Abstract Chalk Drawings

Day One: Students learned about non-objective abstract art. They then used glue to create an abstract drawing on black paper. First we started with shapes, then connecting those shapes with a variety of lines. No space could be large than your palm or smaller than your thumb. 

Day Two: Students used chalk pastels and outlined shapes. They then smeared the chalk into the center of the shape with their fingers. This created the glowing effect we love so much. 

Once they were done students look at their drawings from further away. I had them squint their eyes, and watch images and objects suddenly appear! Like magic, their imaginations were soaring. It was glorious!  

Wayne Thiebaud: Cupcakes

As a warm up for our upcoming "Food as Art" unit, 2nd grade students created some oil pastel drawings of cupcakes (or ice cream sundaes, depending on how you look at it). We layered the colors pushing pretty hard to get a painted effect. They look so good I could just eat em' up!

Tibetan "Resolution" Flags

Prayer flags originate fron India and can be found in countries usually surrounding Mount. Everest (Tibet, Nepal, India, and China). They are hung with intentions to carry blessings and prayers by wind. Usually each flag has a central symbol that is surrounded by text, and if you plant a flag it is said to bring you happiness, long life, and prosperity. 

Inspired by these flags and their purpose, I devised a lesson for my 5th graders as a way for them to express their hopes and dreams for the new year and for their futures. It is our hope that as they hang in the hallway we can be reminded of the things we want to accomplish. Along with being an opportunity to introduce a new culture, this project also allowed me to get to know my students a bit better and to celebrate the New Year.... and they make for a pretty snazzy looking display!   

Each color used in the flags represents an element of the earth and follow the order of the colors listed below. 

Blue = Sky/Space

White = Air/Wind

Red = Fire 

Green = Water

Yellow = Earth

My Instructions: pick five resolutions you have for the new year or the future. Use symbols to draw that hope/dream on a flag square. Arrange in order and hang from string. 

Surreal Figure Collages

To help 2nd graders understand the dreamlike world of Surreal Art I presented a slide show of images for us to observe. We looked at the weird and strange along with the interesting and inspiring. Along with the images, this video resource proved to be a hit! 

I was impressed with their results!