2nd grade ceramics and printmaking
January-march 2020
September-December 2019
2nd graders started the year investigating the power of the 'line' through optical illusion drawings. Students practiced outlining their hands, then tracing curved and straight lines throughout the drawing to give the illusion of 3-dimensions. Students added value, (shading) to add extra dimension and 3-D effect.
Next students will be practicing color mixing and drawing with oil pastels to create a creative and colorful self-portrait. We will read the book "The Color Of Me" in celebration of our diversity.
Throughout the fall semester, students will practice methods of watercolor and oil pastel 'resist', two and three dimensional collage with colorful and textured papers and color mixing with tempera paint. Themes will include identity through self-portraiture, and neighborhood and architecture through 'cityscape' drawing and painting.
2nd graders final cityscape unit will be with printmaking as the medium!
Next students will be practicing color mixing and drawing with oil pastels to create a creative and colorful self-portrait. We will read the book "The Color Of Me" in celebration of our diversity.
Throughout the fall semester, students will practice methods of watercolor and oil pastel 'resist', two and three dimensional collage with colorful and textured papers and color mixing with tempera paint. Themes will include identity through self-portraiture, and neighborhood and architecture through 'cityscape' drawing and painting.
2nd graders final cityscape unit will be with printmaking as the medium!
Above: 2nd grade painted Cityscapes! Bottom right image: Romare Bearden's "The Block" 1971 inspired our paintings.
june
Found-Object Sculptures - turning everyday objects into art!
march/april/may
CLAY!!
2nd graders clay sculpture theme this year is food. Students made various food items using the basic clay techniques of pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction. Using these skills, 2nd graders made cupcakes, donuts, sushi, bowls of pasta and more! The clay has been fired and will soon be painted using glaze, making these unique sculptures even more realistic!
2nd graders clay sculpture theme this year is food. Students made various food items using the basic clay techniques of pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction. Using these skills, 2nd graders made cupcakes, donuts, sushi, bowls of pasta and more! The clay has been fired and will soon be painted using glaze, making these unique sculptures even more realistic!
january/February 2019
PAINTING
2nd graders looked at the landscape paintings of Claude Monet. Students looked at his 'haystack' and 'lily pad' series from Giverny, France, and noticed how Monet made use of loose brushstrokes to create light, color, motion and mood. 2nd graders painted their own 'Impressionist Art' inspired landscape scenes, including Central Park, beaches, forests and other important places that involve nature in their lives.
Painting medium is tempera paint on paper.
Painting medium is tempera paint on paper.
PRINTMAKING
2nd graders are turning their Mexican Alebrijes into prints! (See Nov/Dec below for descriptions of Alebrijes sculptures). To make these prints, students drew onto a 6"x 9" foam paper, taking care to etch lines deeply into the foam. Next, students chose colored printing paper to print onto, as well as a colored ink. Using brayers (rollers), students transfered the ink onto paper, resulting in creative and colorful prints. Look for these prints soon in the 2nd grade hallway!
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
2nd graders are looking at the Alebrijes sculptures from Mexico. We noticed that the Alebrijes are covered with patterns and bright colors, and are sometimes made up of 2 to 3 animals combined. These mythical creatures are now being made by 2nd graders out of aluminum foil and tape. Keep an eye out for them in display cases soon.
September/october 2018
2nd graders have been creating their own cityscape paintings, using New York City as inspiration! Students looked at books, worksheets, and drew from direct observations from looking out our windows. We have also read Isabelle Hill's book, "Urban Animals", which showcases NYC buildings with animals as a part of their facades. 2nd grade cityscapes were made with pencil, permanent marker, crayon and watercolor paints.
Keep an eye out for them in the 2nd grade hallway soon!
Keep an eye out for them in the 2nd grade hallway soon!
april/may 2018
Self-Portraiture Found-Object Sculpture Calder Inspired Creations
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
GLAZING - OPEN-SCHOOL - CHOICE-TIME - Model Magic
2nd graders have just finished glazing their clay sculptures. The theme for 2nd grade clay was food! You will soon see some delicious and artistic donuts, pizza, cupcakes and more coming home (by beginning of April). Sculptures are fired twice in the kiln to produce a shiny and colorful effect.
It was great to see so many of you during Open-School week! Students have been celebrating their well-earned Art Choice-Time, in which students can choose from many different materials in one class. The 'Choice-Time Challenge' was to create a mixed-media work of art using materials from each table.
Students have also been able to make sculptures with white Model Magic, which is a great medium for learning about color-mixing and creating form.
2nd graders have just finished glazing their clay sculptures. The theme for 2nd grade clay was food! You will soon see some delicious and artistic donuts, pizza, cupcakes and more coming home (by beginning of April). Sculptures are fired twice in the kiln to produce a shiny and colorful effect.
It was great to see so many of you during Open-School week! Students have been celebrating their well-earned Art Choice-Time, in which students can choose from many different materials in one class. The 'Choice-Time Challenge' was to create a mixed-media work of art using materials from each table.
Students have also been able to make sculptures with white Model Magic, which is a great medium for learning about color-mixing and creating form.
january, 2018
CLAY
2nd graders are sculpting with clay this January. For inspiration, we have looked at the "Pop-Art" of the 1960s where food was often a theme. Students are practicing rolling, twisting, pinching and connecting clay in order to make food such as hotdogs, hamburgers, sushi, pizza, cupcakes and more!!
2nd graders are sculpting with clay this January. For inspiration, we have looked at the "Pop-Art" of the 1960s where food was often a theme. Students are practicing rolling, twisting, pinching and connecting clay in order to make food such as hotdogs, hamburgers, sushi, pizza, cupcakes and more!!
FLOWER PAINTINGS FOR INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
Inspiration from artists: Georgia O'Keeffe and Yayoi Kusama
Inspiration from artists: Georgia O'Keeffe and Yayoi Kusama
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
2ND GRADE FINISHED PRINTMAKING CITYSCAPES
and ART CHOICE TIME DURING OPEN-SCHOOL WEEK
2nd grade printmaking cityscapes are now being hung along the 2nd grade hallway. These incredible printmaking collages took many weeks to create, starting with sketching in sketchbooks, all the way to collaging their prints over hand-painted skies, or painting over their prints (depending on the class). 2nd graders are quite proud of these creations, and have in many cases even titled them. Kudos 2nd graders!! (see Oct/Nov below for more details on this project).
Open-School Week was Art Choice-Time for 2nd graders.
During Art Choice Time, students choose between many different materials and methods including stencils, colored tape, pop-up collage papers, watercolor, tempera paint, paint dabbers and rollers, and more! During art choice-time, students can walk from table to table to make a mixed-media creation, or use the materials separately.
and ART CHOICE TIME DURING OPEN-SCHOOL WEEK
2nd grade printmaking cityscapes are now being hung along the 2nd grade hallway. These incredible printmaking collages took many weeks to create, starting with sketching in sketchbooks, all the way to collaging their prints over hand-painted skies, or painting over their prints (depending on the class). 2nd graders are quite proud of these creations, and have in many cases even titled them. Kudos 2nd graders!! (see Oct/Nov below for more details on this project).
Open-School Week was Art Choice-Time for 2nd graders.
During Art Choice Time, students choose between many different materials and methods including stencils, colored tape, pop-up collage papers, watercolor, tempera paint, paint dabbers and rollers, and more! During art choice-time, students can walk from table to table to make a mixed-media creation, or use the materials separately.
October/november 2017
2nd graders have have been drawing New York City cityscapes. For inspiration they have been using their imagination, NYC books and photos, and the window!! Students took turns looking out our fabulous windows to collect details in their sketchbooks of what our community looks like. They noticed details such as fire-escapes, building facades, cars, buses and people. Students then turned these sketches into finished drawings on foam paper, which are used for printmaking. Students are now in the process of printing their gorgeous cityscapes, which will be used for an even bigger cityscape collage.
2-409 had the special treat of meeting the artist and PS 59 parent, Sonya Sklaroff.
Sonya, Nathaniel and Natasha's mom, is a well known painter whose subject matter is often New York City, specifically Midtown East. Sonya shared photos and even a video of her work. 2nd graders were able to ask questions of what it's like to paint NYC. Other 2nd grade classes will also be able to see Sonya's work, as she has loaned her catalogues to the art studio during this project. Thank you Sonya!
2-409 had the special treat of meeting the artist and PS 59 parent, Sonya Sklaroff.
Sonya, Nathaniel and Natasha's mom, is a well known painter whose subject matter is often New York City, specifically Midtown East. Sonya shared photos and even a video of her work. 2nd graders were able to ask questions of what it's like to paint NYC. Other 2nd grade classes will also be able to see Sonya's work, as she has loaned her catalogues to the art studio during this project. Thank you Sonya!
September/ October- 2017
2nd graders began the year making collage self-portraits. Students practiced ripping and cutting colored paper to form the head, neck, ears, eyes, nose, mouth and body. Congratulations to 2nd graders who worked very hard to make these collages personal and detailed. Next, 2nd graders will practice line making in their sketchbooks. Students are making 'line-maps' or mazes using various kinds of lines.
JUNE
June was Found-Object Sculpture time in the 2nd grade art classes. Thank you parents, for bringing in so many boxes, paper towel rolls, egg crates, wine corks, packing materials and all! After looking at Pablo Picasso's "Head of A Bull" sculpture made out of re-arranged bicycle parts, students got to work right away making robots, imaginative creatures, miniature rooms, play spaces, animals, faces, boats, and more. They attached materials using liquid Elmer's glue, masking and duct tape, wire and string.
During the second week, students added color to their sculptures with tempera paint. Some students added more texture and detail by adding feathers, packing materials, wire, and rubber bands.
During the second week, students added color to their sculptures with tempera paint. Some students added more texture and detail by adding feathers, packing materials, wire, and rubber bands.
MAY
PAPER COLLAGE MOBILES
2nd graders learned about Notan, the Japanese art of paper cutting. Students used only two colors, to create a collage which is balanced. They learned tricks of cutting and gluing in order to make their collages complex and balanced.
2nd graders are also looking at the wire sculptures and mobiles of Alexander Calder, along with Calder's Circus. They tried their hand at making their own mobiles out of "Twisteez" wire, pipe cleaners, beads, wooden sticks and feathers. They learned that the definition of a mobile is a sculpture which hangs and moves.
2nd grade clay sculpture firings will be completed within the next two weeks, and will be wrapped and ready to take home. Their sculptures are dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. Please see below March descriptions for clay methods and inspirations. Enjoy!
2nd graders are also looking at the wire sculptures and mobiles of Alexander Calder, along with Calder's Circus. They tried their hand at making their own mobiles out of "Twisteez" wire, pipe cleaners, beads, wooden sticks and feathers. They learned that the definition of a mobile is a sculpture which hangs and moves.
2nd grade clay sculpture firings will be completed within the next two weeks, and will be wrapped and ready to take home. Their sculptures are dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. Please see below March descriptions for clay methods and inspirations. Enjoy!
APRIL
GLAZING
MARCH
CLAY OBSERVATION DRAWING/OPEN SCHOOL WEEK
2nd graders are working in clay this March. They are expanding on techniques that they've learned in 1st grade to make sculptures which are strong, sturdy and creative. 2nd graders are making pinch pots, coil pots, animals, food and other imaginative creations! These sculptures will be fired in the kiln at a high temperature (1,500 F), glazed by students, then fired again. Sculptures will come home bright, shiny and dishwasher safe.
See below (Jan/Feb) for more photos of students working in clay!
See below (Jan/Feb) for more photos of students working in clay!
2nd graders looked at 'still-life' paintings by Henri Matisse, Paul Cezanne and Georgia O'Keeffe. They discovered that Matisse's still-life paintings included the objects on the table, as well as the many things in the room, such as doors, windows, patterns and people. Cezanne's still-lifes were painted from a more close-up perspective, focusing more on the objects on the table as the main subject. O'Keeffe, on the other hand, zoomed in on her flowers, focusing on one object at a time. 2nd graders made observation drawings of the objects on our tables, adding details, and shading using ebony pencils, tissues and erasers. They thought about their 'point-of-view' as they drew. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends also had a chance to join in on our still-life drawing unit during Open School week!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
PRINTMAKING!!!
Having made beautiful Mexican inspired 'weavings' (now hanging up outside of their classrooms!), 2nd graders further developed their knowledge of Mexican patterns by transposing their designs into printmaking. Students drew similar patterns from their paintings onto foam paper, using stencils and rulers to draw patterns using repeated geometric shapes. Students then printed the same foam twice using two colors of their choice. The prints are bold and colorful. 2nd graders should be proud of their hard work in the Art Studio!
CLAY!!!
A clay unit is starting now, and will be continuing into March. Stay tuned for more info and photos to come in March/April. Here is a sneak peak!
A clay unit is starting now, and will be continuing into March. Stay tuned for more info and photos to come in March/April. Here is a sneak peak!
DECEMBER
MEXICAN PATTERNS AND PRINTS
This December, 2nd graders looked at the weavings and patterns of Mexico. Students drew a typical Mexican weaving design in their sketchbooks, and then discussed the characteristics of the weavings. We noticed that Mexican weavings use a lot of geometric shapes, along with repeated patterns and bright colors.
2nd graders made their own Mexican inspired patterns first using colored pencil and crayons, and next using tempera paint. To these paintings will be added knotted yarn to create the effect of an actual Mexican rug.
2nd graders also had the chance to learn pop-up card making just before the holiday!
2nd graders made their own Mexican inspired patterns first using colored pencil and crayons, and next using tempera paint. To these paintings will be added knotted yarn to create the effect of an actual Mexican rug.
2nd graders also had the chance to learn pop-up card making just before the holiday!
NOVEMBER
I hope you've had an opportunity to see the 2nd grade community paintings, outside of their classrooms. They are colorful and vibrant, using oil pastels, watercolor and tempera cakes as their medium to represent their NYC community. (see below for artist mentors and more details about this project). 2nd graders in November, finished off their community studies, by making pictures of NYC landmarks to send to their Taiwanese pen pals!
2nd graders recently looked at Storm King Sculpture Park as inspiration for their 3-D paper pop-ups. As you can see in the above photos, 2nd graders really loved bending, twisting, scrunching, and zigzagging the flat paper to create 3-D sculptures.
2nd graders recently looked at Storm King Sculpture Park as inspiration for their 3-D paper pop-ups. As you can see in the above photos, 2nd graders really loved bending, twisting, scrunching, and zigzagging the flat paper to create 3-D sculptures.
OCTOBER
October for 2nd graders has been all about community. We looked at the artists Jacob Lawrence (above left image), and Romare Bearden (above center image).
Both were African American artists, living in Harlem in the 20th century, who were inspired to tell the stories of their neighborhoods in their art.
For a link to the Met website with a more in depth discussion of these artists work, click here: www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/most/hd_most.htm
2nd graders have been using ebony pencils, oil pastels, watercolor and tempera 'cakes' to create their own exciting community inspired paintings! (Cityscape by Jeremy, 2-413 - above right image!).
2nd graders have also started to make their own 'mini-sketchbooks'. In these sketchbooks, students can plan their ideas for art projects, as well as experiment with materials, and 'sketch' from observation and from imagination. These sketchbooks are made with one piece of large paper. Try one! (see image below for instructions)
Both were African American artists, living in Harlem in the 20th century, who were inspired to tell the stories of their neighborhoods in their art.
For a link to the Met website with a more in depth discussion of these artists work, click here: www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/most/hd_most.htm
2nd graders have been using ebony pencils, oil pastels, watercolor and tempera 'cakes' to create their own exciting community inspired paintings! (Cityscape by Jeremy, 2-413 - above right image!).
2nd graders have also started to make their own 'mini-sketchbooks'. In these sketchbooks, students can plan their ideas for art projects, as well as experiment with materials, and 'sketch' from observation and from imagination. These sketchbooks are made with one piece of large paper. Try one! (see image below for instructions)
SEPTEMBER
Hello! It is great to see so many familiar faces in 2nd grade, and for those of you new to PS 59 - welcome! My name is Judy Londa, and I will be your child's art teacher this year.
Students started the year investigating the art of 'Optical Illusions', using their name as a starting point. Together, we are learning how artists can use line, shape and color to 'fool the eye', while also practicing their imaginative line making. We have also noticed how incorporating symmetry can make our drawings even more 'mysterious'! Soon, 2nd graders will begin a painting and collage unit, using the city as inspiration.
My emphasis in art is in creating a safe and friendly learning environment while stressing individual creativity and personal growth. 2nd graders will build on their knowledge of line, shape, color, texture, form, and 2 and 3 dimensions, through the manipulation of paint, clay, mixed-media and drawing materials. Artists and the art of world cultures will be a starting point for discussion and inspiration.
I look forward to meeting many of you during Open School Week! Feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns at my email address or by using my office mailbox.
Best,
Judy Londa
[email protected]
Students started the year investigating the art of 'Optical Illusions', using their name as a starting point. Together, we are learning how artists can use line, shape and color to 'fool the eye', while also practicing their imaginative line making. We have also noticed how incorporating symmetry can make our drawings even more 'mysterious'! Soon, 2nd graders will begin a painting and collage unit, using the city as inspiration.
My emphasis in art is in creating a safe and friendly learning environment while stressing individual creativity and personal growth. 2nd graders will build on their knowledge of line, shape, color, texture, form, and 2 and 3 dimensions, through the manipulation of paint, clay, mixed-media and drawing materials. Artists and the art of world cultures will be a starting point for discussion and inspiration.
I look forward to meeting many of you during Open School Week! Feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns at my email address or by using my office mailbox.
Best,
Judy Londa
[email protected]