Artists in third grade are studying American artist Laurel Burch and her colorful depictions of cats and dogs. Students drew different versions of cats and dogs with playful patterns, and personified the animals by giving human emotions to their facial features. Students then chose the best idea for the final drawing, taking in account the sized of their shapes and patterns, because the next step was to outline the final drawing with glue. Once the glue had dried, students planned out vivid colors using the color wheel, trying to choose complementary colors, or colors opposite each other on the color wheel. Finally, students carefully started to add the color with oil pastels, trying not to cover up the now black glue lines.
Students chose two different colors for the background behind their dog or cat, trying to maintain the high color contrast. Last, students had to go back over the glue lines with a small wooden stylus to get any oil pastel off. Check out the finished art here on Artsonia, our online art museum!
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=885104
First Grade students are also reviewing free form shapes. Students first had to cut out a free form shapes from a piece of paper, then trace it seven or more times onto a black paper, making sure to overlap the shape in a few areas. Next, students had to carefully trace their pencils lines with glue. The glue dried overnight, and the next class students added color with construction paper crayons. The glue dried clear, leaving behind the nice outlines of their free form shapes. The completed drawings make wonderful abstract art works!
