Grade 1 Pattern Animals!

First graders practiced observational drawing by looking closely at an animal photo of their choice from Ranger Rick Magazines. After drawing the animal, they were to fill it with the biggest variety of patterns they could, to give it a party suit. Once they finished filling it, they gave it a double outline with oil pastel, then finally painted the negative space of the background. The lesson came from here: https://artlessonsforkids.me/2011/02/13/textured-animals-in-grade-one/

Grade 1 Artists studied the work of several abstract artists during the month of October. We began looking at the mobiles of Alexander Calder, who used simple colors and organic, free form shapes in his work. The kids found it exciting to use their imaginations when trying to decide what the shapes looked like to them. We discussed how abstract art can be very interesting in the way we all see something different in it. Lesson found here: https://www.katiemorrisart.com/2011/07/1st-grade-mobile-marker-drawings.html

We also studied the work of Dutch Abstract painter Piet Mondrian (1872-1944). We discussed his simple use of line, shape, and the primary colors. The students tried out his technique, constructing their own Mondrian masterpieces, and in the process practicing techniques in painting, cutting, gluing, and measuring. Lesson found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb1__xAJwBA

The third artist they studied in this unit was Jean Dubuffet. They had a great time bringing their drawings to live by cutting and building them into 3-D sculpture that stood up on a piece of matboard.  This lesson came from here: http://artipelagoteacher.blogspot.com/2012/11/jean-dubuffet-sculptures.html

Hearts! We love February! These were made by Grade 1 artists. They formed pinch bowls out of earth clay, poked in patterns with a toothpick. Once they were fired, we colored them with crayon and liquid watercolors. 

Me in My Snow Clothes

by Grade 1. These were drawn in waterproof black marker, after a lesson in drawing the human body, all bundled up in snow gear. They painted them with tempera paint, with a focus on using small amounts of paint at a time and blending their own colors. 

                                      

First grade artists viewed and discussed the work of self-taught French artist Henri Rousseau (1844 - 1910). We focused on making a picture with many layers and tried to make it as full as a jungle in the Rousseau style of 'Magical Realism.'

Rousseau created his jungle paintings in France, using his imagination and studies gathered from books, as well as museum and conservatory visits.

Grade 1 studied artist Claude Monet, French Impressionist (1840 - 1926), then painted a study of his work, Poplars (1891). They mixed primary oil pastel colors to make the orange and green and were encouraged to try coloring using texture marks on the leaves and tree trunks. They watercolored the sky and river.