Third Graders were given the simple task: create art about a tree. We looked at 2 different artists' representations of trees and practiced in their respective styles. Bruno Munari was an Italian artist and designer who wrote a book about drawing trees. His method is often referred to as the "Y Tree." Gustav Klimt was an Austrian artist most famous for his iconic painting "The Kiss." The spiral branches of his "Tree of Life" contrast Munari's straight lines and linear branches. Our goal became more complex as we strove to find unique and personal ways to interpret the idea of a tree. 
Click the link to see our 3rd grader's work!
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=684008

Second Graders looked at different cityscapes: a skyline of Denver, a silly James Rizzi painting and a serious painting by Edward Hopper. Second graders identified the background, middle ground and foreground of the pictures. We decided it is important to know these words so that we can describe what we see when we look at artwork and to explain our own work. We practiced drawing buildings in different ways. Then we used oil pastels and watercolor paint on construction paper to create our artworks. Artists answered these questions for their Artist Statements: "What is in the background of your artwork? What is in the foreground?"
See the art and the artists statements at our online gallery!!
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=684031

This is a ubiquitous lesson among Art Educators, but we all love it well for good reason: young artists learn about shapes, colors, drawing tools and painting techniques and feel success in creating a bright and colorful piece, ready for presentation. I especially like using this project to teach students to use the Drawing Center and the Painting Center independently in the Art Studio. 

Our focus for this lesson was on creating "concentric shapes." What a mouthful for a first grader. Ms. Saeger said "Its a big fancy First Grade word and you are so smart so I know you can learn it," and it was true. We practiced drawing circles inside of circles inside of circles...... and then other shapes too! We discovered that some shapes are easier to make concentric than others.  

Discovering and exploring oil pastels enchanted many artists, while others marveled at the way the colors show through watercolor paint. First graders learned how to use smocks and placemats to protect our clothes and tables. They can now independently set up and clean up for painting whenever the Painting Center is open. 

Visit our Artsonia gallery to see images by our students!
http://www.artsonia.com/museum/gallery.asp?exhibit=682885