I have seen this art lesson on a number of blogs and Instagram. I used this lesson as a simple way to introduce students to mixing tints (and talk about shades) Students first drew a face shape large in the middle of an A3 portrait piece of paper (I demonstrated). They then drew a semi … Continue reading Watermelon Smile Portraits~ Year 3 Introduction to Mixing Tints
Inspired by Frida Kahlo's 'Viva la Vida, Watermelons' and Diego Rivera's 'The Watermelons' students first discussed and compared the two artworks, then drew their own compositions of watermelons - whole, half and sliced, the shapes overlapping. Looking at images of watermelons, we talked about the different colour values and how to make them using tints- … Continue reading Watermelons ~ Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera inspired ~Colour mixing tints-Year 4
For a whole school wellbeing project I introduced the students to creative artist, Gary Hirsch from Oregon in America and his bots, that he has been making for years to "spread joy, courage,love, and gratitude throughout the world". He wants people to "steal this idea" and make a bot to gift to someone in their … Continue reading BOTJOY inspired by Gary Hirsch
Another successful lesson I did with Year 1 & 2 exploring art from different cultures (World Culture Art) was this paper weaving with added shapes and lines to represent to colourfully patterned cloth woven in Ghana, Africa. This idea is not original, I have seen it on many websites and there is a great video … Continue reading African Kente Cloth- paper weaving~ Year 1-2
As part of a theme of world culture art, Year 1 & 2 looked at some traditional paintings on bark from Mexico. Students viewed amate paintings depicting flowers, birds and images from nature all in bright colours, outlined in black. We discussed the use of bright colours, size and placement of objects, for example one … Continue reading Mexican Amate ‘Bark’ Art ~ Year 1/2
Preparing for an art show /exhibition is a lot of work, but it's so worth it when the students and families come to view their own and others work. It's a great community spirit. My students had three items each on display (our school is reasonably small with approx 250 students). Most had two 2D … Continue reading Art Show 2022!
World Culture Art lesson inspired by Mola art from San Blas Islands in Panama Mola art is a panel sewn onto the front and back of the blouse or dress made and worn by the Kuna/Guna women from the San Blas Islands in Panama. It is traditionally made with layers of colourful fabric and the … Continue reading Mola Art ~ Year 1-2
Much of Spanish artist, Joan Miro's later work is wonderful inspiration for young children because of it's child and dream like simplicity and abstract nature. Many of his works at this time were quite surreal and imaginative that used shapes, symbols and a limited colour palette. He often used primary colours too. We looked at … Continue reading Miro Primary Colour Portraits~Prep
Koru is a spiral shape representing the unfurling fern and is an integral symbol in Maori art from New Zealand. It symbolises new life, growth, strength and peace. This project was one of a few lessons I did with Year 1-2 students on art from different cultures. I had done it may years ago successfully … Continue reading Koru: Māori Art from New Zealand ~ Year 1-2
Students in Year 1/2 were learning about Aboriginal traditions and their use of leaves as medicine from 'nature's pharmacy'. We watched a YouTube video explaining various leaves from the bush and their use to treat different ailments. The lesson project is from Japingka Aboriginal Art website which has some wonderful art lesson plans. Check it … Continue reading Bush Medicine Leaves~ Year 1-2
