East Meets Southwest

The 4-6 classes ended the year with a second project that explored the artistic style of Georgia O'Keefe. We began by looking at some of her large close-up paintings of flowers. Students then worked on sketches that needed to include an enlarged flower or flowers that went off at least one edge of the page. I also gave the students the choice to include some elements similar to Japanese prints, such as enormous waves or stylized sun rays. After drawing on the large paper, we covered the lines with a black glue. This gives the lines a dynamic and fluid look. We then filled the rest in with vibrant liquid watercolors. The finished paintings were a great representation of spring!