Zentangle Cityscapes

Students in grades 7 and 8 created these fun patterned cityscapes of downtown Dallas. We began by looking at the skyline of Dallas and pointing out the most iconic buildings. Students sketched the skyline and drew out different patterns within each building. We made sure to emphasize contrast with the patterns- buildings next to each other should alternate from light to dark patterns. We then filled in the negative spaces with watercolor paint- I let the students decide which colors to use but made sure they were making good color choices. 

Notan Collage

Notan is an arrangement of light and dark that creates an impression of beauty. Notan is a popular form of collage in Japan. Students focused on two art principles for this project- shape and space. Students were allowed to work with either realistic or abstract shapes when creating their collage. Notan collages are so unique and beautiful because they focus on a play of positive and negative space that create interesting shapes. We overlapped several different colors to create an even more dynamic and layered design.

Mosaic Still-Lifes

Students in PreK and Kinder created these artworks to learn about still-lifes. We began by gluing pieces together to create a mosaic style vase. In the next class, students used sponges with blue and yellow paint to create different textures. I wanted the students to get to see first hand how mixing two primary colors can make a new color.In the final class, students used cut paper to create the flowers. The result is a beautiful artwork perfect for welcoming the spring season!

O'Keefe Style Flowers with Butterflies

Students in grades 1-3 completed these brightly colored mixed-media artworks for spring. We began by learning about the artist Georgia O'Keefe and making a watercolor flower in her style. We looked at examples of many different flowers and students were free to create their own. I did require some type of texture lines in the petals and the flower had to touch every edge of the page. Students used a combination of regular liquid watercolors and fluorescents. During the next class, we learned about symmetry and created perfectly symmetrical butterflies. These were then painted symmetrically as well. For the final class, students cut out and glued the butterflies and also used oil pastels to blend the flowers and create some value. The end result is a beautiful painting perfect for the beginning of spring!

Rhythm Fish

Students in grades 4-6 created these magnificent fish designs. We began by looking at different examples of fish. Students were free to either draw a fish from observation or create their own fish. I required students to draw them a certain size and to include a certain amount of detail. Once the fish was drawn, we traced it onto the back so it could be transferred repeatedly to a larger paper. Students would then fill the space with repeating fish in any type of layout they wanted. The final step was using colored pencils to the fish. I demonstrated several colored pencil techniques so students could blend or fade the coloring. 

Aboriginal Paintings

Aboriginal artworks have been created in Australia as a way to both tell stories and to map landmarks. Because of Australia's unique location, the art from this area is very extraordinary and different in its perspective and use of symbols. We began by looking at examples of traditional and modern Aboriginal art and drawing comparisons between the colors, patterns and subject matter. Students created some sketches and chose their best for a large scale painting. For cultural art lessons, Aboriginal art is by far my favorite. I love the colorful designs and dot patterns that cover the composition.