Color Theory

Students in grades 7 and 8 created these symmetrical designs in various color schemes. We began by transferring a simple geometric design onto a 12 x 18' paper eight times. This created a layout that was symmetrical vertically and horizontally. Next, students chose 2-3 color schemes and filled in different sections with colored pencils. Students could choose primary, secondary, warm, cool, analogous or complementary colors. I also had the students use various techniques with the colored pencils. These included balancing the dark to light areas, blending from light to dark with one color and blending one color into another. This is a great introductory lesson to teach color and balance while giving students the opportunity to practice some different shading techniques.

Frank Lloyd Wright Geometric Prints

Here is an article I wrote that is featured in the November 2014 issue of Arts & Activities magazine! The article is a detailed description of a middle school printmaking project in the style of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. You can also view the article at Arts & Activities website:

http://www.artsandactivities.com/

Enjoy!

Superhero Self-Portraits

Montessori students in grades 1-3 created these dynamic self-portraits. We began by drawing a realistic and proportional self-portrait. Once it was complete, we added some details to turn ourselves into superheroes- things like capes, masks, emblems, etc. Students then colored these with colored pencils and were encouraged to use bright and bold colors to mimic superheroes from comic books. We then created an abstract cityscape with oil pastels and stencils of skylines the students created. The final step was adding a moon and night sky. This was a cute twist on the self-portrait that really brought out each students personality and style.

Watercolor Self-Portraits

Montessori students in grades 4-6 created these watercolor self-portraits as their first project for the new school year. We began by using mirrors to draw realistic and proportional self-portraits. Students were encouraged to be as observant as possible and add lots of detail. We then learned about the pop art movements in America and England. Students applied a bold and colorful outline to the portrait with colorful patterns and designs in the background. We finished by painting with watercolors- students could use the color wheel to identify analogous colors and blend them in certain areas. The colors and designs make these portraits very expressive with lots of personality!

Woven Crocodiles

Montessori students in grades 1-3 created these woven crocodiles as the final project for the 2013-2014 school year. We began by painting an analogous colored background. Students painted several circles and traced them repeatedly to form a pattern that would fill the page. During the second class, students cut out a crocodile and wove strips of painted paper through the body. The cool colors create a color contrast that makes the crocodiles stand out from the background. Last, we added eyes and teeth and placed some textured grass along the bottom of the painting. This is a great lesson to teach weaving, texture, and color contrast.