Third Grade students explored the work of Henri Matisse. We focused on the contour line portraits he created and made our own using his art as our guide. In the following class we discussed the art movement Matisse helped to start known as Fauvism. Artists in this style are known for the wild crazy colors they use in their art. Students added their own wild colors to their portraits by coloring with marker on tin foil, spraying with water, and printing on top of their drawing!
Kindergarteners discussed the different ways to make a portrait--how some artist try to make them look real and others like to explore lines shapes and colors to make them more abstract. One such artist is Gaston Chaissac. Students looked at various examples of his work, drew their own portraits and collaged around them with shapes and color!
Next we took inspiration from artist Kelsey Montague, who is known for her large angel wing murals. Each mural also includes #whatliftsyou. People photograph themselves with her work and are asked to share a positive message about what lifts them up and brings them joy on their social media. Students discussed lines and patterns and using white colored pencils added a variety of these to their feather shapes!
I was so excited today when I heard a student say to herself- I'm going to think with a growth mindset instead of a fixed, as she started her art!
Students are starting work on their Dot Day project. This year our focus is on collaboration! All grades are creating a one color (monochromatic) painting. We discussed how artists are similar to chefs...a chef needs to mix up all the ingredients to make their delicious creations. Instead of butter and flour -an artists ingredients are the elements of art! We started with color and then sprinkled in a little value (lights and darks) to spice up our paintings and make our art more interesting. We listened to songs about color and value and learned how to blend our colors to create a gradient! Stay tuned for the next step!