Bubble and Continuous Line Art

 Description: This project was tons of fun to do in class. We learned about Pablo Picasso's continuous line art period and made our own landscapes using the same technique.  We then used trays of dyed soapy water to blow bubbles with straws and transfer the dye onto our papers. This left our projects with many colorful prints from the bubbles.

Extension Activity: To extend this idea, I might have students try to draw their continuous line picture without looking at the sheet. For example, they would look at the object and then move their hand at the same rate as their eyes in order to make their drawings. Then to add the colors, I would create several stations for them to go to and blow their bubbles for their projects.

Clay Trinket Dish

 Description: For this lesson, our teachers taught us about adding and subtracting in the process of molding clay. Then we were tasked with designing our own trinket dishes and using both the addition and subtraction techniques. We learned about how colors can be used to convey emotions, so I used yellow to convey joy.

Extension Activity: To build off of this activity, I would have my students research a culture that is known for clay making and to make their design the same way as the culture they researched. This would allow the students to learn about other people and different backgrounds.

Printmaking

 Description: I created this lesson, along with one of my peers, for a third grade art class. We connected the process of printmaking with the famous artist, Andy Warhol. After giving a brief presentation over the artist and the process, we had the students create their own prints by carving their own designs into a foam plate. Once their prints were done, they were asked to write a sentence for each item they included in their design and why they chose it. At this age, students are starting to become more self-aware and by making images that represent themselves, they are able to see how they are unique and that it is wonderful to be different!

Extension Activity: Another way I might teach printmaking to younger students would be by having them chose different colors of paint to put on a piece of paper and then fold the sheet in half. Once the sheet is unfolded, the students will be able to see how the different colors blended together and how the design is reflected over the middle line where the sheet was folded.

Paper Weaving

Description: The teachers gave us a little history lesson over the art of weaving. They connected weaving to many ancient cultures and explained how the colors had different meanings for each civilization. We then chose three colors of construction paper and followed the instructions to create our own piece of woven art. Then we had to explain why we chose the colors in our design.

Extension Activity: To build off of this idea, I would provide my students with looms and materials they could use to weave pot holders. We could use the finished products for Mother's Day gifts, for fundraising, or even just for fun! The technique required for the weaving process would also help the students work on their fine motor skills.

Watercolor Art

 

Description: After learning about Ted Harrison and his style of art, we were told to create a landscape piece of our own using water colors. Another part of the project was blending colors together to make different intermediate colors. This would be a great way to have kids practice their color skills while also having fun.

Extension Activity: I would build off of this activity by having my students draw out their own landscapes consisting of whatever they wanted and then using water colors to fill their landscapes in. This would allow for the students to have a little more freedom while making their art while still practicing the same skills.

Illusions

 

Description: We went over illusions and how to create our own using the power of lines and colors. Our teachers assigned us a project of writing at least one bubble letter in the center and then to create an illusion in the background. 

Extension Activity: I would have my students do this activity with the requirement of implementing some shading throughout the project. Once all of the projects were complete, we would have a gallery walk through where everyone would get a chance to present their project to the class and explain the steps they took to create their illusion.