Surf and Turf Clay Reliefs Take 2

Last year I did a similar project with first grade but decided to change a few things.  I felt last year their projects were a little too similar looking at the end and decided to loosen the reigns a little bit this year.  Students were able to choose animal or bird and had the option of using a stencil to draw their body, design it them self or a little bit of both.  See 2017 post for artist inspiration. 

First Grade Symmetrical Insects

Students started this project by looking at images that all displayed symmetry.  We discussed how symmetry in art helps create BALANCE and is when the same shapes and colors are on both sides.  Students used their skill of mixing the primary colors to create secondary colors on one side of their paper and rubbed and opened up their paper to reveal the same shape on the other side.  The next class we took our monoprints and turned them in different directions until we saw an insect.  Then we looked at images at our table of insects and used paper to glue different symmetrical shapes on top.  We examined artist Christopher Marley who used insects in his art to give us ideas on how to create their beautiful patterns.

Tape it up Mondrian Style

Another great project that was lead by my student teacher this school year, was inspired by her love of tape and the artwork created by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian.  First grade students began this unit by examining the Mondrian's artwork and identifying the elements of art SHAPE, LINE, and COLOR and how they come together to create a non objective artwork.  Next, we discussed how Mondrian wanted his art to connect with others and we brainstormed how and why people work together/connect with each other in clubs  such as in girl scouts, sports teams, and when playing games.  

For the first day, each table worked together to put together an extra large puzzle of one of Mondrian's artworks.  At the end of class, students reflected on some of the challenges when it comes to working collaboratively.  Students discussed  how they had to be patient and wait their turn or help their peers put the pieces in the right places.  

Students putting together Mondrian puzzle.

The next class we focused on Mondrian's use of GEOMETRIC SHAPES and we drew our own and then used tape to add color on top of them.   The theme of connecting through art was played out in a variety of ways.  Our black lines that we added to our artwork had to connect to our shapes or edge of the paper.  Additionally, by working together in class activities and planning out the collaborative mural the students understood how they could all individually come together to create a whole 

artwork.

Composition A, 1923 Piet Mondrian

Surf and Turf

Fish Hawk or Osprey, Birds of America, John James Audubon

First grade started out their unit on clay by exploring how many ways they can change clay with their body as well as with a variety of tools.   We examined artist and ornithologist John James Audubon and his fascination with birds. Next, I was inspired by Cassie Stephen's clay birds and I loosely based this lesson of of hers that you can find HERE. Students learned how to create score and slip to attach two pieces of clay and make an impression by pressing down different textured tools into the clay.  Each student had the option to make a bird or fish and after their clay was bisque fired they used construction paper crayons to color and added india ink on top as a resist batik look.  

Texture Self Portraits

For the first unit of the year, we started exploring how artists can cut and arrange paper shapes to make a picture or design called a COLLAGE.  Students carefully examined, compared and contrasted artists Jacob Lawrence, Frida Kahlo, and Faith Ringgold.  

Self Portrait with Necklace of Thorns, 1940 Frida Kahlo

Self Portrait, 1977 Jacob Lawrence

We concluded that all three artists created work that told a story about him or herself and their interests.  Students spent the first two days creating their bodies out of paper shapes, scissors, and glue, trying their best to have their pictures resemble their face and body.  Next, we defined TEXTURE as how something feels and chose a variety of textured papers and fabrics to add to our art.  Students were encouraged to add something to their work that helps tell the viewer something about them self or what they like to do.  Lastly, similar to artist Faith Ringgold, we used the printmaking method of stamping different objects to create a shiny frame for our beautiful collages.

Student Examples

Shopping at the material store

Stamping their borders

School display