4th Grade Projects

Matisse Inspired Collage

Students learn about the prolific career of artist Henri Matisse. In class, the students view and analyze numerous works by Matisse, focusing mostly on his later simplistic collage pieces. Matisse’s famous “Beasts of the Sea” collage serves as the student’s inspiration for their own collages. Organic and geometric shapes are used to create these vibrant abstract artworks.

Stained Glass Window Painting

Students learn about the art of stained glass and its use in home decor and architecture. The art glass of Louis Comfort Tiffany is studied by students. Gothic, rose, and roman arch shaped windows are constructed with masking tape, watercolor paint, and construction paper. The concepts of symmetry, pattern and warm vs. cool colors are covered.

Seascape Crayon/Watercolor

Students create an under the sea themed composition using oil pastel and watercolor paint. The students refer to photographs of fish and other sea creatures to help them with their drawing. The addition of details such as coral, seaweed, and bubbles help to complete this marine scene.

Mondrian Inspired Tree Painting

Students learn about artist Piet Mondrian and his abstract paintings. The students view many examples of his work and identify some of the elements of art in them! Elements such as lines (vertical and horizontal), shapes (geometric) and colors (primary) are discussed in class. The students make an abstract tree in the style of Mondrian using pencil, crayon, and watercolor paint.

Animal Prints

Students learn about the art of printmaking, an art where an image can be repeated using different inks and papers to create a series of art pieces. They learn how to carve a styrofoam plate with a stylus. The students carve the image of an animal of their choosing, paying close attention to details and textures. The styrofoam plates are inked and printed in multiple colors, creating a series of prints.

Henna Hand Drawing

Students learn about the traditional Indian body art called Mehendi or Henna. The students learn how to draw the gorgeous linear designs used in this art. The students create a drawing of a hand covered in these intricate designs.