Composition

Before we really get into art class and creating, I spend about two class periods talking about composition and coloring/shading. My hope is that by giving them these tools or suggestions, they will use them in their work. I often refer to our composition guidelines when explaining projects.

We begin by taking some notes about composition and "hints" to remember when drawing. I have them draw a house, tree and clouds. And then I ask where they placed these items in their picture.

Then we do a drawing activity that I found in Carla Sonheim's book Drawing Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Creative Exercises to Make Drawing Fun. As a class we come up with 12 random nouns. I then use a random number generator to choose 4 of them, one at a time. We then draw each one, keeping in mind the composition hints. It's pretty fun and I talk about how to make it look like a cohesive, yet weird drawing. I usually draw along with them, but AFTER so I don't influence their composition choices.

This takes about one class period. The next class we talk about shading and using colored pencils (since we use those the most): even coverage, short strokes, blending and layering color. Then they have to color their composition drawings.

Hello 2012-13 school year!

Welcome to the 2012-13 school year! This year we moved to an A/B schedule. This means I have 12 classes a semester. It also means I have to be more organized. I've decided sketchbooks for this year will be the folder system for 6th and 7th graders and I was able to find inexpensive sketchbooks for 8th graders again this year. First project will be the bin nametags, and then sketchbook covers. From there, I'm not sure what!

Elements of Art-6th Grade Edition

The assignment on the left (my copy). Students completed cubes on right.

 Usually I like to start the trimester off with 6th graders, with an introduction to the Elements of Art. Sometimes I do the "Elements of Art Olympics" which I adapted from The Incredible Art Department but this trimester I started off showing this Elements of Art video and then we filled out a vocab chart. After that, I have them create an Elements of Art cube, where each side is different element (with Form being the cube itself). It's pretty cool and kids think it's neat that the cube is an actual element. Sometimes I have them complete an Elements of Art scavenger hunt around the room.

Completed cubes

Vocab chart done in sketchbook

New Trimester

Well, the new trimester started last Monday. Spring Break starts at the end of this week. Last week I spent time in most of my classes creating sketchbooks or decorating covers. I went with the folders for 7th grade instead of making them like last trimester. I'm out of paint and I wanted to get the trimester started.
My class are good--it's always fun getting new students and each class period has a different vibe than the previous trimester.
This week we are finishing sketchbooks and either doing Elements and Principles Olympics (6th grade) and E&P days (7th/8th) or Technique Week, where each day will focus on some basic techniques (shading, how to fill a space, coloring) that I hope will help with future projects and sketchbook assignments.

Robots, robots, everywhere!

Probably some of my best lessons are the ones that come at the last minute, born of desperation. Last year, I had only a few days left in the trimester and was about to start a clay unit with my 6th graders. And my clay was rock hard. I had no time to go get more clay. Time for Plan B. My best friend and I had spent an evening making a robot for a party. We had a blast finding normal items we could "robot-ize" for our project. Suddenly I thought about having my students get in groups of 3-4 to build robots out of recyclable materials. We scrambled around the school to find boxes and lids and other assorted items. I pulled out my box of randoms. They had a blast! Kids still come in to see their robot and I have all grade levels asking if they can make robots.

1st Generation Robots on display

This year I didn't do robots until the second trimester. I decided to include a value/drawing unit. I found these great handouts to help. We talked about shading and students had to use shading in their drawing (at least 3 values).

Next came the fun part. Building a robot! I told students to start bringing in recyclable items to use on their robot. And of course many wanted to go dumpster diving in the back of school. We talked about assembling the robot and the best materials to use (hot glue vs. masking tape) and how to alter items to use (paint, wrapping, etc.) on the robot.

2nd Generation robots watch over class...

It was a fun project and kids totally got into it!

7th Grade Coil Bowls

Love the city skyline theme

Great designs and I love the little bird!

For my seventh graders we talk about functional art and make coil bowls. When we are finished, we usually eat ice cream or cereal out of them. I like the idea of attaching another piece on the top. They have to do an original design on the bottom as well.

8th Grade Ceramic Projects

sushi

robot, pancakes (toast?) and a plate of cookies

Love this! Wish the glazing was better (light in some spots)

by far, the talk of all my classes

Usually for 8th grade, I show my students different examples of previous handbuilt projects and they propose their own ceramic piece to make. There is a "clay proposal" form they must fill out. For kids who haven't had art before and as a review for those that have, I demo different techniques to construct their pieces. For the most part they turn out really well. For the students that need a little bit more direction, I give them a specific assignment. Food is usually popular! This trimester they turned out pretty good! There were some that I wish had glazed better, but all in all I was pleased.