Transformation

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Masks

Transformation
What does it mean?   What can transform? Are humans the only things that can transform?    All of these questions and more were discussed at the beginning of this mask making project.  Students realized transformation goes on all around us (seasons, animals, people) it's just a matter of looking closer.   What fun it was to see personalities come alive through mask making. While some students decided to transform themselves in ways they felt comfortable with others ventured out onto unexplored territory.  Either path, the results were wonderful to see and share.


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The How To:

1. Cut poster-board into desired size.
2. Draw, paint or color mask.
3. Provide extra poster board to add other elements such as hats, ears, random shapes, etc.
4. Staple to the main piece. 
5. Cut a slit leading to each eye then cut around to form the eye shape.
6. Tape the slits closed on the back of the poster board.
7. Add a pop-sickle stick to hold mask.
8. Voila!

Reliefs

This was a really cool lesson for the 1st grade kids...they absolutely loved the results!  We looked at various images of reliefs throughout history and modern times.  We discussed various cutting techniques, borders, and how layering would create a stronger design.   ...and here are the results!

The how to:

1. Show examples to generate excitement.

2. Cut poster board into desired shapes.

3. Glue onto chip board.

4. Place foil on top and tape to back.

5. Use a wadded up napkin to apply gentle pressure on foil (circular motion works well) until the cut out poster board shapes become apparent.  

6.  Add a tiny bit of black paint and brush around (we used black  ink).

7.  Wipe off a bit for a distressed look.

7. Success!

Thinking About Lines with Frank Stella

By  looking at the work by American artist Frank Stella,  PK experienced lines with a new perspective.  How or when does a line become art?  This was a question they responded to through their art making.  Another challenge was to visually measure and cut lines based on the amount of space available within a square. As you can see, every student was successful and the beauty lies in the individuality of the experience.

Fanciful Peacocks

This was a great project for all of the kids.  Patterned art is not particularly my thing but every once in a while I do like to incorporate a fun "how to draw" lesson.   At the beginning of the lesson I stress freedom of choice for everyone.  I tell students that I am just giving them the basics and they have the opportunity to make any changes they see fit. This helps a lot because it makes the students feel good about their work being different from their peers or mine.   I think that's why the results vary so much.  I break down the drawing into line types or shapes;  for example, the beak was a triangle. You could also incorporate learning about radial design with the feathers.

I want to thank the Art Projects for Kids blog for the inspiration for this project.

Summer School Art Enrichment at Briarmeadow- Art in History

In our summer art program students experience culture, historic time periods and take a piece of history home with them as a reminder of the learning experience.    Through a hands on approach students gain a better understanding of the past through art making. To learn more click Art in History.





Untitled from Gabriela Elizalde on Vimeo.