January - March 2020
During January, February and March, 1st graders made prints using foam paper, rollers (brayers) and colored inks. These will be saved and handed back in the Fall. We also made clay sculptures thinking about texture and form as a main element. Students learned to make simple pinch pots and coil pots. They also added details using clay tools. These were fired in our kiln, but because of school closing, we didn't have a chance to glaze them. In the Fall, we will pick up where we left off and finish glazing (adding color) to these sculptures.
****If you know you will not be at PS 59 in the fall, please make arrangements to pick up your child's art! I will also save their sketchbooks to hand back as well.
If so, contact me at [email protected] Thanks! Ms. Judy
ps. All learning from March-June was done remotely on my Google Classroom site. Email contact for this is: [email protected]. You need a class code to join. Let me know if you have any questions or comments please. Miss you!!
****If you know you will not be at PS 59 in the fall, please make arrangements to pick up your child's art! I will also save their sketchbooks to hand back as well.
If so, contact me at [email protected] Thanks! Ms. Judy
ps. All learning from March-June was done remotely on my Google Classroom site. Email contact for this is: [email protected]. You need a class code to join. Let me know if you have any questions or comments please. Miss you!!
September-December 2019
This fall, 1st graders will continue to build on themes, techniques and materials learned in Kindergarten. Students will further their explorations in texture, line, color, and composition. Students will work on: painting, in particular, watercolor and oil pastel resist; collage, in particular, using varied textured and colored papers and two and three dimensions; and color mixing using tempera paint. Themes we will touch upon will be identity through self-portraiture, nature and animals through rubbings, drawings, paintings and collage.
Coming soon in January: Printmaking!
Coming soon in January: Printmaking!
Above: 1st Grade Eric Carle animal collages! (Bottom right image: Eric Carle's "Brown Bear" and "The Grouchy Ladybug" provided inspiration for our animal themed collages.
JUNE
Found-Object Sculptures - Transforming everyday objects into art!
march/april/may
CLAY!!
1st graders made 'thumb' animals this year in clay. To make these, students made their clay into a ball (not always so easy!), and then made a hole using either their thumbs or a clay tool. They then pinched out the features of an animal, adding details with extra clay, pencils and sticks. The clay was fired in the kiln, and then will be painted using special glazes.
1st graders made 'thumb' animals this year in clay. To make these, students made their clay into a ball (not always so easy!), and then made a hole using either their thumbs or a clay tool. They then pinched out the features of an animal, adding details with extra clay, pencils and sticks. The clay was fired in the kiln, and then will be painted using special glazes.
january/February 2019
AFRICAN MASKS (see photos and description below)
PRINTMAKING
ALMA THOMAS inspired painting (see below)
1st graders are currently in the process of printmaking. To make prints, students drew pictures of animals onto foam paper, taking care to etch deep lines into the foam. Over the course of the month, 1st graders will each have a turn rolling colored inks onto their foam plates using brayers. They will then print onto white paper, rolling with a separate brayer to transfer the drawn image onto paper. Look for these prints to hang in the 1st grade hallway soon!
PRINTMAKING
ALMA THOMAS inspired painting (see below)
1st graders are currently in the process of printmaking. To make prints, students drew pictures of animals onto foam paper, taking care to etch deep lines into the foam. Over the course of the month, 1st graders will each have a turn rolling colored inks onto their foam plates using brayers. They will then print onto white paper, rolling with a separate brayer to transfer the drawn image onto paper. Look for these prints to hang in the 1st grade hallway soon!
Alma Thomas inspired painting on aluminum foil
1st graders looked at the art of the painter, Alma Thomas (1891-1978). Thomas was an African-American painter and art educator best known for her colorful abstract paintings. Thomas had a solo show at The Whitney Musuem of American Art when she was 80! She has had her paintings exhibited around the world and in The White House during the Obama administration.
1st graders noticed the colorful dots and patterns of Thomas's paintings. They painted their own Alma Thomas inspired paintings on aluminum foil using tempera paint.
1st graders noticed the colorful dots and patterns of Thomas's paintings. They painted their own Alma Thomas inspired paintings on aluminum foil using tempera paint.
AFRICAN MASKS
1st graders looked at masks from Western Africa, noticing the shape, color, line and patterns of the masks. Students shared what they knew about the masks from African Dance: the masks were used in celebrations, dances, holidays and even as passports.
Students created the shapes of the masks using tagboard, then added color using wood-colored crayons and finally added raffia to replicate hair and stick-on jewels to replicate the bead work. These creative masks are currently on display in the 1st grade hallway!
Students created the shapes of the masks using tagboard, then added color using wood-colored crayons and finally added raffia to replicate hair and stick-on jewels to replicate the bead work. These creative masks are currently on display in the 1st grade hallway!
november/december 2018
1st graders continued their explorations of texture, line, color and shape through collage. 1st graders cut textured and patterned papers to make a full-body self-portrait, putting themselves in places they love to be, and doing things that they love to do. These creative self-portrait collages are now on display in the 1st grade hallways.
1st graders are also learning how to turn a 2-dimensional piece of paper into a 3-dimensional sculpture by making pop-up collages.
1st graders are also learning how to turn a 2-dimensional piece of paper into a 3-dimensional sculpture by making pop-up collages.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018
1st graders have been investigating texture and color using crayons, rubbing plates, oil pastel, watercolor/tempera cakes and liquid watercolors in spray bottles. Students had so much fun adding a sheen of color by spraying color from bottles!
APRIL/MAY 2018
Wire Sculptures inspired by Alexander Calder - Found-Object Sculpture making
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
GLAZING - OPEN-SCHOOL - CHOICE-TIME - SELF-PORTRAITURE
1st graders used special glazes made for clay to paint their 'thumb-animal' sculptures (see description of this project in "January" below). These sculptures will be fired a 2nd time to become shiny, like glass. These adorable 1st grade sculptures should be coming home by early April.
It was great to see so many of you during Open-School week! For some classes, it was a chance to see a 'sampling' of the materials we use in art, during 'art choice-time'. Some of the materials and methods included painting with tempera paint, watercolors, tempera 'cakes', pop-up, textured and patterned collages, stamp and tape art, and more.
Next, 1st graders will be drawing and painting self-portraits inspired by the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. In her self-portraits, the artist surrounded herself with birds, insects and flora from Mexico. We will also surround our self-portraits with things that we love.
It was great to see so many of you during Open-School week! For some classes, it was a chance to see a 'sampling' of the materials we use in art, during 'art choice-time'. Some of the materials and methods included painting with tempera paint, watercolors, tempera 'cakes', pop-up, textured and patterned collages, stamp and tape art, and more.
Next, 1st graders will be drawing and painting self-portraits inspired by the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. In her self-portraits, the artist surrounded herself with birds, insects and flora from Mexico. We will also surround our self-portraits with things that we love.
JANUARY, 2018
CLAY
1st graders are sculpting with clay this January. Students are practicing making the clay into a ball, poking the clay with their thumbs, pinching out forms and using the tools for details. These sculptures then become clay thumb animals, which are adorable and creative!! Sculptures will be fired (baked) in the kiln, then glazed (painted) by students in February. Sculptures will then be fired a second time to become colorful, shiny and durable.
1st graders are sculpting with clay this January. Students are practicing making the clay into a ball, poking the clay with their thumbs, pinching out forms and using the tools for details. These sculptures then become clay thumb animals, which are adorable and creative!! Sculptures will be fired (baked) in the kiln, then glazed (painted) by students in February. Sculptures will then be fired a second time to become colorful, shiny and durable.
MODEL MAGIC
1st graders furthered their knowledge of sculpture techniques with Model Magic. Students practiced mixing colors and adding texture using markers and texture plates. Some students took home their Model Magic in a plastic bag, to work with later, and some made scenes, using the Model Magic as a 3-D element.
1st graders furthered their knowledge of sculpture techniques with Model Magic. Students practiced mixing colors and adding texture using markers and texture plates. Some students took home their Model Magic in a plastic bag, to work with later, and some made scenes, using the Model Magic as a 3-D element.
november/december 2017
ANIMAL HABITAT PRINTMAKING COLLAGE
To make this two-part project, 1st graders practiced sketching their favorite animal and its habitat in their sketchbook. Next, they drew the animal onto foam, and printed onto colored paper using colored ink.
For the background, 1st graders created a marker, crayon and watercolor painting of the habitat. Lastly, students collaged the printed animal onto the painting to create these amazing works of art!
To make this two-part project, 1st graders practiced sketching their favorite animal and its habitat in their sketchbook. Next, they drew the animal onto foam, and printed onto colored paper using colored ink.
For the background, 1st graders created a marker, crayon and watercolor painting of the habitat. Lastly, students collaged the printed animal onto the painting to create these amazing works of art!
October-november 2017
1st graders are in the process of creating imaginative animal collages using their home-made painted papers. (see sept/Oct description below). Students cut and glued animal shapes from their painted papers, using Eric Carle's, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" as inspiration. Students added more detail to their collages by using permanent marker and crayon. These are starting to be on display in the 1st grade hallway and near the elevators. Enjoy!
Next, 1st graders will begin a printmaking unit, using animals once again for inspiration. Stay tuned for these in late November/December!
Next, 1st graders will begin a printmaking unit, using animals once again for inspiration. Stay tuned for these in late November/December!
September/October- 2017
1st graders have been busy making rubbings using rubbing plates, and even the bottom of their shoes. Anything with a bumpy texture can be used for rubbings. 1st graders then practiced painting on top of these drawings, creating a resist effect where the paint meets the crayon. The first version went home, but the second version will be used for an Eric Carle style animal collage. Students are practicing their animal drawing ideas in their sketchbooks before embarking on the collage.
JUNE
Found-object sculpture making was a big success! Students first looked at the found-object sculpture, "Head of a Bull" by Pablo Picasso made out of bicycle parts. We learned that many artists take everyday objects and turn them into sculptures.
Through connecting objects which are normally recycled, students created playgrounds, gardens, houses, robots and more. The second week, students painted these sculptures using tempera paint. Some added feathers, string, beads and packing peanuts to make their sculpture even more unique.
Through connecting objects which are normally recycled, students created playgrounds, gardens, houses, robots and more. The second week, students painted these sculptures using tempera paint. Some added feathers, string, beads and packing peanuts to make their sculpture even more unique.
may
VISITING HIGH SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN SPRING EXHIBITION
1st graders visited the High School of Art and Design Spring Art Exhibition, and saw their own art on display!
3 first grade classes (1-315, 1-317, 1-321) made simple crayon drawings of monsters in their art class this past winter. These drawings went to the students of Brian Lee, illustration teacher at High School of Art and Design. Mr. Lee's students then re-created these monsters in their own way, using various 2-dimensional materials. We had a chance to see these monster pairings on view at the High School Spring Art Show. It was a lot of fun to try to find our 1st grader monsters and see how the high schooler interpreted our art!
1-319 animation collaboration with HSAD is now on view in the "Special Events and Exhibitions" page!
****To see more HSAD/PS 59 collaboration photos, see "Special Events and Exhibitions" page
1st graders visited the High School of Art and Design Spring Art Exhibition, and saw their own art on display!
3 first grade classes (1-315, 1-317, 1-321) made simple crayon drawings of monsters in their art class this past winter. These drawings went to the students of Brian Lee, illustration teacher at High School of Art and Design. Mr. Lee's students then re-created these monsters in their own way, using various 2-dimensional materials. We had a chance to see these monster pairings on view at the High School Spring Art Show. It was a lot of fun to try to find our 1st grader monsters and see how the high schooler interpreted our art!
1-319 animation collaboration with HSAD is now on view in the "Special Events and Exhibitions" page!
****To see more HSAD/PS 59 collaboration photos, see "Special Events and Exhibitions" page
CLAY AND MOBILES
1st grader's clay sculptures have already been sent home, or will be sent home within the next two weeks depending on the class. Please enjoy these colorful and durable works of art, which are also dishwasher, oven and microwave safe!
Please see March descriptions for methods and inspiration for our clay unit.
1st graders are currently making mobiles, sculptures which hang and move, using wire, pipe cleaners, beads, wooden sticks and feathers. These mobiles are inspired by the artist Alexander Calder, whose wire sculptures and mobiles can be seen in museums around the world. We also looked at Calder's Circus, which is permanently on view at The Whitney Museum in NYC.
Please see March descriptions for methods and inspiration for our clay unit.
1st graders are currently making mobiles, sculptures which hang and move, using wire, pipe cleaners, beads, wooden sticks and feathers. These mobiles are inspired by the artist Alexander Calder, whose wire sculptures and mobiles can be seen in museums around the world. We also looked at Calder's Circus, which is permanently on view at The Whitney Museum in NYC.
APRIL
GLAZING
1st graders are glazing their clay sculptures in April. The glazes will produce a shiny, bright color when fired (baked) a second time in the kiln (oven). Student sculptures should be ready to take home towards the end of the month or the beginning of May, and will be microwave, oven and dishwasher proof!
MARCH
CLAY!
1st graders are starting clay in March. Students practiced making sculptures which are strong, sturdy and creative. Having worked with clay in Kindergarten, students are building on their knowledge of this natural material. They are using rubbing plates, pencils and wooden dowels to add texture to their sculptures. They are practicing how to pinch out a pot from their fingers and how to make coils to help them make animals, food and other creative sculptures.
1-321 began clay during Open School week. Sculptures will dry in the back room for a few weeks, then be fired in the kiln, glazed and fired again. Students will eventually take home their clay sculptures which will be shiny, colorful, and dishwasher safe!
1-321 began clay during Open School week. Sculptures will dry in the back room for a few weeks, then be fired in the kiln, glazed and fired again. Students will eventually take home their clay sculptures which will be shiny, colorful, and dishwasher safe!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
PRINTMAKING AND CHOICE TIME
1st graders spent much of January and February printmaking! Students first drew animals in their sketchbooks, using books from the Art Studio library as references for animals in their environments. 1st graders then drew these animals onto foam paper, pressing hard with the ebony pencil to etch a deep line into the foam. 1st graders then rolled printmaking ink over their foam papers using brayers, placed paper on top of the inked foam, pressed with a clean brayer, and voila! Out came a beautiful, one of kind print!! Students loved the process of printmaking, and especially loved the surprise of 'pulling' the print, the final step.
1ST GRADERS CELEBRATING CHOICE TIME IN JANUARY!! Students worked hard to earn their 2nd art choice time. Students filled up their 'color wheel' complement chart, which took 2 months to earn, winning them a day to choose their art materials and methods. Students chose from tape and collage art, collaborative painting and drawing projects, watercolor and tempera paint, lego building and more!
DECEMBER
HIGH SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN COMES TO PS 59!
Two High School of Art and Design teachers and I are collaborating on exciting projects with PS 59 1st graders. The first project is with Adam Newman, HSAD animation teacher. Mr. Newman's senior animation students will be animating the Eric Carle inspired animal collages of 1-319. The high school seniors came to the Art Studio in December to chat with the 1st graders and find out the stories behind their collages. (See "September" for more details about these creative collages!).
As you can see from the photos and video above, 1st graders and high schoolers alike seemed to greatly enjoy this get together, and even had a chance to draw together! We look forward to seeing the senior animators' finished products some time this winter/spring.
See below for 1-315, 1-317 and 1-321 high school collaboration photos and description:
A second exciting collaboration is between 1-317, 1-315 and 1-321, and the classes of Mr. Brian Lee, High School of Art and Design illustration teacher. 1st graders spent part of December drawing monsters after looking at the book, "Big, Scary Monster". We talked about how monsters can come in all different shapes, sizes, colors and even personalities! 1st graders made silly monsters, mean monsters, happy monsters, clever monsters, athletic monsters and more!
Starting in January, Mr. Lee's students will be making monsters too, inspired by these 1st graders' drawings. Each student will have a high school 'buddy' who will be illustrating their drawing. The high school drawings will be the same, but 'different'. We are so excited to see how the high schoolers' rendition of the 1st graders' art will evolve. Perhaps they will even be exibited side-by-side in the high school gallery this spring!
Starting in January, Mr. Lee's students will be making monsters too, inspired by these 1st graders' drawings. Each student will have a high school 'buddy' who will be illustrating their drawing. The high school drawings will be the same, but 'different'. We are so excited to see how the high schoolers' rendition of the 1st graders' art will evolve. Perhaps they will even be exibited side-by-side in the high school gallery this spring!
NOVEMBER
1st graders have finished making their Eric Carle inspired collages, and they are now proudly displayed outside of 1st grade classrooms. (see "October" for details about this project).
OF NOTE: PS 59 art department will be collaborating with High School of Art and Design senior animators who will be animating and illustrating these 1st grade collages. More to come in December!
By now, most 1st grade classes have celebrated 'art choice time'. This is a special time, which can take over 2 months to earn! (Their marble chart has 6 marbles, one of which can be filled in each time they come to art. Our next marble chart will be a color wheel). During art choice time, the room becomes full of art choices, including tape art with multi-colored tapes, stencils, tempera paint, collage materials, watercolor, oil pastels, sketchbooks, and special books. Students had the option to rotate centers, creating a mixed-media picture as they traveled the room!
OF NOTE: PS 59 art department will be collaborating with High School of Art and Design senior animators who will be animating and illustrating these 1st grade collages. More to come in December!
By now, most 1st grade classes have celebrated 'art choice time'. This is a special time, which can take over 2 months to earn! (Their marble chart has 6 marbles, one of which can be filled in each time they come to art. Our next marble chart will be a color wheel). During art choice time, the room becomes full of art choices, including tape art with multi-colored tapes, stencils, tempera paint, collage materials, watercolor, oil pastels, sketchbooks, and special books. Students had the option to rotate centers, creating a mixed-media picture as they traveled the room!
OCTOBER
October has been texture and pattern month. We have been using oil pastels, watercolor and tempera 'cakes' to create texture and pattern studies. Together we are looking at the art of Eric Carle, author and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other children's books, to learn how he made his delightful animal collages.
Students looked at the photo above to see the artist in action! We are also now using scissors and glue to create our own animals made from our handmade painted papers. (Top right image: Isabella's fish! - 1-317)
1st graders are also now using handmade sketchbooks to plan and 'sketch' ideas for these and future drawings, paintings and sculptures. Students can also use the sketchbooks to experiment with materials, and to draw from observation and/or imagination. Sketchbooks will come home at the end of the school year.
Students looked at the photo above to see the artist in action! We are also now using scissors and glue to create our own animals made from our handmade painted papers. (Top right image: Isabella's fish! - 1-317)
1st graders are also now using handmade sketchbooks to plan and 'sketch' ideas for these and future drawings, paintings and sculptures. Students can also use the sketchbooks to experiment with materials, and to draw from observation and/or imagination. Sketchbooks will come home at the end of the school year.
SEPTEMBER
Hello 1st grade families!
For those of you new to PS 59, my name is Judy Londa, and I am your child's art teacher for the coming year. I am excited for a year filled with creativity!
1st graders this year have been exploring texture using rubbing plates, crayons, and oil pastels. Watercolor is added to these rubbings to create a resist, or separation effect. These beautiful papers will be used as a basis for an Eric Carle inspired collage study. Throughout the year, keep on the look-out for rotating art displays outside of the classrooms!
During the school year, 1st graders will be using tempera and watercolor paint, oil pastel, crayon, ebony and colored pencil, clay (natural and synthetic), beads, buttons, wire, found-objects, colorful textured papers, and so much more. This year, 1st graders will also be doing various forms of printmaking. Students will explore the elements of art such as texture, pattern, line, shape, form, space and color. Students will be able to view and discuss artists throughout history and across the globe.
I look forward to seeing many of you during Open School Week!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via email or my school mailbox. Thank you in advance for your supply contribution!!
Best,
Judy Londa
[email protected]
For those of you new to PS 59, my name is Judy Londa, and I am your child's art teacher for the coming year. I am excited for a year filled with creativity!
1st graders this year have been exploring texture using rubbing plates, crayons, and oil pastels. Watercolor is added to these rubbings to create a resist, or separation effect. These beautiful papers will be used as a basis for an Eric Carle inspired collage study. Throughout the year, keep on the look-out for rotating art displays outside of the classrooms!
During the school year, 1st graders will be using tempera and watercolor paint, oil pastel, crayon, ebony and colored pencil, clay (natural and synthetic), beads, buttons, wire, found-objects, colorful textured papers, and so much more. This year, 1st graders will also be doing various forms of printmaking. Students will explore the elements of art such as texture, pattern, line, shape, form, space and color. Students will be able to view and discuss artists throughout history and across the globe.
I look forward to seeing many of you during Open School Week!
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via email or my school mailbox. Thank you in advance for your supply contribution!!
Best,
Judy Londa
[email protected]