I’m afraid my website has been rather neglected of late.  For reasons only the computer gods understand, I could not log on to update my pages.  The problem seems to be fixed so here we go!

 My kindergarten groups have been an absolute delight this year.  We have started the year with a few simple projects which introduce them to the various media they will be using in art, while exploring the uses of texture.

 First grade just finished their review of basic painting skills.  They all should have three completed painting that will be finding their way home this week:   A baby based on a painting by Gustav Klimt, a building based on the architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser, and an abstract painting based on the work of Sonia Delaunay.

 They are currently working on their “owl” unit, where we will create owls using three different media:  paint, cut paper and clay.  I will be showing them how media can be used to create different textures and effects.

 Second and Third graders have been learning about the art of the dark ages and renaissance with two design related projects:   a portrait drawing and a shield/ coat of arms design.  Good design is without a doubt the most difficult thing to get across to young children.  I have been focusing on reusing lines, shapes and colors, as well as effective use of the picture space.

 Fourth and fifth graders first looked at the art of the Aboriginal people of Australia.  Their painting, though simple, have a wonderful sense of design.  The children have been creating nature inspired designs/paintings.  Most of them are quite lovely.  Currently we are working on a sarcophagus project based the art of Ancient Egypt.  The students are working in small groups to create a sarcophagus with effective use of design and symbol.  They are pretty excited about this one.