Abstract, Art History, Color, Color Mixing, Elements of Art, middle school, Uncategorized

Creative Color Mixing Inspired by Alma Thomas

Alma Thomas, The Eclipse, 1970 Alma Woodsey Thomas was a pioneering African American artist known for her vibrant use of color and abstract forms that celebrate nature. Her work often drew inspiration from her surroundings, particularly the gardens and landscapes she loved. When introducing color, I thought this artist would be a great way to teach my… Continue reading Creative Color Mixing Inspired by Alma Thomas

Abstract, creativity, Elementary School, Elements of Art, high school, Lines, Markers, middle school, Uncategorized

Blind, Continuous Contour Drawings: Engaging Art Lessons for Middle School

At the start of the year, I like to discuss the elements of art with my classes. Some students may be very knowledgeable about this already, especially if they have already had me a past year. I believe that a refresher is always valuable as well as solidifying the knowledge for when they go off… Continue reading Blind, Continuous Contour Drawings: Engaging Art Lessons for Middle School

Art History, Construction Paper, creativity, Elementary School, Elements of Art, high school, Homeschool, middle school, Uncategorized

Mary Blair Inspired Shape Lesson: Building Art Activity

Introduction I love teaching the students about Mary Blair whenever we are learning about the element of arts. Specifically when it comes to shape. Even if you have not heard her name before, you have most certainly seen her work if you have watched a Disney movie or gone on Itโ€™s a Small World. A… Continue reading Mary Blair Inspired Shape Lesson: Building Art Activity

Art History, Color, Color Mixing, Elements of Art, high school, Homeschool, Impressionist Art, middle school, Primary Colors, Uncategorized

Pointillism Paintings

Pointillism is an art style from the Impressionist art movement from the late 1800's. Created by George Seurat, the painting is created with only dots where the artist aims for the viewers eyes to mix the colors rather than mixing themselves. The most famous piece in this style is George Seurat's A Sunday Afternoon on… Continue reading Pointillism Paintings

Art History, Construction Paper, Elementary School, Elements of Art, high school, Homeschool, middle school, multicultural, Texture, Uncategorized

Molas Multiple Ways

I have taught molas fora few years now and find it an interesting subject for my students for we discuss 2 things when making them; Only the kuna people are allowed to sell molas Only kuna women make molas and are he breadwinners of their family These two facts allow for some great discussions on… Continue reading Molas Multiple Ways

Color, Color Mixing, creativity, Elements of Art, Homeschool, middle school, multicultural, Sculpture, Uncategorized

Color Scheme Alebrijes

I have always loved alebrijes with their bright colors and patterns. It wasnโ€™t until I wanted to teach alebrijes as an art project that I learned the history behind their creation. Back in the 1930โ€™s, paper mache artist, Pedro Lineras Lopez, had a nightmare where mythical creatures were following him around a forest chanting โ€œalebrijeโ€.… Continue reading Color Scheme Alebrijes

creativity, Elementary School, Elements of Art, high school, middle school, Space, Uncategorized

Positive/Negative Silhouettes

When teaching art, it is important to go over the elements of art early and one of my favorite is the element of space. Space in art is the area within a composition while positive space is the subject or areas of interest in a piece making anything in the background or surrounding the subject… Continue reading Positive/Negative Silhouettes