6th Grade Wire Figures

Sixth grade students studied porportion and the figure to create these wire sculptures.  We spent nearly an entire class period drawing the figure in a variety of action poses.  Using 20 guage galvanized steel wire, the students first created a skeleton and then wrapped the wire around the skeleton to give the figure some "meat."  The students painted a piece of scrap wood for the base and we drilled holes to attach the figure to the base.  Displayed here are some of the sculptures with mostly correct proportions.  :)

Earth Day Art Project

I know that Earth Day has come and gone, but we've had some really sporadic bad weather here over the last few weeks and we were just NOW able to get outside to create our environmental art pieces.  The students looked at the art of Andy Goldsworthy as their inspiration for their artwork.  They were to use only natural items from the schoolyard for their creations.  Once photographed, everything was put back where it was found.

This is a project that I've done every year and the kids never get tired of it...probably because they get to go outside. :) 

6th Grade Van Gogh Interpretations

Sixth graders studied the life and artistic style of Vincent van Gogh.  They chose one of his paintings, closely examining his use of texture and color.  Instead of copying the artwork exactly, the students were asked to create their own version of one of his many famous paintings using oil pastel.  It just so happens the examples I chose to post are of his "Starry Night" paintings. 

This artwork absolutely stunned me when it was turned in.  Some people just have that natural ability to understand color and texture.  Letting loose was always difficult for me because I have such a mathematical brain where everything needs to be straight and perfect (not that there's not a place for this kind of style in art) and letting loose was something that I needed to learn over time.  Anyway, I am SO impressed with this student's ability to create some pretty impressive paintings and oil pastel drawings!

6th Grade Cherry Blossom Branches

The weather around here has just been fantastic over the last month or so and the trees are starting to blossom early!  Also, The National Cherry Blossom Festival kicked off on March 20th in Washington, D.C.  I wish I could say I am the ultimate planner, but it was just coincidence I needed a quick project for my 6th graders to complete at the end of the grading period AND the trees were starting to blossom.  This made for the PERFECT project!

We started this project with a quick discussion on the history and significance of the Cherry Blossom Tree.  Next, the students traced a circle for the moon and painted the background a light blue with "homemade" watercolor paint.  (At the end of the year last year, I made this with old and dried up markers, water, and a few drops of isopropyl alcohol.)  The students then practiced making the branches using black ink and blowing through a straw.  Once comfortable with their practice branches, they made branches on the blue painted paper.  They then went back to their practice page and practiced a few blossoms using acrylic paint, and then painted the blossoms again on the final painting.  Lastly, we discussed Japanese artists using a "chop," or a signature, and the students added their own personal chop.

Thanks to A Faithful Attempt for the inspiration for this project.  I can't tell you how many "Ooohs and Aaaahs" I heard while hanging these paintings! :)

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!

6th Grade Jim Dine Heart Paintings

Happy Valen-Dine's Day!  Okay, okay...

I was scrambling right before Valentine's Day to find a short and easy project to allow some of my 6th graders to finish their previous assignment before starting a new project with the rest of the class.  I don't usually do holiday themed artwork (it just goes against everything I am as an art teacher), but this project was PERFECT because it was 1) something the students could work on relatively independently, 2) something quick, and 3) the students would be introduced to a little Pop Art history through the artist Jim Dine! 

The students first painted their paper using just about every paint color I have.  I urged them to experiment with mixing color on their paper and to relax and be a little messy with the painting.  Once the paint was dry, the students then used black or white paint to create the heart, with the original colors as the positive space, and the white/black as the negative space. 

6th Grade Joan Miró Painting (Mini Project)

Every now and then we get to a point in my 6th grade classes where some students are working on one project and others are waiting for the next.  I've starting have those students who are finished work on a mini project where they can work relatively independently.  For this mini project, I briefly showed a few Joan Miró  images and gave a quick description of his painting style.  The students then came up with their own interpretations of Miró's artwork.  For working independently, these turned out pretty great!

 

6th Grade Chuck Close Inspired Self Portraits

Sixth grade students began this project by studying the artist Chuck Close and the evolution of his portrait style.  While the students were working on an assigned artwork critique form, I photographed each student.  The could come up with their own pose, and for the more shy students, I told them they didn't have to look at the camera.  I used http://www.dumpr.net/ to turn their photo into a sketch and printed them out.  The students then outlined the major lines of their face and used a light box to transfer the drawing to tag board.  Because only a few students will fit on the light box at a time, the students added a 1x1" grid on their tag board while they were waiting.  In each box, they drew a simple design, pattern, or object.  Finally they used colored pencils to color in their designs.  For each section (background, hair, skin, and clothes) they had to use a different 2-color combo.  This was another tedious project, but I am so pleased with the results!

Thanks to the blog post from "For the Love of Art" for the inspiration for this project!