7th Period Drawing from Observation

This quarter, 7th period focused on fundamental drawing skills. They began the quarter with blind contour drawings and small observational studies in their sketchbooks. After studying basic drawing skills, the students moved to learning how to shade by blending graphite. Students helped set up a still life in class. Then they used the IPads to photograph a variety of angles to help create an dynamic composition

Used the grid to help place the objects on the page

And used careful observation to capture the highlights and shadows.

It took longer to complete than I originally thought, but well worth it! The results are fabulous!!!! Here is one example a finished drawing.
The rest can be found on the artsonia gallery by clicking HERE

Fall Pumpkins

The K-3rd grade enjoyed getting ready for Thanksgiving by observing and painting pumpkins. We talked about the highlights and shadows on the pumpkins. We also talked about different painting techniques and how to blend watercolors on the paper. Students learned that they could use dots to create a different texture than the pumpkin. We also enjoyed allowing the ends of the brush to dance and twirl along the sky like a ballerina.

Here's Brooke's from Kindergarten. Great Job Brooke!!!!!!
All of the projects can be seen on the Artsonia Gallery. (Just click the word Artsonia, and it will take you there)

Have a Great Thanksgiving!!!!!

Another reason to love Artsonia!

This weekend I received this little gem in the mail!!!!!












Such a nice little thing that grandparents and loved ones can do to show love and support to your child even if they do live 20 hours away! (I'm not exactly from Nebraska....)




It made me smile. It also made me realize that the time it takes to upload images of student work is worth it.

Awesome Color blending App!!! BLENDOKU

I stop by one of my favorite Art Education blogs (The Art of Education) each day to get useful tips for my classroom. Last week they posted about a few IPad apps, and I'm so glad I took the time to read the post!

If you're looking for an educational art app that is also fun and WARNING: ADDICTING, then Blendoku is a Must!!!! Did I mention it's also FREE?!?!?

Here is a screen shot of a simple color blend. It ranges from easy to difficult....

A little tougher.....

Give it a try!!!!!! 

Learn more at 

http://www.blendoku.com/

(I know I just sounded like an Ad for this App, but I think it's AWESOME!)

Jr. High Giant Color Wheel

Jr. High started the first part of the quarter working on color theory. Students used primary colors only to make all the colors of the color wheel.

Happy Pile of Colors

 After students experienced mixing all the colors and painting small squares, students broke up into groups. Each group was assigned a color on the color wheel. They identified the correct squares,

tore the squares into small pieces for variety...... 

and glued the squares down to a large posterboard triangle.

After the triangles were complete, the students had to use their knowledge of color mixing to complete the color wheel.....

 

The RESULT!!! ONE GIANT COLOR WHEEL!!!!!!!!!!!

Masks Inspired by Egyptian Burial Masks

Sixth Graders are finished with their Egyptian Inspired burial masks. Students began with a basic sketch of their ideas.

Then we used plastic forms and got messy with paster gauze!

Once the masks hardened, students cut shapes from poster board scraps to add crowns, headdresses, collars, etc....

After the additions were made, the masks were sprayed with Gold Spray paint and the students used acrylic paints to add details.

Noah's Mask

Students Used the IPads to Post their work to Artsonia.

All the Masks as well as the rest of the Egyptian Inspired artwork may be viewed on our Artsonia  gallery.  

K-3 Egyptian Sunsets

We are wrapping up our unit on Ancient Egypt in the Elementary. Students in K-3 learned many art concepts through a series of small projects that turned into one finished piece of artwork. We began by discussing the colors of sunset and the difference between warm and cool colors. Students used markers on coffee filters. They chose either warm or cool colors to color their filters. After they scribbled, dotted, designed their filters, the fun began! We sprayed the filters to water and watched as the colors mixed and swirled together.

Mrs. Miller's hands got pretty colorful!

The next step was to create the desert sand.....

Students learned about color mixing with paints. We also talked about textures...

Yes, that's a mummy in the corner! Thanks to Mrs. Olsen for letting us use the mummy from the book fair! The students loved it! Especially Halloween week!!!!

FINALLY! We get to put it all together!!!! But not before talking about about author/illustrator Eric Carle! We also neeeded to discuss key concepts such as horizon line and diminishing size. Students really seemed to understand the idea that object appear smaller as they get closer to the horizon line. Students in grades 1-3 also enjoyed learning how to draw the 1 humped Egyptian camel by using simple shapes. 

But the classes that really loved the large camel on my wall.... Wednesday classes who would walk in and without hesitation yell

"HUMP DAAAYYYYY!!!!"

I kind of love it. 

And without further adieu......

Stewart's work from Mrs. Albers' Kindergarten class! Way to go Stewie!!!!

The rest of the work can be viewed on our artsonia gallery
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=707419

Project Inspired by Cassie Stephens' Blog
http://cassiestephens.blogspot.com/2012/02/hump-day.html

Drawing from Observation with Jr. High

The Junior High worked on their observational drawing skills during the first 9 weeks. After learning about contour lines and also shading, we combined these skills to complete a still life in class. 

Here is the link to the artsonia gallery for this project:

http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=692061

1st Quarter Ceramics

It's hard to believe the first quarter of school is completed! The students in 7th period art were busy last quarter working on basic ceramic techniques. Students designed a clay tile, large coil pot, and a pierced lantern/candle holder. Some students also enjoyed working on the potters wheel. 

Projects can be viewed on our artsonia gallery: http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=80848

Shading with Jr. High - Mystery Portrait

The Junior high recently completed this year's mystery portrait. Students learned how to use a set of drawing pencils to achieve a variety of values. They also practiced how to blend away pencil lines. Each Student then received a one inch square of a black and white portraits. Students were challenged to enlarge what they saw to a three inch square and replicate the exact textures, lines, and tones that they saw on the original square.


This is the Students favorite part of this project

Starting to come together....

FINISHED!!!!!!

Using iPads to post to Artsonia

Randolph Students have been very busy this first quarter creating art and using our new iPads in many ways! Between researching ideas for projects and posting artwork to our Arstonia Gallery, the iPads are used daily. 

It couldn't be easier. Artsonia generates a QR code that I place in the classroom. Once students complete a project, they scan the QR code to log in.

Select their name

And follow the prompts to add artwork and take pictures

 They follow the steps to upload an image and also create artist statements. 

Check our our Online Gallery on Arstonia!

http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=80848

Using Ipads to Post to Artsonia

Typing in the Artist Statement

Elementary Cave Paintings

The Elementary Students began the year with a virtual tour of the Lascaux Caves. The students really enjoyed turning off the lights and getting to imagine walking through the caves. 

We discussed what it would be like to live in caves and why animals played an important role in the lives of the people. 

Kids on the floor!?!? Yes, we ditched the tables and enjoyed crawling under the tables to pretend we lived in the Paleolithic times.

 Using charcoal and clay slip (mud) to draw and paint their designs was another unique twist to this art project. After the mud dried, students chose earth tones to give their animals a little color. 

The hallway was then transformed into our own cave. Students enjoyed taking their parents through the cave with flashlights during parent/teacher conferences.