Identity in Art

Students in middle school art created these artworks to explore identity. We began by creating sketches to explore images that we feel define us. Students could choose animals, characters or any type of object that they feel a connection with. These were then carved into a styrofoam block and printed in a variety of colors. Students then altered the prints or arranged them in a way that fully expresses who they are as an individual. This lesson is great for exploring relief printmaking and also letting students begin to create art that defines who they are as an artist!

Fall Leaves that POP!

Students in grades 4 through 6 created these autumn inspired paintings to learn about color contrast. We began by painting an abstract cool color background as the sky. Students used white crayons to create a sense of movement in the background. During the next class, students used styrofoam to print leaves. We drew detailed contour line drawings of leaves and carved them into styrofoam. We then colored the foam with warm color markers making sure to blend the colors together. The final class was used to create textured tree branches and add the leaves in a way that fills the space for an interesting composition.

Printmaking Flowers

Students in middle school created these flowers to learn about the art of printmaking. We began with a line drawing of a flower and used that to create the "block" out of styrofoam. Next, students colored the block with markers and pulled prints by lightly dampening a paper and pressing the block. Students created multiple prints and were able to experiment with color blending and different color combinations. We then chose the best prints and incorporated them into a uniquely designed drawing. I had the students do the drawing in black sharpie so the flowers would contrast and stand out as the emphasis of the piece. I love how each student interpreted the directions differently and used the flowers in a different and unique way!

Monet Style Autumn Leaves

Students in grades 4-6 created these autumn collages in the style of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. We began by creating a watercolor painting using the three cool colors- blue, green and violet. We discussed using gentle curving lines to create the movement of water and break up the background space. To create the leaves, students used styrofoam to carve out a leaf. These were then colored in with marker and pressed onto a slightly damp piece of paper to create a relief print. When placing the leaves on the pond, we looked at some of Claude Monet's paintings and examined his use of color contrast. 

Tiki Prints

International Academy students were introduced to printmaking for this cultural project. We began by learning about Tikis- how they come from Polynesian countries, that they are used for worship or good/bad luck and that they are typically made from wood or stone. We examined the features and textures of Tiki masks to incorporate those into our own designs. Once students drew out an original Tiki, it was carved into a piece of foam. These were then colored with marker and then printed onto a slightly damp piece of paper. This allowed the students to get good color areas and do plenty of experimenting. The best prints were chosen and mounted onto black paper for display. 

Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom festivals are celebrated all over the United States and Canada in the spring. These festivals began because Japan donated many cherry blossom trees to cities all over North America to signify a growing friendship between the nations. These festivals are particularly popular in Washington D.C. and Vancouver.

Students in grades 1-3 created these cherry blossom paintings to learn about color, lines and printmaking. We began with using curved lines to break up the space and create a cool color watercolor painting. Next, students printed the branch and cherry blossom flowers using cardboard and crumbled up pieces of paper. During the final class, students added details with oil pastels and also created a name block print for the corner of their painting. We loved this project and students were very happy with the results!

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.

Autumn Leaves

This autumn leaf painting was completed by the 4-6 Montessori classes. We began by observing and drawing a minimum of 5 different types of leaves. Students needed to draw them large, have leaves going off all four sides of the paper, and have some overlapping. We also drew four lines through the composition to break up the space. Students then painted the leaves using typical fall colors- red, orange, yellow and brown. Students were also able to mix to make some tertiary colors- such as red orange or yellow orange. During the final class, students created a Styrofoam leaf and printed more leaves on top. The color harmony and interesting view of space make these an awesome project for fall!

Watercolor Fish

Fish and underwater artworks are some of my favorite projects to do with my kids. This was an interesting switch from the usual fish projects I do. We began by creating a word painting- I let the students choose one word to write repeatedly in the background. We drew lines with a ruler and wrote the word over and over again in crayon. Once finished, the students painted over the paper with a black watercolor. During the second class, students drew a large fish in pencil. We looked at different types of fish talked about the various details we saw like fins, scales, tales, etc. I let students choose whether to copy certain fish or create their own. These were then outlined with crayon and painted with vibrant watercolor paints. The final class we cut out and pasted the fish onto the word painting, made 3D seaweed cutouts, and stamped some blue bubbles into the background. The result is a fun and whimsical twist on a old classic!

Greek Pottery

Students in 4th through 6th grades studied the geometric period of Greek art ranging from 900 to 700 BC. Students began by creating a textured watercolor painting and cutting it into a symmetrical vase shape. On the vase, students used different types of cardboard to print and create geometric patterns. The final step was to create a geometric border using different colored papers. This was a great project to connect art history, culture and design. I also liked this lesson because it gets the students to examine different styles and shapes of vases so they have some information to draw upon when they create their own ceramic pieces.

Frank Lloyd Wright Prints

International Academy students completed these geometric prints in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright. After looking at Wright's stained glass window designs, students created geometric designs using rulers and circle templates. These designs were then carved into styrofoam and printed onto watercolor paintings. This project provides a great connection into math and architecture and the finished prints look amazing!