African Animal Symbols

Students in grades 7 and 8 created these African animal symbols to coincide with the International Academy's global focus on West Africa. We began by reading about African art and how it is primarily made to communicate messages usually within the spirit world. Artists drew an African animal symbol on drawing paper, then traced the animal onto another sheet of paper. After the first was colored in marker, students colored in the second with the opposite or complementary color. When finished, one drawing was cut into a loom and the other drawing was cut into half inch strips. These were then woven into each other to create a contrasting color effect. The final step was to add a border of Adinkra symbols. These are symbols used in Africa to symbolize positive ideals like strength, wisdom, love, etc. This was a great in depth project that incorporates drawing, weaving, printmaking and culture.

Textured Autumn Trees

Students in grades 1-3 created these textured autumn artworks! We began by painting the background- students first learned the three cool colors- blue, green, and purple. We then created concentric circles and painted in the design with cool colors. We then created textured rubbings and painted over the design with red and orange paint. These are common fall leaf colors and would also create a good color contrast with the sky because they are warm colors. Students painted a tree and added some textured grass for a more three-dimensional feel. This lesson covered texture, warm vs. cool colors, and also pattern.

Starry Night Leaves

Students in PreK and Kinder created these fun autumn paintings. We began by doing leaf rubbings with crayons on a large white paper. I also showed the students how to do a rubbing with multiple colors. These were then painted around with blue paint to give the illusion that they are falling from the trees. During the final class, students learned about Vincent van Gogh and the painting Starry Night. Students added swirling lines to create a fun sense of movement.

Mola Paintings

Molas are traditional designs made by the Kona people of Panama. The mola began as body painting, then after the Spanish colonized the region the Kona people learned how to add these designs to fabrics. Today, molas are applied to clothes, blankets and other types of textiles. Students made these by drawing out a large animal and decorating the inside with bright and colorful patterns. These were then painted with watercolor and decorated with different types of paper cut-out lines and shapes in the background.