We learned about the Mexican tradition surrounding the Day of the Dead. We created simple pinch pots and then molded and formed them into skulls. After cutting eyes and noses into the face, we added on pieces of clay to decorate the skulls in any way the students liked. After firing them in kiln, students were able to paint them as they liked.
We had such a great time making our first fabric based assignment of the year. We designed characters based on the “Ugly Doll” series of stuffed animals. We discussed how basic shapes are combined together to make more complex and interesting forms that give a sense of character to them. From there, we cut the form out twice out of felt (for front and back) and then glue the seams together halfway. We then stuffed the forms with stuffing and then finished gluing the seams until complete. The final step was decorating the dolls with faces and accessories!
Before this assignment, students were working on designing and drawing various cartoon characters using shapes and joining them together. From there, we applied that knowledge to learn how to draw the human form in proper proportion. Students were to design and illustrate an original human character of their own choice and style. The final step was to design and draw the back of the character and place them together, cut them out, and then stand them up on their bases. I think the students did a great job and their process work was enjoyable to watch as they decided which direction to go with their character to fulfill their own personal art objectives.
We learned how to create the look of FORM in two dimensional spaces by showing VALUES of different colors which tend to help making flat items look round. We used 3 different values of colored pencils and mix them equally and pressing harder when darker values are needed. We practiced this is various circles we drew until we got them looking good, and then we cut them out and placed them on black paper to represent space. We then learned about Nebula and how they have different values of color as well.Lastly, we put stars down on the paper to finish the piece to look like a solar system.
Here are a few great examples of our Nature drawing unit. Students learned all about organic lines and shapes and how to draw them. We then brought in items from outside to draw, such as leaves, pine cones, sticks, acorns, and seashells. We used organic lines to draw them out, trying to draw as realistic as possible. Once complete, we colored using watercolor, colored pencils, and crayons. To compare them real leaves, we made some leaf prints on paper by painting a real leaf, and pressing it onto blank paper. When pulled up, the print looks exactly like a leaf and shows all the veins inside the leaf. Lastly, we cut out all the pieces and collaged them together to complete the project.
Mr. Kade was selected by NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to be part of their Teacher at Sea program this summer. He traveled out to sea for 16 days on a shark survey, where he and the rest of his scientific team caught, researched, and released over 400 sharks. He will take the information learned and incorportated that into his art lesson at OL Smith this year. He created a blog that features some of the tasks he was completing daily as part of his journey. Here is the link:
https://noaateacheratsea.blog/author/skade2018/
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Using only 2 elements of Art, LINE and SHAPE, students are to create a design that combines both together to create UNITY, which is an Art Principle. The Organic and Geometric shapes are to be drawn first, and then there must be 4 different kinds of LINES that go behind, in front of, or through the various shapes to create an ABSTRACT design.
After finished, students are to use the element of COLOR to help visually define the shapes and lines. They also have the challenge of having no two adjoining shapes be the same color. Students learn to identify these factors to determine how an ABSTRACT design is created. When complete, each puzzle piece is put together to show students that each class is a combination of different people who work together to create a UNIFIED group of people working toward the larger picture of improved education.
Hello, and welcome to the 2018 school year at OL Smith. My name is Mr. Kade and I am the art teacher at Smith. I currently teach 2D Art, 3D Art, and Introduction to Art for the Fall semester. Below this note are the syllabi for each of the classes. I look forward to teaching all my students about art this year. They will learn various art processes and techniques, art vocabulary, art critique skills, and much more. We will discuss, design and create unique and individual art that expresses intentional creative ideas as chosen by the student, and guided by the instructor. Each student needs to print the syllabus out, read it with parents, have them sign it, and return the bottom portion to class within the first week of school, for their first grade of the year, 10 Summative points. Students will receive a hard copy to take home the second day of school as well. It’s going to be a great and creative year at O.L. Smith!
Please come out to see 13 of OL Smith’s best fine artists beautiful work among the best of all DPS K- 12 students at the Dearborn Youth Arts Festival at the Ford Center for Performing Arts Center from April 25- May 29th. You will amazed at their hard work and artistic talents!
This month in 3D Art, we will be building with paper to understand how to turn shapes into 3D forms. We began with flat paper and by making just a few cuts and folds, we learned to make simple 6 sided 1 inch cubes. We then grouped into teams to build abstract sculptures with 24 cubes or more.
We jumped forward in difficulty to create 2 hextagonal paper manipulatives to show how diamond shapes can create a more complex and twistable forms. Our new project involves creating a 3 dimensional house from a flat piece of paper. The house must be in realistic scale and will have features such as 6 or more windows, 2 doors, siding, bricks, awnings, stairs, shutters, and a roof complete with chimney. When fully colored and complete, we will create a yard for the house. Pictures to come…