Color Pencil self-portraits for Middle School.

New quarter, new set of self-portraits. The idea was to mix warm and cool colors. We made a color wheel prior and learned about color theory.

Grade 8 block reduction prints.

If you want to check out my lino block reduction prints and how to guide from last year you can click on this link:  http://schutzart.blogspot.com/2011/10/block-reduction-printmaking-with-grade.html

Not much else to say except this project focused on color and shape instead of representation.

Chalk Pastel Birds Grade 7

We went big on this project, 20" x 24" charcoal paper. You can say it was like a mini dust storm in the art room. I was going through a drawer of supplemental materials I inherited several years ago and came across a stack of bird photographs. I prefer live drawing but you can't really get that from birds so the photos were put to use.

We looked a couple of neo-expressionist artist such as Carlos Almaraz to get a feel for how they use line and color to create energy in their work. Blending of 2-3 colors was expected. The background was their own choice as most went with a more natural surrounding.

If I haven't already mentioned this I love my grade 7 class, they will try anything and as a teacher that is really all we ask for.

Felt Pen Landscapes Grade 7

I borrowed this idea from another art teacher and for the life of me I can't find her/his link so could pass it along. Sorry. My spin on this project was to focus on lines, pattern, and color as if we were taking a trip down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Sure we talked about space (fore, middle and background) and overlapping when creating the underdrawing. I'm pleased with the results and this might have to go into yearly rotation. Try it with your kids!