Aloha Art!

Aloha! 

     My husband and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon over the summer, and it was not only beautiful but incredibly inspiring! I decided to start off the school year with some Hawai'ian themed projects:

Kinder: Jellyfish

This project was so fun! We started by drawing a curved/rainbow line

Then we added a wavy line at the bottom

Next came paint! Kinders used tempera paint in cool colors & also white. We discussed different brush techniques & didn't worry too much about staying in the lines since we would be cutting them out later anyways 😊

Once dry, the students counted out 10 strips of paper. I showed them some different paper folding & texture techniques and let them loose! They did a great job.

Of course, we had to sing a jellyfish song while we worked! 

https://youtu.be/3jRAq9q5Ieo

First Grade: Rainbow Fish 🐟 🌈🐠

A classic book! This project was great to get students back into the swing of things-we reviewed basic lines & shapes, practiced cutting & gluing, and of course added a very special shiny scale! 

I decided to have the kids use a template for the fish since they were drawing and cutting out all of the circles on their own and I was concerned about the time. If I were to do this project again, I would try a different approach and have students draw the fish on their own. Even though they chose their own colors for the fish, and also chose the paper colors, I felt as though there wasn't much differentiation. 

Second Grade: Tiki Masks 🗿

These are still in progress! But are coming along great. We looked at the tikis of Easter Island as well as those on the Big Island of Hawaii on Pu'uhonua O Honaunau 

We discussed using layers of paper to create the exaggerated features of the tiki. We also learned about symmetry and proportions. We will be adding some more designs and cut paper details in the next week!

Third Grade: Painted Paper Flowers 🌺

We discussed starting in the center and working our way out! We reviewed line, shape, color, and proper painting techniques. Students were free to choose their colors and designs. 

Didn't they do a lovely job!!

We also added cut paper collage and oil pastel details. I was inspired by this blog post for the painted paper flower lesson:

http://www.paintedpaperart.com/category/flowers/

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Art-Lesson-Painted-Flowers-1775742

Fourth Grade: Zentangle Turtles 🐢

We talked about pattern and repetition and the art of the zentangle. If you want to find out more, check this out: 

https://www.zentangle.com

Students were given images of sea turtles to look at for inspiration, and then they sketched and outlined their drawings. Next, they divided up the turtle into different sections using a variety of lines. They then began filling each section with a different pattern or design. 

Then students used warm or cool watercolors, and starting with their lightest color they following the contour of the turtle. This was our first time discussing tertiary or intermediate colors-exciting!

I really enjoy seeing the contrast of the black & white patterned turtle against the multicolored radial background. It might be fun to try this with a variety of animals in the future!! Some students still need to finish up their painting, looking great so far!

Fifth grade: Artist Inspired Surf Boards 🌊

This project is one of my favorites! Since we have just gone one to one with Chromebooks at our school, I thought it would be fun to have the students use them to research an artist. We looked at several websites, but fouls that this one was great to start with: 

www.artcyclopedia.com

Students were asked to choose an artist and then they were to research and write down these four facts on the back of their surfboard:

1. Artist's Name

2. Where they live(d)/Where they are from

3. Style/Movement/Period

4. Interesting Fact or Important Info

Once their research was completed, then they started their design! I encouraged students to sketch first, and also think about the materials and media the artist uses. Student were given complete choice of material. I also stressed that were weren't to copy an artist's work, but definitely incorporate design elements to show how we were inspired by the artist. 

The really did a fantastic job!! 

So cool! Traditional and Contemporary Artists were chosen.

We still have some finishing touches, but they are looking awesome!! Great job 5th grade!!

Thank you and have a colorful day!

~Mrs. Wagner 

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