Fourth Grade: 2D Geometric Design

Since the fourth graders have been working with geometry I thought making designs with a geometric focus would be fun.  Before starting the project we talked about the art elements color, line and shape.  After looking at some examples of geometric art and discussing organic vs inorganic shapes the students were ready to get out the rulers, protractors and pencils and get to it!

When they had a pencil sketch they were happy with they used black sharpie pens to trace over the entire design before using watercolor pencils to fill in the shapes.  Before they started  adding color we had a brief discussion on how the use of color blocking, color/value contrast and neat work could enhance their design.

After they were finished coloring with the pencils they had the option of using a paint brush and water to smooth out the pencil lines and create a watercolor effect.

 Here are some examples of the finished designs.  I think they look fabulous!

Kindergarten: Color and Line

 
Color Wheel
The Kindergarteners learned about the primary and secondary colors.  They used Q-tips to mix and paint the colors onto color wheels.



 



Abstract Line Collaboration
 After a discussion on line the students worked together to create an Abstract "Line" collaboration using colored popsicle sticks.

Abstract Line Collage
After some practice making patterns with the popsicle sticks they were ready to make their own line collages using paper strip "lines".  They worked primarily with straight lines and were able to tear the paper to make shorter or dashed lines.

 

Sixth Grade "Music"

The sixth graders reviewed the elements and principles of art and then created works of art inspired by musical instruments.   We started this project looking at artwork from a variety of artists showing different ways of depicting instruments.  We discussed the elements of art and the art media used in each example.  The students practiced drawing instruments from photographs and then created a final design focusing on one or two of the art elements.  After a demonstration on how to use pastels and watercolors the students were allowed to choose the media that best suited their design. The end result was a fabulous mix of abstract designs.  I was very impressed with the variety and creativity of the final projects.

Sketching instruments

Choosing an instrument

Creating final design

Transferring design to final paper

Adding watercolor

Adding oil pastel

Some examples of finished projects

First/Second Grade Georgia O'Keefe Inspired Flowers

Before beginning this project the class looked closely at different flowers and observed the flower paintings of Georgia O'Keeffe.  Then we talked about cropping and how making the flower fill the page can create a dramatic, abstracted design.  After making two or three practice drawings the students picked one to transfer onto watercolor paper.  Black glue was used to trace over the pencil lines and left to dry.  The next week the students used watercolor pencils and watercolor washes to add color.