May 2016
Students are learning about the elements of art and their expressive qualities. They are then applying this knowledge to the creation of a book cover. How can we use the elements of art to tell clues about the story?
Students are learning about the elements of art and their expressive qualities. They are then applying this knowledge to the creation of a book cover. How can we use the elements of art to tell clues about the story?
April 2016
As a class we looked at a variety of music album covers. We thought about the job of album artists: What kind of information do these artists need to visually convey? How do they convey this information? In answering these questions, we considered the elements of art, as well as symbolism.
Now it was time to begin designing our own album covers. After choosing music artists to base our work on, we begin discussing and sketching some ideas. The next class, we explored different kinds of acrylic painting techniques in preparation for our final pieces. Techniques included dry brushing, washing, stippling, scratching, sponging, and flicking. and flicking.
Once students felt comfortable using the paint, they had 3 classes to make their album covers.
As a class we looked at a variety of music album covers. We thought about the job of album artists: What kind of information do these artists need to visually convey? How do they convey this information? In answering these questions, we considered the elements of art, as well as symbolism.
Now it was time to begin designing our own album covers. After choosing music artists to base our work on, we begin discussing and sketching some ideas. The next class, we explored different kinds of acrylic painting techniques in preparation for our final pieces. Techniques included dry brushing, washing, stippling, scratching, sponging, and flicking. and flicking.
Once students felt comfortable using the paint, they had 3 classes to make their album covers.
February 2016
Ceramics was an ideal opportunity to discuss craftsmanship, as well as additive and subtractive art. Beginning with slab techniques to construct the basic shape of the mug, we examined the additive process of slipping and scoring to piece the sides together. Once the mug was constructed, students applied their skill to creating and attaching raised design elements. The next class we considered subtractive art, and how we could carve designs into the clay.
Ceramics was an ideal opportunity to discuss craftsmanship, as well as additive and subtractive art. Beginning with slab techniques to construct the basic shape of the mug, we examined the additive process of slipping and scoring to piece the sides together. Once the mug was constructed, students applied their skill to creating and attaching raised design elements. The next class we considered subtractive art, and how we could carve designs into the clay.
January 2016
Students learned a little about traditional Chinese ink painting. We began by discussing some of the core beliefs and traditions associated with the practice, before trying out bamboo brushes for ourselves. As we became more comfortable using the ink, we moved onto ink pens---experimenting both with Chinese bamboo pens and western calligraphy fountain pens. We discussed how we could use techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to bring more shading and dimension into our work. For our final project, each student designed a creature which became part of an interactive group art display.
Students learned a little about traditional Chinese ink painting. We began by discussing some of the core beliefs and traditions associated with the practice, before trying out bamboo brushes for ourselves. As we became more comfortable using the ink, we moved onto ink pens---experimenting both with Chinese bamboo pens and western calligraphy fountain pens. We discussed how we could use techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, and stippling to bring more shading and dimension into our work. For our final project, each student designed a creature which became part of an interactive group art display.
December 2015
To start off the new trimester, students completed a collage project combining drawing with found imagery. Students had to use problem-solving skills to integrate the two art forms, using drawing to complete the images, and vise versa.
To start off the new trimester, students completed a collage project combining drawing with found imagery. Students had to use problem-solving skills to integrate the two art forms, using drawing to complete the images, and vise versa.
November 2015
For the remainder of the trimester, students applied what they learned during the still life lesson to portraiture. We spent several class periods discussing facial proportion, and how to approach drawing various facial features. We also looked at many examples of portraiture, and how various artists used the elements of art to provide clues about the model, or convey a greater social message. Students chose one portrait piece to research, and use it to inspire their own portrait drawing.
For the remainder of the trimester, students applied what they learned during the still life lesson to portraiture. We spent several class periods discussing facial proportion, and how to approach drawing various facial features. We also looked at many examples of portraiture, and how various artists used the elements of art to provide clues about the model, or convey a greater social message. Students chose one portrait piece to research, and use it to inspire their own portrait drawing.
October 2015
Students spent several weeks creating a still life while investigating the elements of art, including composition, shading, line, and pattern.
Students spent several weeks creating a still life while investigating the elements of art, including composition, shading, line, and pattern.
September 2015
A sketchbook is personal space where artists can keep track of their creative process, and further develop their ideas. 8th graders spent the first few classes designing their own unique sketchbooks and exploring various collage materials, so that they too would have a space for their thoughts.
A sketchbook is personal space where artists can keep track of their creative process, and further develop their ideas. 8th graders spent the first few classes designing their own unique sketchbooks and exploring various collage materials, so that they too would have a space for their thoughts.