Andy Warhol inspired portraits

As a conclusion to our non-fiction narrative writing, we completed Andy Warhol inspired portraits.

Each students had a printed image of the person whom they wrote about, using this image we looked at Andy Warhol's use of color and line to manipulate a portrait. Students used oil pastels and tempura paint to manipulate their portraits as the cover of their biographies.

Same supplies, same products

What I see overused in the art classroom at my school: "craypas" oil pastels

I would not want to use one material so many times that the students felt like 'experts' in 2nd grade. There is still so much to learn about using materials, and I know at least some of my students struggle with the motor skills to control a variety of art tools. Scissors, glue, pencils, markers, paint brushes.

And just doodling, should not be an option.

Not that I mean to rant about what the art teacher does as she is a great person, and does do some interesting projects. I just hate that she uses the same medium over and over. Also, the projects for the whole grades seem 'cookie cutter'. All the "VanGogh inspired snowmen" have the same snowman, same blowing scarf and same blustering wind blowing with VanGogh inspired lines.

Art is about individual expression. And I know I can't critique because there are some projects I know will happen in my future that many pieces may turn out similar. But I hope that the process is not routine.

Packing Tape Sculptures

Packing Tape Sculpture

I ran into the idea of packing tape sculptures around Halloween because I saw some very eerie products from packing tape.

I tried it myself but: 1, you need a partner to do it with. 2, depending on self image it is not easy to see your self as its true size. 3, to do a face seems unrealistic or very tricky.
I bought a styrofoam head in hopes of molding to that form, but it was not the right size for my body.

My attempt:

(I would rather not include the one of my torso)

Examples I found online:

What is needed: RIDICULOUS amounts of packing tape.

Sand Mandalas

I would love to create sand mandalas with a class.
I did it when I was in 6th grade in Tokyo, Japan after studying Tibet.

I would hope to teach about Tibetan culture of sand mandalas, watching videos of the process and studying the process (summative assessment on why the people use such temporary materials).

Then we would be able to work on patterns, and lines and shapes, as well as symmetry (math).
Students would design and sketch their mandalas, pick a favorite.
Draw on a larger scale and color, then finally, create sand mandalas on wooden boards (to try to move safely between classes). Possibly would need an "in school field trip" and have the students create the mandalas in one day.

This would go great as the students are learning about different religions in Social Studies.

Personal Narrative Thumbprint

Thumbprint Self-Portrait | 
This would be made based on their real thumbprint. 
Then fill it in with a narrative about themselves! 

Possibly a good starter to the school year, with questions and prompts to help struggling students.

-Worksheet for ideas on things to write about themselves.
(favorite sport, favorite place to hide out, one thing you are really good at, one thing you are really scared of, favorite movie, favorite actor, favorite type of social media, worst memory, best memory, who are you family members, what is your favorite animal, what do you do for fun, who is your favorite artist, what is your favorite artist medium, what is your favorite music)

-Scanner, to help enlarge a realistic thumbprint if needed. or ink for a thumbnail thumbprint to look at and reference

Teaching art or teaching to think like an artist?

Mill Street Loft

As I continue creating art and applying for art education positions, I am always reminded of the huge impact Mill Street Loft had on my life.

I went to Dutchess Arts Camp through my childhood, then the Art Institute summer intensive through my adolescence. Finally, my senior year of high school culminated in participation in Senior Project, The Road to Scholarships: Parent & Student Prep, National Art Honor Society and Sculptural Welding.
Through Facebook and emails I am able to see the great things that young artists in these programs continue to produce. All that I see continues to amaze me. And to think that this company also helps children in need and provides scholarships for the pricey classes that the talented youth might not be able to afford.
I can say I am proud of all that Mill Street Loft does, and will recommend their programs to everyone I know interested in the arts.

http://millstreetloft.org/about/