Collographs

 

The collographs were made from corrugated and regular cardboard.  We cut the desired shapes and glued them onto a larger piece of cardboard.  We then sealed the surface with modpodge. After it was dry, we inked the board with a brayer and ran it through the press.  I'm sure it would work just as well to use the back of a wooden spoon to transfer the image though.  Given more time, I think it would be interesting to work into them with another medium like colored pencil. Nevertheless, they did a great job!

Family Record Trees

 

Most of the family record trees are finished so I wanted to post a few more to share.
  The color palette and movement in the top artwork  is like an explosion of colored freedom, simply wondrous.

To see the original post click here

Plaster Masks

 

We've finished the masks!  They were constructed using plaster gauze, tag/thin cardboard, paint, hot glue and random collage items.
To see the the process click on video below

Plaster Gauze Mask Making from Gabriela Elizalde on Vimeo.

Family Record Trees

 

The American Folk Art Museum provided the inspiration for this artwork.  By looking at and discussing
 Family Record for Andrew Bickford and Olive Clark we were able to understand that family histories were often created by hand in a variety of mediums such as embroidery or watercolor.

 

I wanted to incorporate a festive holiday feel along with a family record so I decided to combine the two. I'm so pleased with how thoughtfully each student worked on their piece.  I believe they really understood the personal significance attached to their work.  Thus far, these are the only two finished but  they are so dear I wanted to share them now.


Process after looking and talking about the artwork above:

• printed the tree with toilet paper rolls and added lights by finger painting
• on a separate sheet of paper, drew small portraits to go in the circles/ornaments
• cut and glued them inside of circles
• drew a background representative of their life

Plaster Masks in the Making...

Plaster Gauze Mask Making from Gabriela Elizalde on Vimeo.

Working With Clay

All of the pieces were made using the coiling technique

 It's always such a pleasure to watch the kids be at first challenged by the clay and then watch them fall into their own path of cooperation with the clay. 

Story Ornaments

 

all artwork by 1st grade

source


  Children understand that through art, we can learn about other cultures, ourselves and  tell stories.   At this time of year, their hearts are already filled with memories of past celebrations as well as wishes for the ones to come.  As we looked at and discussed quilts, we learned how artists can be wonderful story tellers also.   Now it was their turn to use images or words to tell their holiday story.  


Process:
The first day they learned about symmetry as they drew and cut their ornament. Next, they painted a base layer.  On the second day, they drew their stories.  I wanted to make sure they had enough space to draw and explore so these are quite large, 9x12 or so.