Third Grade Medallions

These Byzantine medallions were a hit! 3rd graders learned about the Byzantine Empire (where, what, when) and the beautiful medallions that were created in this empire*. We first created a sketch of our medallions, creating symmetry and/or radial symmetry (same on all sides). Students then rolled out a slab of clay, cut the shape of their medallion, and then created their design, starting from the center and working outward. I reminded the students to keep in mind shape, line, and design when creating these medallions. The medallions were put into the kiln once, then painted with some awesome metallic paints. For a final touch, we added gems and jewels, just like the real Byzantine medallions!  Most of the third grade classes are still working on these.

* The Byzantine Empire is what is now modern-day Turkey (We used Google Earth to find this area). This empire was rich in gold, silver, and many jewels, that were mined by the people who lived in the empire. This was very convenient because this area was a center for trade between the west and the east. These medallions were worn around the neck and often were a symbol of faith and/or who each person was in their society. Everyone could wear gold, silver, and many different kinds of jewels, but only the Emperor and noblemen could wear Sapphires, Emeralds, and Pearls (because they were so rare).

Second Grade Sea Turtles

Second Grade has learned many facts and information about sea turtles in their latest art lesson. Students also looked at pictures of many different kinds of sea turtles to help inspire their artwork as well. These little sea turtles were made from clay, mostly using pinch and rolling methods, and we made sure to pay special attention to the textures we created on them. We are in the process of glazing them now so they should be finished soon.

First Grade Organic Shape Monsters

Books can be such a great inspiration in the Art room. First grade read "There Was an Old Monster" by Rebecca, Adrian, and Ed Emberley. It's pretty silly, so I heard lots of giggles while I was reading. Students then learned what an organic shape is and how this is different from our "math" shapes, like triangles, circles, squares, etc. Students then used a tied string on construction paper to create an organic shape that would be the body of their monster they would create, and then traced around the string in pencil. Next, students used tempera paint (polishing our paintbrush skills) to paint the monster and possibly a background if there was space left over. Finally, students added details with oil pastels. They certainly came up with some creative creatures.

Kindergarten Self Portraits

Learning to draw yourself (and just anybody in general) is a difficult task. Kinders learned what a self-portrait is and saw examples of my own self portrait in different materials. Students started their self portrait by tracing an oval on a piece of paper. Students were shown easy ways using shapes and lines to draw different parts of  the face. Students drew their face in pencil and traced the face in sharpie. We discussed how to choose appropriate eyebrow, eye, and skin color (choosing a few colors, testing them on the back of the portrait, and then decided what was best) and then colored in our portrait with crayons. Students cut out their portrait and then used yarn to create loop-knots in the holes for hair. I love all the different expressions found on the self portraits!