Jasper Johns Alphabet

Jasper Johns
Colored Alphabet, 1959
Oil and Collage on panel

Third grade students used the above painting, Colored Alphabet by, Jasper Johns to draw inspiration for their own artwork.   Students initially saw this painting as an "easy project" because they already knew how to write their letters.  However, once students got started, they began to appreciate how complicated and difficult it is to fit all the letters of the alphabet in their paper and use the right size letters which aren't too big or too small.  We brainstormed tools that we could use to help with the drafting process and decided a ruler would help to section off their paper.  We placed 5 horizontal lines across the paper and did some math to decide how many letters should be placed on each row.

Once the students had their alphabet laid out in pencil, they began work on making a patchwork of color for the background layer.  Students used tempera cakes for this process and were allowed the freedom to color their paper in any pattern they desired.
   
Painting the letters in different colors.  Students were directed to use red tempera paint for 5 letters of their choice in their alphabet before switch colors to blue, green, yellow, then white.
     

The next class, students used oil pastels to make expressive lines and textures to jazz up their artwork and camouflage the alphabet into the canvas. 

   
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how this class rocked Jasper John's!!!
   

Ugly Dolls

Disclaimer: This project was from the 2016-2017 school year

Third graders have taken on the adventure in sewing!  More pictures to come as the project gets on its way.

Pop Art Hamburgers

Remember this jingle? Man, does it stick in your head!  My 3rd grade students are starting a collage project where they will be designing the most mouth watering hamburger that they can imagine. What better way to kick off the lesson that with this!

On day one, students made printed paper for them to later cut and use for the fixings.  It was so much fun brainstorming what they would like to put on their burger. . . From the ordinary, cheese, ketchup, and lettuce to the extremist, guacamole, siracha sauce and even anchovies!

 

While the printed papers were drying, students practiced their weaving by making a Milton inspired place mat (red and white - Go Wildcats!).  Once this was in place, the group was ready to collage!  Students were given the task to design a mouth watering burger making sure they overlapped each layer ensuring no gaps and deliciousness in every bite.

The final results are quite extraordinary!

Glue and Pastel Self-Portrait

Third grade students made these gorgeous self-portraits using pencil, glue, and pastels. Upon listening to the book Two Eyes, A Nose, and a Mouth by, Roberta Intrater, they made a list of key features to include in their portrait. They drew their faces with pencil and then outlined the drawing in glue. Once dried, the glue made a raised boarder to help make definition for the face. Students then colored in their pictures with pastels and dabbled with blending techniques.

Here's a peek at the pastel process.  Very stunning and realistic results from this crew :)

Come back soon to see the finished results!

Getting Started

This year I'm excited to be joining the Glover Elementary school as a part-time visual art teacher. I've inherited this amazing art room and plan on documenting the year through this blog.  The pictures below represent the expectations of the room.  

Students are expected to be A.R.T stars while in class.  It is their responsibility to come into class with a great Attitude, be Respectful to peers, materials and the classroom, and to always Try Your Best!

Students are expected to take an active part in the art room.  It is important for students to understand that the key to a successful art room is keeping materials tidy and sharing the responsibility of the distribution and clean-up process. This system has six essential jobs for students to participate in. Tables are assigned a job for the week and each week the jobs will rotate so that all students share in these procedures.  The jobs are as follows:

Supply Distributor

Supply Collector

Table Inspector

Floor Inspector

Artwork Collector

Critique

Students will be able to see what project they are working on by observing the Today's Focus board.  On this yellow and purple grid, classes are divided into grade level and examples of each project will be on display.  Standards and key vocabulary will be posted as well.  In addition, the purple Artistic Word Wall will post a culmination of art vocabulary learned throughout the year.  

Upon exiting the room, classes will have an opportunity to reflect on their A.R.T behaviors and assess whether or not the class earned a sticker for their efforts.  The above check list is a tangible way for students to see if the group followed the room's expectations.  If the class fulfills at least 5 out of the 7 expectations then they earn a sticker.  After the class earns 10 stickers, they can earn an incentive such as free time, music, or even choice of seating.

This is going to be such an exciting year of art making at the Glover School.  Come back often to see all the amazing art that will be created in Room 12!!!