Jan-March 2020 Clay sculptures and Landscape Painting
September - December 2019
(3rd graders began the year investigating the many different kinds of lines that artists use to draw. Students are drawing and painting a 'Crazy Hair Day self-portrait celebrating our favorite lines, including zig-zag, swirly, thick/thin, stepped, broken, cross-hatch and hatch. For inspiration we looked at a portrait drawing, or sketch, by Leonardo da Vinci. This fall, 3rd graders will practice using materials and methods including drawing with ebony pencil and oil pastel; painting with tempera cakes, watercolor and tempera paint; and collage using textured and colorful papers. Themes this year will include art from around the world!
Students have been looking at art from Ancient Egypt, specifically at stone reliefs depicting animal/human combinations. Students have also looked at ancient hieroglyphics and have been making their own cartouche', or name plate. Students have been printing their cartouches on brown paper, cardboard and handmade papers to replicate hieroglyphs on temple walls and papyrus. Below are some 3rd grade animal/human combinations and some printed work. Thank you to Natasha, our student teacher from SVA, for helping us create these amazing Ancient Egyptian inspired artworks! 3rd grade art will be exhibited in the windows of Bloomingdales this January! Stay tuned for further details! (see "Special Events and Exhibitions" page for photos and further details!)
Students have been looking at art from Ancient Egypt, specifically at stone reliefs depicting animal/human combinations. Students have also looked at ancient hieroglyphics and have been making their own cartouche', or name plate. Students have been printing their cartouches on brown paper, cardboard and handmade papers to replicate hieroglyphs on temple walls and papyrus. Below are some 3rd grade animal/human combinations and some printed work. Thank you to Natasha, our student teacher from SVA, for helping us create these amazing Ancient Egyptian inspired artworks! 3rd grade art will be exhibited in the windows of Bloomingdales this January! Stay tuned for further details! (see "Special Events and Exhibitions" page for photos and further details!)
Above: 3rd grade animal/human combination collages along with 3rd grade printmaking 'cartouches'.
Bottom right two images from Ancient Egyptian stone reliefs.
Bottom right two images from Ancient Egyptian stone reliefs.
JUNE
Found-Object Sculptures - turning everyday objects into art!
april/may
CLAY!!
3rd grade clay theme this year is Pre-Columbian sculpture. Students looked at pottery from Guatemala, Peru and Mexico pre 1500s. Students noticed that Pre-Columbian art combined animal themes with the utility of the pottery. Students practiced the clay techniques of pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction to make their own Pre-Columbian inspired sculptures. 3rd graders will begin glazing their sculptures in May.
3rd grade clay theme this year is Pre-Columbian sculpture. Students looked at pottery from Guatemala, Peru and Mexico pre 1500s. Students noticed that Pre-Columbian art combined animal themes with the utility of the pottery. Students practiced the clay techniques of pinch pot, coil pot and slab construction to make their own Pre-Columbian inspired sculptures. 3rd graders will begin glazing their sculptures in May.
PAPER ANIMAL SCULPTURES
3rd graders made animal sculptures using butcher paper and tape! Students used the methods of 'scrunching', folding and rolling to make the shapes that form the animal they wanted to create. Students then covered the brown butcher paper with masking tape to hold the shape in place. Next, students painted a base color all over their sculptures with tempera paint, and lastly added details with the 2nd coat of paint.
Thanks to our student teacher from Pratt Institute, Alyssa Klemmtz, who led the project with 3-439! Thank you Alyssa!
3rd graders made animal sculptures using butcher paper and tape! Students used the methods of 'scrunching', folding and rolling to make the shapes that form the animal they wanted to create. Students then covered the brown butcher paper with masking tape to hold the shape in place. Next, students painted a base color all over their sculptures with tempera paint, and lastly added details with the 2nd coat of paint.
Thanks to our student teacher from Pratt Institute, Alyssa Klemmtz, who led the project with 3-439! Thank you Alyssa!
march
LANDSCAPE PAINTING
3rd graders have been looking at Claude Monet's paintings of waterlilies, haystacks and his garden at Giverny for inspiration for our own landscape paintings. Students also looked at Van Gogh's Starry Night and Chinese landscape painting to see how artists use the paintbrush to create various kinds of brushstrokes. We talked about "Impressionism" as a style of painting where quick brushstrokes, light and color played a big role. Students drew and painted a scene of nature (landscape) which was important to them, as Monet's garden at Giverny was important to him.
3rd graders have been looking at Claude Monet's paintings of waterlilies, haystacks and his garden at Giverny for inspiration for our own landscape paintings. Students also looked at Van Gogh's Starry Night and Chinese landscape painting to see how artists use the paintbrush to create various kinds of brushstrokes. We talked about "Impressionism" as a style of painting where quick brushstrokes, light and color played a big role. Students drew and painted a scene of nature (landscape) which was important to them, as Monet's garden at Giverny was important to him.
january/February 2019
tessellations - M.C.Escher
3rd graders looked at the art of M.C. Escher, the Dutch artist most known for his optical illusion and tessellation prints. 3rd graders noticed that the tessellations in Escher's work often involve animals, particularly birds, fish and reptiles. These animals would interlock and morph from one thing to another within the picture. We also learned that Escher was influenced by the interlocking tiles and nature designs found in Islamic art.
Students made their own tessellations using a 2" square piece of paper. It was tricky, but the results were so inventive!! Ask your 3rd grader how to make a 'puzzle' piece.
Students made their own tessellations using a 2" square piece of paper. It was tricky, but the results were so inventive!! Ask your 3rd grader how to make a 'puzzle' piece.
printmaking
3rd graders are working on turning their Native American themed paintings (see below) into prints. To do this, they drew their Native American spirit animal onto foam paper and are then making a two-color print. Students print a first time using a bottom color of their choice. The following week, students choose a top color and print a second time with the same foam. The result is an optical illusion of the two colors, plus the white of the paper and the drawing. Look for these prints in the 3rd grade hallway soon!
november/december
3rd graders have been looking at the art of The Onondaga and The Hopi Native American tribes. They have noticed the patterns and symbols that decorate ceremonial wear and wood carvings of the native people (see below). Led by our School of Visual Arts student teacher, Annabelle Halpern, students are painting their own underwater spirit animals. These spirit animals have been drawn onto big paper, and colored with crayon and paint. Lastly, students are adding yarn and sequins to resemble the fringes and beadwork of Native American jewelry and clothing. Students also wrote the particular power that their animal embodies on their art. Thank you to Annabelle!
September/october 2018
3rd graders have started the year with creative name designs. Students practiced drawing their names in their sketchbooks with various letterings, including 3-D block letter techniques.
3rd graders' final 'name' picture included pencil, marker, crayon, and watercolor paint to become a creative, colorful and personal artwork.
Next up, 3rd graders are practicing creative line-making, which will culminate in a 'Crazy-Hair Day' portrait.
3rd graders' final 'name' picture included pencil, marker, crayon, and watercolor paint to become a creative, colorful and personal artwork.
Next up, 3rd graders are practicing creative line-making, which will culminate in a 'Crazy-Hair Day' portrait.
april/may 2018
Superheroes inspired by the art of Kehinde Wiley - Found-Object Sculpture making
february/march 2018
GLAZING - OPEN-SCHOOL - ART CHOICE-TIME - Display My Art
3rd graders are glazing their clay sculptures this February and March. Glaze is special paint for clay, which when fired, will produces a shiny, impermeable coating. 3rd grade sculptures should begin to come home late March, early April. The clay sculptures, like those of the Pre-Columbian Americas, are both functional and creative. Many represent various animals while also being bowls and cups. (See "January" below for more photos and info).
It was great to see so many of you during Open-School week! During some of these days, students celebrated Art Choice-Time, in which they were able to choose from various art materials. The "Choice-Time Challenge" is a challenge to make one art work using materials from each table. Students have also been making sculptures with white Model Magic, which is a great medium for learning about color-mixing and creating form.
The 'Display My Art' fundraiser will be coming soon. Below are samples of some of the fantastic art created for this project.
3rd graders are glazing their clay sculptures this February and March. Glaze is special paint for clay, which when fired, will produces a shiny, impermeable coating. 3rd grade sculptures should begin to come home late March, early April. The clay sculptures, like those of the Pre-Columbian Americas, are both functional and creative. Many represent various animals while also being bowls and cups. (See "January" below for more photos and info).
It was great to see so many of you during Open-School week! During some of these days, students celebrated Art Choice-Time, in which they were able to choose from various art materials. The "Choice-Time Challenge" is a challenge to make one art work using materials from each table. Students have also been making sculptures with white Model Magic, which is a great medium for learning about color-mixing and creating form.
The 'Display My Art' fundraiser will be coming soon. Below are samples of some of the fantastic art created for this project.
january, 2018
CLAY
3rd graders are sculpting with clay this January. For inspiration, we have looked at the Pre-Columbian pottery of North, Central and South America (c. 500 B.C.E.-1492) which often incorporates animal motifs with functionality. Students are learning to pinch, coil and connect clay so that their work is both functional and creative!
3rd graders are sculpting with clay this January. For inspiration, we have looked at the Pre-Columbian pottery of North, Central and South America (c. 500 B.C.E.-1492) which often incorporates animal motifs with functionality. Students are learning to pinch, coil and connect clay so that their work is both functional and creative!
FINISHED KENTE CLOTH WEAVINGS - 3-435 AND 3-437 (see Nov/Dec for more details)
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017
KENTE CLOTH WEAVINGS
3rd graders looked at the weavings of Ghana, known as Kente Cloth. They noticed the patterns specific to this kind of weaving, as well as the colors which have particular meaning. 3rd graders used wooden blocks to produce the background ‘loom’ art, creating patterns by dipping the blocks into paint. Some classes used oil pastel to draw the patterns onto paper their paper looms.
Next, 3rd graders designed the strips of paper, using the patterns of Ghana. Lastly, students wove the strips together to make these amazing weavings!
3rd graders looked at the weavings of Ghana, known as Kente Cloth. They noticed the patterns specific to this kind of weaving, as well as the colors which have particular meaning. 3rd graders used wooden blocks to produce the background ‘loom’ art, creating patterns by dipping the blocks into paint. Some classes used oil pastel to draw the patterns onto paper their paper looms.
Next, 3rd graders designed the strips of paper, using the patterns of Ghana. Lastly, students wove the strips together to make these amazing weavings!
3rd graders having 'Art Choice-Time' during Open-School Week!
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.
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
3rd graders used their knowledge of line to make drawings onto foam paper, which is the start of a printmaking unit. For the subject matter of these foam drawings, students practiced either optical illusions, shells or close-up flowers (a la Georgia O'Keeffe). All three of these subjects create illusions through detailed repeated lines and patterns.
Once students have drawn, or etched, a deep line into the foam paper, students print a first color. During the 2nd week, students choose a second color to print on top of the first print. This two-color print creates another optical illusion, as the colors appear unfocused or slightly off alignment. These amazing prints will soon be on display in the 3rd grade hallway!
Once students have drawn, or etched, a deep line into the foam paper, students print a first color. During the 2nd week, students choose a second color to print on top of the first print. This two-color print creates another optical illusion, as the colors appear unfocused or slightly off alignment. These amazing prints will soon be on display in the 3rd grade hallway!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER - 2017
3rd graders began the school year learning all about line. They practiced making as many different kinds of lines as possible, using these lines to create the hair of their self-portraits! These self-portraits are playful, imaginative and colorful. Students used crayons, pens, markers and colored pencils to complete these amazing self-portraits. Next, 3rd graders will be continuing their line skills by making simple optical illusions using line, color, pattern and form (shading).
JUNE -2017
June was Found-Object Sculpture time in the 3rd grade art classes. Thank you parents and students, 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
SCULPTURE AND PAINTING
3rd grader's second painting project this May is all about color mixing, using the artist Paul Klee as inspiration. Students made simple geometric shaped drawings, then mixed as many colors as possible using the watercolor painting palette. Students made primary, secondary, tertiary and complementary color mixes, achieving a wide range of color shades and hues.
3rd graders looked at the woodblock, "The Great Wave" by Japanese artist, Hokusai. Students also looked at traditional Chinese and Japanese scroll and wall hanging paintings of the 19th century, where nature was a theme. Students watched a video of a Japanese artist painting a wall hanging using sumi-ink and bamboo brushes. They tried their own black ink/bamboo brush painting using 3 different brush strokes, pointy, pressed and side stroke. They also learned how to create a 'wash', or watered down paint, to create their own nature themed paintings.
3rd grader clay sculptures are starting to come home. These sculptures are now dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. See below for more details about their 'Pre-Columbian' inspired sculptures.
Next, 3rd graders will look at the sculptor, Alexander Calder, and will begin making mobiles and wire sculptures using 'Twisteez' wire, pipe cleaners, beads, wooden sticks and feathers.
3rd grader clay sculptures are starting to come home. These sculptures are now dishwasher, oven and microwave safe. See below for more details about their 'Pre-Columbian' inspired sculptures.
Next, 3rd graders will look at the sculptor, Alexander Calder, and will begin making mobiles and wire sculptures using 'Twisteez' wire, pipe cleaners, beads, wooden sticks and feathers.
MARCH/APRIL
GLAZING STILL LIFE DRAWING AND PAINTING
3rd graders have been glazing their clay sculptures. Inspired by Pre-Columbian artifacts (see 'clay' below). They are now also painting their sculptures thinking about pattern and color. 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 April, beginning of May, and will be microwave, oven and dishwasher proof.
3rd graders have also been observing objects in the art studio to create still-life drawings and paintings. They've looked at the still-life paintings of Matisse, O'keeffe and Cezanne, and noticed how these artist's still-lives are so different from each other, Matisse, showing the whole room, Cezanne zooming into the objects on the table, and O'keeffe zooming into one flower at a time. 3rd graders used ebony pencil, tissue, and erasers to add shading, lights and darks. They also added color using watercolor, crayon and colored pencils. These still life drawings and paintings will be on view in the 3rd grade hallway coming soon!
3rd graders have also been observing objects in the art studio to create still-life drawings and paintings. They've looked at the still-life paintings of Matisse, O'keeffe and Cezanne, and noticed how these artist's still-lives are so different from each other, Matisse, showing the whole room, Cezanne zooming into the objects on the table, and O'keeffe zooming into one flower at a time. 3rd graders used ebony pencil, tissue, and erasers to add shading, lights and darks. They also added color using watercolor, crayon and colored pencils. These still life drawings and paintings will be on view in the 3rd grade hallway coming soon!
JANUARY/FEBRUARY
ELEVATOR ART and CLAY
Check out the elevator with the colorful musical notes! These colorful 'hand painted' posters were made by class 3-439 for International Night. The hand-prints accentuate the theme of 'music around the world' and were designed by PS 59 mom, Lindsay Birch. 3rd graders were all too happy to 'lend a hand' to this project!! Thanks to the parents who came to art class to help facilitate the hand-painting extravaganza!
Check out the elevator with the colorful musical notes! These colorful 'hand painted' posters were made by class 3-439 for International Night. The hand-prints accentuate the theme of 'music around the world' and were designed by PS 59 mom, Lindsay Birch. 3rd graders were all too happy to 'lend a hand' to this project!! Thanks to the parents who came to art class to help facilitate the hand-painting extravaganza!
CLAY!
CLAY has started for 3rd graders! Students are looking at Pre-Columbian pottery artifacts. Students are noticing that these artifacts mix the practicality of pottery, along with the beauty of animal and human designs and graphic patterns. Students are in the process of making their own Pre-Columbian inspired pottery by using pinch pot and coil pot techniques.
DECEMBER
PRINTMAKING
3rd graders, led by our fabulous student teacher, Meno, investigated the design of Islamic mosaics. Students looked at various Islamic patterns, including Morrocan mosaics, to find out what characteristics made up these beautiful designs. We noticed and discussed that Islamic designs did not include people, but instead were made up of nature and geometric shapes. Some mosaics had interlocking patterns as well.
Students then made their own Islamic inspired prints. 3-435 and 3-437 made stamps, by glueing foam paper to wood blocks, and drawing their made-up designs onto the foam. They then printed by pressing these stamps onto homemade ink pads. Students kept in mind color, pattern and symmetry when printing on either paper, fabric or both.
3-439 drew their designs onto foam paper. The foam papers were shaped in floral patterns which would interlock when printed repeatedly next to each other. Students used white ink on black paper to print these amazing patterns, which on paper look like fabric, or architectural tiles.
Meno has finished her semester here at PS 59, and will move on to student teaching at a high school, possiby High School of Art and Design. In May she will have finished her Masters in Teaching at School of Visual Arts. We will miss Meno very much!
Students then made their own Islamic inspired prints. 3-435 and 3-437 made stamps, by glueing foam paper to wood blocks, and drawing their made-up designs onto the foam. They then printed by pressing these stamps onto homemade ink pads. Students kept in mind color, pattern and symmetry when printing on either paper, fabric or both.
3-439 drew their designs onto foam paper. The foam papers were shaped in floral patterns which would interlock when printed repeatedly next to each other. Students used white ink on black paper to print these amazing patterns, which on paper look like fabric, or architectural tiles.
Meno has finished her semester here at PS 59, and will move on to student teaching at a high school, possiby High School of Art and Design. In May she will have finished her Masters in Teaching at School of Visual Arts. We will miss Meno very much!
NOVEMBER
In November, 3rd graders took a trip to the other side of the world, to study Aboriginal paintings of Australia. They noticed that Aboriginal paintings were filled with images of nature, animals, symbols, and dots. 3rd graders used Q-tips to re-create their own Aboriginal style painting, adding animals of Australia and Aborigines symbols to tell their own colorful 'stories'.
OCTOBER
|
In October, 3rd graders looked at the art of Wassily Kandinsky, in particular his "Circle" series. Students noticed the many layers of colors that Kandinsky combined in his circle sections, and that the circles seem to move and rotate when looked at. Students folded paper into 8 to 12 sections, and tried their own circle pictures, combining oil pastel, watercolor and tempera 'cakes'. The results are meditative and colorful, much like how Kandinsky intended in his original 20th century abstract color studies.
Soon, 3rd graders will be moving across the globe to Australia to observe Aboriginal 'Dot' paintings. More to come on this in November! Meanwhile, to record our sketches, plans, observations and imaginations, students have constructed their own 'mini sketchbooks', using only one piece of paper. See below for instructions to make these fun artist books: |
SEPTEMBER
Hello 3rd grade families! For those new to the school, my name is Judy Londa, and I will be your child's art teacher this year. I am looking forward to a year filled with creativity and exploration in the Art Studio.
3rd graders started the year creating 'Crazy Hair Day' pictures, in which students have drawn themselves using imaginative lines, patterns and color. It has been fun and challenging, trying to incorporate as many variations of designs as possible in these self-portraits!
Throughout the year, students will build on their knowledge of line, color, shape, and form to create works of art using various materials including: tempera and watercolor paint, oil pastel, colored and ebony pencil, tape, natural and synthetic clay, and printmaking material. We will continue to use artists throughout history and the art of other cultures as a jumping off point for many projects and discussions. As in previous grades, my emphasis is in creating a safe and friendly learning environment, while stressing creativity, personal growth, as well as collaboration.
I look forward to meeting many of you during Open School Week. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via email or my school mailbox.
Best,
Judy Londa
[email protected]
3rd graders started the year creating 'Crazy Hair Day' pictures, in which students have drawn themselves using imaginative lines, patterns and color. It has been fun and challenging, trying to incorporate as many variations of designs as possible in these self-portraits!
Throughout the year, students will build on their knowledge of line, color, shape, and form to create works of art using various materials including: tempera and watercolor paint, oil pastel, colored and ebony pencil, tape, natural and synthetic clay, and printmaking material. We will continue to use artists throughout history and the art of other cultures as a jumping off point for many projects and discussions. As in previous grades, my emphasis is in creating a safe and friendly learning environment, while stressing creativity, personal growth, as well as collaboration.
I look forward to meeting many of you during Open School Week. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns via email or my school mailbox.
Best,
Judy Londa
[email protected]