Pigs Can Fly!

Sixth graders discussed Cincy's rich "Porkopolis" heritage, the Flying Pig Marathon, and of course the Big Pig Gig sculpture exhibit as inspiration for their latest project, paper mache flying pigs! 

We stuffed grocery bags for the bodies, cut up toilet paper rolls for the snout and feet, cut up cereal boxes for the wings, and finally applied 3 layers of paper mache (paper towels / newspaper) before painting our wild and wonderful creations. Students were encouraged to create an "artistic" pig, not one that looked "realistic." Needless to say, they went hog wild! 

It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

Fifth graders looked at the art of Laurel Burch and George Rodrigue before beginning their own wacky pet painting. We talked about using, color, space, and line creatively to help capture the personality of their cats and dogs :) I gave the kids jumbo sized paper and let them go wild! They results are bright, humorous, and full of life!

Chalk Pastel Iguanas

I stole this lesson from Deep Space Sparkle, and it's a new favorite! I used it as an excuse to review warm and cool colors with my fifth graders, as well as a great opportunity to use teach blending with chalk pastels. All kids will find success with this project!

Tropical Birds

Using a recent fifth grade field trip and science curriculum as inspiration, students created these wild and wonderful paintings of toucans and parrots!

Before we begin, we look at the art of Henri Rousseau and discuss how he overlapped plants and trees to show space. Then students look at photos of tropical birds and begin drawing out their picture using a black crayon. This is great advice from the art ed blog, Deep Space Sparkle.

Using a crayon helps eliminate "mistakes" and the constant erasing! Plus, the drawings end up much more free and full of personality.

Students use tempera paint, and outline finished artworks with a thick black Sharpie.

Koi Fish

Seventh grade students spend lots of time studying ancient China and Japan in history class. In the art room, we celebrate these rich cultures through the creation of watercolor koi fish paintings. Combing traditional Asian art, and the Hawaiian flair of artist Sherri Reeves, students drew several koi fish across their rectangular sheet of paper. (This is large! Apx 22x11" inches) Once the have drawn their fish they added sketches of pond life and traced over the entire image in crayon before painting with liquid watercolors. Prior to painting, students applied a 1" masking tape border aroudn the edge of their artwork. Once the fish and pond life were painted, student used toothbrushes to splatter for a whimsical / watery effect!