5th Grade Pop Art Self Portraits

Fifth grade students studied the Pop Artist Roy Lichtenstein to create their own pop art self portraits.  I first took a photograph of each student from the chest up.  While the students were waiting for their photo to be taken, I had them think about several different poses so they would be ready when it was their turn.  I then took the photos and loaded them into dumpr.net and transformed their pictures into a sketch.  This makes it easier for the students to see the defining edges of their facial features a little easier. 

 

The students traced their faces (basic lines only) onto white drawing paper.  They then added a single word in a comic book style that either defined themselves, or went along with their picture.  They then added a simple patterned background.  As a review of color theory, I had the students color their pictures with primary colored markers.  The next time I do this project, I may go more in depth with color theory and have the students choose their own color scheme.

 

 

Thanks to messy little hands for the inspiration for this project!

3rd Grade Laurel Burch Cats



Third grade students created these Laurel Burch inspired cats last year during our statewide testing period.  This was a great project to do during that time because they could work rather independently while they were in and out of my classroom due to testing scheduling. 

 

We first discussed Laurel Burch and her cat paintings.  We then drew the cats together and the students added their own patterns.  For the students who missed the drawing demonstration, I created a step-by-step "how to draw" handout.  We drew on colored construction paper, traced with black sharpie marker, and added color with regular and sparkly construction paper crayons.

 

 

(My apologies for my poor photography skills in this post!)

3rd Grade Comic Book Covers

During my student teaching, I had my 3rd graders create their own comic book covers.  There were a few requirements for their drawings:

1. They had to create their own superhero with special powers.
2. They had to have a name for their superhero.
3. Their comic book covers had to include a title and an image of their superhero in action.

We discussed and practiced (mostly) correct body proportions before drawing our final copy.  I loved this project because I got to see their imaginations at work!

 

5th Grade Doodle Profiles

Fifth grade studied visual texture to create these profile drawings.  While the students were finishing their previous project, I traced each individual student's profile.  Using an unlimited amount of colors, they added the doodle designs with marker.  They then cut out their profiles and attached them to colored paper.

This project turned out to be a great stress relief from all of the testing they had been doing!

4th Grade Middle Eastern Architecture Drawings

Fourth grade students examined Middle Eastern architecture to create their own version of buildings.  They looked at many examples of this style of architecture and identified common characteristics.  To add a little more interest, they added "fireworks" to the sky.

I can't take credit for this project idea.  I THOUGHT I had "pinned" this idea on Pinterest, but when I went back to find the link, it wasn't there.  I really need to do a better job of remembering where I've found these awesome projects, so I can give credit where credit is due!!

3rd Grade "Castle and Sun"

Third grade studied the art of Paul Klee, specifically his "Castle and Sun" artwork, as well as geometric shapes.  They first created the outline of a castle, or a large building, and then filled it in with geometric shapes.  They added color with chalk pastel and outlined their geometric shapes with black crayon. 

Thanks to For the Love of Art for the inspiration for this project!

Kindergarten Spider Webs and Spiders

Some background:  This project was the result of an incredibly messy painting project I started with Kindergarten a few weeks ago.  I walked out of school that day with paint just about everywhere and decided on the spot to hold this project for a month or so while I recovered my sanity!  I started a Jasper Johns inspired number painting with the kids, which I have done (and successfully!) in previous years.  Due to time constraints this year, I'm finding myself rushing through procedures and demonstrations so that the students have time to work.  Maybe my lack of direction at the beginning of the project or my weak procedure reinforcement caused the mess...or maybe I just have extra messy kids this year!

So, I scrambled to find a non-messy project for the Kindergarteners and stumbled across these very colorful spiderwebs on Art with Mr. E's blog.  Perfect.  Drawing and coloring, while reinforcing their knowledge of pattern.  I always attempt to tweak the art projects I find, so I had the students make colorful spiders out of Model Magic to attach at the end.   

Maybe we should have had a conversation about REAL colorful spiders and their poisonous attributes as I overheard a parent in the hallway talking about this very thing.  Oh well...



6th Grade Victorian Houses

Sixth grade students studied the Victorian style of architecture to create these beautiful Victorian Houses.  The students looked at several pictures of the Victorian style to identify common characteristics.  Although not every drawing posted is true to the Victorian style, I believe the students should be able to put their own spin in their drawings.

6th Grade Doodle Drawings

I had originally intended for this project to be something the students work on a little bit at a time throughout the grading period, but they were having so much fun and their work was looking so awesome that I decided to turn it into a regular project.  I have been so impressed with the quality of work my 6th graders are completing this year!  We talked briefly about visual texture through pattern, but for the most part, the students were left to their own devices!

Thanks to A Faithful Attempt for the inspiration for this amazing project!