More Abstract Expressionism: 3rd & 4th Grade

Three weeks ago I posted about the abstract expressionism pictures my 3rd graders were creating.  My 4th graders loved the examples on the board so much...they asked if they could do the project as well.  Since I wanted to give them a chance using our new tempera cakes....I agreed.  I LOVE WHAT THEY ARE CREATING!!  We looked at many examples of abstract expressionism....from many different artists.  I feel the variety is wonderful!  I left the images larger so you can see them better. I hope you enjoy them!!

Abstract Expressionism: 3rd Grade

I love doing Abstract Expressionism with my 3rd graders!  We look at a huge collection of images so they can see the many different approaches artists used within the movement.  I focus in on the shapes, colors, and movement of the work that help to convey emotion in a work.  

I allowed them to use a pencil to draw in some basic shapes/lines they wanted in their work, but encouraged them to create most of the work using their brushes.  They were nervous about this(we usually draw before painting), but they embraced the challenge and really seemed to enjoy this out of "our" box approach.  

After many years of thinking about it...I finally ordered tempera cakes.  This is the lesson we broke them in on!!!  I limited their palette to the primaries, white, and black.  I encouraged them to use the black last to do more expressive line work with it using their small brush.  

Here are some of the results!  Many of the students used the colors in their pure form and did not explore color mixing much.  

COLLABORATIVE PROJECT: 3rd & 4th Grade

When we rewrote the Scope & Sequence for the Elementary Visual Art Educators....we wanted to embrace our new state standards we were implementing(I was on both teams.).  One component that was lacking from our last Scope & Sequence was collaborative projects.  Now most teachers will do one or two collaborative "type" lessons during the year.  We really wanted to up our game though, and give our students an opportunity to work with one another in a real & meaningful way....in the spirit of true art making.  

There is a lot left to interpretation in the Scope & Sequence because we want teachers to embrace their strengths and do what is most meaningful for their group of students.   

Here is what I'm doing with my 3rd & 4th Graders.  

I'll keep you posted as we move forward with this project!

DAY 1

• I selected the groups.  Some may want their students to choose, but my students don't always make the wisest choices....and with attempting this project...I wanted to avoid possible issues.
• Students share theme ideas & try to make connections between their various themes.  They had to select one theme that they all had to be able to agree upon. (This was easier for some classes than others!)
• Students had to agree upon a medium. (Once again...this was easier for some classes than others!!)
• Each individual artist had to write 3 to 6 sentences sharing how they were going to use the theme in their work.
• Individual artists had to create 2 to 4 sketches of possible ideas for their project.  

I walked around the room and meet with the groups as they were planning.  We discussed their themes & I mediated for several groups that just could not agree.  Most of the time it was a very simple "fix" for them to all agree!  They just couldn't see past their own ideas to connect with their group.  

I'm very excited to see where this lesson takes us!! 

Color Explosion: 3rd Grade

Here are the 3rd Grade classes from Color Explosion!

HERE ARE SOME CLOSE UPS!

Mixed Media Landscapes: 3rd Grade

I'm working on possible projects for our spring all school art show.  The theme is COLOR EXPLOSION! I've been working on landscapes with 3rd grade, and thought this could be a fun "possible" project for the show.  We looked a many examples of mixed media & abstract landscapes.  The students started by doing a simple line drawing of a landscape. I had them paint(watercolor) each layer a different color or combination of colors.  Then I had them use black tempera paint to outline and create a tree in their foreground.  The following we the were allowed to selected metallic and regular construction paper to create the leaves for their trees. I think they are pretty fun.  I'm kicking around the idea of the students adding patterns into the work as well with colored pencil.

Clay Faces: 3rd Grade

Last week of school before Christmas Break...and I'm trying to get things finished, graded, and back to students to take home!  Yep..it is as tiring as it sounds! ha ha  However, I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing these projects completed....always amazed by the talent of my kiddos!!

I had done an underwater unit with my students, and encouraged them to created a clay face inspired by what they had previously been working on.  Some did.  Some didn't. Some...I'm not sure?!?  No matter...they are awesome.  We used construction paper crayons and watered down black tempera/acrylic bath.

  

NARRATIVE DRAWING: 3rd Grade

I love teaching Narrative Art in 3rd Grade!  Their eyes light up when they make the connection between literature & visual arts.  They are amazed by the power they have to create stories through their pictures.  It really is a light bulb moment(that I wish came sooner...and it does for some).  3rd graders just get it!  We start it off with questions about vocabulary, and connect the literature version of the word with the art version of the word(really not a huge difference).  We usually refer to a story they are all familiar with as a point of reference.

WHAT IS A NARRATIVE?

WHAT IS A MAIN CHARACTER?

WHAT IS A SUPPORTING CHARACTER?

WHAT IS A PLOT?
WHAT IS A SETTING?  

I allow them some brain storming time before beginning their drawings.  After about 35 min, I stop the students, and have them partner up with others across the room.  They have to share the story of their partner's art work(and the partner is not allowed to interject at all until their buddy is finished explaining what they see).  

Once they have both had an opportunity to share...they return to their seats and make the necessary changes to help convey their stories more effectively. 

I've spoken with our new technology and writing teacher...and she is going to take them when we're done and the students will write the stores behind their narrative drawings!!