Art Making from Kindergarten to Graduation
Andy Warhol brought bold colors, repeated portraits, and commercial flair into the world of fine art. This project is part digital design, part traditional art, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or just looking for a creative weekend activity, this project lets you mix digital tools with hands-on coloring for… Continue reading Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Warhol Art
Step 1: Understanding Hand Proportions Before we draw a hand holding something, it's important to understand the basic proportions of the hand. I found that drawing guide lines on my own hands is very helpful with proportions. When I position my hands a certain way, the guide lines show me the correct way to draw… Continue reading Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing Hands
With Hispanic Heritage month starting in September, I wanted my classes to complete activities for Dia de los Muertos. I frequently travel to Mexico to visit family. I always try to do one lesson a year focusing on Hispanic heritage. This year, I decided to create Nicho boxes. Years ago I did a lesson with… Continue reading Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Nicho Boxes
I teach color and color theory every year to all my classes. I am teaching middle school and wanted to find a new way to introduce the concept. Last year I had a 100 color painting that did not go so well. Students who had my class would discuss how hard the assignment was. So… Continue reading Color Mixing with Auguste Herbin’s Alphabet
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
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
I have been in the classroom for over 15 years. I have taught kindergarten through 12th grade. I have taught private school, public school, as a lead teacher, as an assistant. I have run the gamut with classroom sizes, budgets, roles, etc. Over the years, there are musts I need to have in my classroom.… Continue reading Top 10 Must Haves for the Art Room
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 It’s a Small World. A… Continue reading Mary Blair Inspired Shape Lesson: Building Art Activity
Starting a printmaking program can be rather expensive so it is important to find creative ways to complete projects. One tip and trick I discovered was using fruit containers for these drypoint prints. When you think about it, it is also somewhat expensive considering the price of fruit. However, I fortunately had 3 berry fiends… Continue reading Drypoint Printmaking Tutorial: Utilizing Fruit Containers
While on Instagram, I came across a teacher post of a lesson where students painted polaroids and thought they came out really cool. I took that idea for inspiration for my next printmaking project where students created snapshots of their life. We used a mono printing technique of water coloring on plexiglass and transferring the… Continue reading Enhance Your Printmaking Skills: Common Mistakes and Improving Work
In the Art Room with Mrs. D 