able to twist and bend the pipe cleaners to create a real person in some kind of a moving pose.

Student comment: " My girl is running."

Using glue sticks to attach the yarn around the face.

Using beads and pipe cleaners to create the arms and the legs.

Student comment: " I am jumping high, and this is why my hair is crazy."

Student comment: "I am walking home fast because it is dark outside."

Choosing two colors to create a pattern..

Student comment: " I am dancing in the forest."

Student comment: " I am walking to my friend's house."

It was challenging to cut the fabric.

Student comment: "The lines around me are moving too."

Using a variety of colors to complete our artwork.

Student comment: "Look how high I can jump."

Student comment: "I am going to my friend's house to play."

Student comment: "I just wanted to put my arms on my waist."

Student comment: "This is how ballerinas dance."

(G2,G3) Butterflies, a Mixed-Media Project (Part I)

I am always looking for themes where students will get the opportunity to practice their drawing skills.

Learning how to draw butterflies offers such an opportunity. We looked at pictures of butterflies in the book ''Waiting for Wings'' by Lois Ehlert. We discussed the variety of patterns, colors, and lines found in the butterflies. We decided to do a number of studies before attempting to draw the final version in our water color paper. I explained to the students that this will be a mixed-media project where they will be able to incorporate a variety of materials. My students love mixed-media projects and with great excitement started working on their drawings.

This student was happy with this butterfly study.

This was his first and final version; he added more details on his water color paper.

Using a black sharpie to complete the design.

I explained to the students that as important as it was to

examine the details in the butterflies in Lois Ehlert's book, it was even more important to incorporate

their own ideas into the design. 

It was very interesting to watch how the students hesitated at first to create their drawing.

They were slowly developing confidence as they saw the lines and patterns emerging in front of their eyes. 

These are some of my sample drawings.

Our motto is: ''We look, we examine, and then we create our own.''

This student decided to draw a profile view of a butterfly.

She did a number of studies where one could see the changes of the lines and patterns.

It was interesting to watch the students create their own unique patterns.

Difficulty drawing the lower part of the butterfly.

A lot of erasing went on before the student was happy with the results.

This student had great difficulty drawing the body of the butterfly. 

First, the scale of the drawing was small, then she was not happy about the shape.

Student comment: ''It looks like a rocket. It is impossible to draw the body.''

After a little encouragement the next version made the student really happy.

Struggling with the lower part of the butterfly, working on multiple sheets of paper...

and voila!

I was really impressed by the complexity of her line design on the butterfly's body. 

This student learned that there is not such thing as it ''is impossible'' in art.

A big smile and eyes sparkling with confidence was a great reward for me.