Chinese Cherry Blossoms

 

Students began by learning about cherry blossom festivals from all around the world, from Washington DC to Tokyo, Japan. We first designed a blue and white porcelain vase that is prominent all over China. Students then used several printing techniques to create the cherry blossoms coming out of the vase. During the final class, students learned to write several Chinese characters and how to create a red signature stamp. Cherry blossoms are a great and exciting way to welcome spring!

Frogs in Monet's Garden

 

PreK and Kinder students created these watercolor paintings in the style of French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. We began by drawing several lily pads and painting over the background in cool colors. Ponds are usually blue or green but can also sometimes have a purple tint to them as well. Students then created a cut-out frog to add to the pond.

Glue Shoes

 

International Academy students continued the year with a different type of self-portrait. We did some detailed contour line drawings of our shoes in class. These drawings were then transferred onto a large paper and then traced over with a black glue. The black glue gives objects a nice and solid black outline that also shows a nice movement. Students extended the lines of the shoes out into the background and finished it off with some watercolor paint. These paintings are great because they show a great deal of the students personality, both in the style of shoe and the way it was painted.

Fauvist Animals

International Academy students created these colorful Fauve style animal paintings. Students began by finding images of animals and creating sketches. The drawings were then outlined with a black glue to create a strong and bold border. We learned about the Fauve style and how the artists used bright colors to express emotions and feelings. Students then used bright colors with watercolor paint to capture that bold Fauvist style.

Flower Still Life

Students in grades 1-3 created these vibrant watercolor still-lifes. We began by drawing in pencil a vase of flowers. I showed the students how to draw realistically and how to place the still-life on the page to properly use the space. These were then outlined with black crayon before we painted. Students did a great job with the painting just in time for spring!

Spring Butterflies

Students in PreK and Kinder created these wonderful cut-out butterflies just in time for spring! We began by creating a perfectly symmetrical butterfly. Students created a texture painting and used different textured papers to create the sun and the grass. This is a great project for spring that also explores the art element of texture!

Jackson Pollock Inspired Abstract Paintings

 

 

International Academy students created these watercolor abstract paintings. We first learned about the Abstract and Abstract Expressionist art movements. We talked about how artists started using the elements of art in a non-representational way to express emotions and feelings. Students painted a light wash in watercolor over the entire page. Next, we used straws to blow paint around the page to mimic the abstract line work of American Abstract painter Jackson Pollock. Last, students outlined the paint splatter to add to the contrast.