5th grade artists
Greek Caryatids! Write up to follow.
5th grade conquered the difficult topic of 1-point perspective! They discussed eye level, horizon line, vanishing point, horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines. First they learned how to make squares appear 3D. They practiced boxes and other shapes then went onto making their final shapes. They needed to have at least 10 shapes and create a balanced composition. When they were done drawing they traced their pencil lines with sharpie then started to color. They had to choose a color scheme to color the sides of their shapes. They discussed analogous colors so they would choose one color that they really wanted to use and then choose an analogous color to that color. They were encouraged to color different patterns on the sides of their shapes with their color scheme. When color was complete it was onto creating the background which was collaged out of magazine pieces. The background had to match their color scheme or be analogous and could be taken out of magazines, wallpaper books, and any other material they could collage together. When their collaged background was glued, it was time to cut out the shapes. This cutting took a lot of patience and concentration because they wanted to try and keep them all connected in the center at the vanishing point. Once the shapes were cut out they could place and glue them anywhere they chose to. They were very interested in 1-point perspective and found it interesting and it definitely showed with the amazing outcome of this project!
Before the holiday break 5th grade helped put some holiday spirit in the hallways of Elmwood. Students started out by drawing the lights, coloring them with oil pastel and cutting them out. Students glued their "wire" to the paper then traced the lights along the wire. Before glueing the lights along the wire, they used chalk pastel. They put down the color of their light and added white to change the value of the color and create a glow. Last they glued their lights down into the glow. The students learned how to make different value by adding white (tint) and black (shade). The hallways had a fun holiday spirit thanks to the talented artists of 5th grade!
Symmetrical Cultural Masks! We kicked off this project by learning about a lot of different cultures and some of the main uses for masks. We discussed that masks are used for protection, spiritual, and theatrical. We also looked at different masks and how some of them were the same on both sides and discovered symmetry. Their job from there on was to make a symmetrical mask. Students started out with a large 18x24" piece of paper, folded it in half, and drew the outline of their mask along just one side. They cut along that pencil line, opened it up and it was the same on both sides. They started to draw on just one side of their mask. They had to have some kind of eyes, nose, and mouth, the rest of the design was up to them. Once it was drawn in pencil it was onto crayon. They had to press hard with the crayon because they would later be painting over it. Once they had colored one side of the mask, they folded it in half with the crayon folded in. They used the end of a marker to press down, rub over the crayon, and transfer it to the other side of their mask so it is symmetrical. Once it was transferred they had to finish coloring. Once color was complete, they used a sponge and watered down black tempera paint to sponge over their mask. This gives them an older/antique look. They loved doing this step. The last step was to add extras! They had to add a fiber onto their mask and it was a choice to add glitter and/or feathers. Each one of these masks were unique and so interesting!
These lanterns were a new project to me and they turned out amazing! Students started out by learning about the artist Hokusai and Japanese art. Students started out by choosing from 4 different Hokusai prints. They sketched their chosen print in pencil, traced a lantern template and cut. Before they started painting with watercolor, they did some practice on watercolor techniques. They practiced graded wash, blending, blotting, and dry brushing. They painted their pictures, made the black pieces for the top and bottom and hot glued them together. Yes, I let them independently use the hot glue gun and they handled it very well and responsibly. They had to glue their string to the top black piece, glue that to the top, and glue the black piece onto the bottom. These were a piece in their Fine Arts Night. Take a look under 5/6 Fine Arts Night to look at the beautiful display with lights inside each lantern. They glowed with talent and the kids glowed with pride at Fine Arts Night!