5th Grade - Miro Abstracts!

This lesson was a fast filler lesson that turned out great! Students were inspired by Joan Miro by viewing a slideshow with many of his works of art. Then students brainstormed on a 9x12 by drawing several overlapping freeform shapes. From there they were to break up the spaces further and could turn them into alien like creatures or just an abstract... whatever the shapes inspired! 

We worked on a cold press 9x12 watercolor paper that we had on hand. First used watercolor paint and blew it with short straw pieces. Once dry, students drew with pencil first and outlined with Big Brush PITT Pens. Last step, we colored a few of our shapes in with oil pastel. For a quick lesson, these turned out really cool!!!

5th Grade - One Point Perspective Abstracts inspired by Fernand Leger

Students love learning one-point perspective. Drawing a shape 3 dimensionally is very exciting a satisfying! I have taught perspective in many ways, but this might be my favorite! 

After a comprehensive slideshow and video demonstrating how to draw shapes in perspective with a horizon line and vanishing point. Students practice until mastery on a 12x18. Drawing at least 15-20 shapes on both sides. 

The next day, we look at several paintings by Fernand Leger. Students discuss how he used perspective in his work and paints with highlights and shadows to create forms. 

On a new paper, I demonstrate drawing at least 5 shapes in one-point perspective, however, I use at least 3 different vanishing points, moving them around. After the 5 shapes, students may draw more to the background, keeping it simple and flat. We outlined with black PITT pens.  When coloring with oil pastels, we started with the 5 shapes, being sure to blend light to dark. When coloring the shapes in the background, color blending them light to dark like the 3D shapes gives the illusion of more dimensions! My students LOVED this project! I highly recommend it!!! 

5th Grade Studio Art - Kandinsky inspired Abstracts!

Kandinsky is such a fun artist to teach! My Studio Art classes did a fabulous job with these abstract compositions.  We used 150lb Jack Richeson student watercolor paper.  Painted with Jack Richeson tempera cakes, my fave. Then used jumbo PITT Pens by Faber Castel for all the black line work, (pre-drawn with pencil using rules, tracers or freehand). Last step was some Crayola oil pastel.  I love a lesson with so much room for creativity and self expression! This one is a winner! Enjoy! 😃