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This Pathways class was an exploration of all things two dimensional. With each medium, we practiced various techniques, looked at artist inspiration, developed preliminary sketches and had collaborative conversations to give students a jumping off point for their exploration. Utilizing this structure, students were able to dive deeper into their medium of choice. Ultimately, this class was about creating the space for students to discover what it means to be an artist in ways that felt authentic to each unique individual.
About Our Process
About Our Process
Color Mixing Challenge: Edible Edition
Color Mixing Challenge: Edible Edition
For our last day of art class to kick off some summer fun, celebrate our hard work this year and learn about color theory, we completed a color mixing challenge using the primary colors of "paint" (vanilla frosting) to mix the secondary colors and then painted our "canvas" (graham cracker). One student expressed their desire to "become a baker when they grow up" and that this was great practice. 😍🧁
Drawing + Collage
Drawing + Collage
We started the trimester with some drawing skill-builders where students could choose what techniques they wanted to practice to develop their drawing skills. Techniques ranged from shading spheres to make them look three-dimensional with graphite pencils, developing value scales (lightness and darkness) to blending with colored pencils.
Next up, Collage! We looked at the artist, Lorna Simpson for inspiration to develop our own collages by cutting and pasting photos to create a work of art. Some students took a more fantasy driven approach while others used this as an opportunity to make a vision board all about their own interests. We also looked at artist, Henri Matisse, for an entirely different approach to collage work.
Artist: Henri Matisse
Artist: Lorna Simpson
Painting
Painting
Painting was introduced with a "Color Mixing Challenge" where students were able to use the primary colors to mix 30 new colors, including an additional challenge to match their skin tone. From there we explored watercolor techniques and even attempted to paint along with artist, Bob Ross.
Many students were so inspired by Bob Ross that they continued to explore landscape painting even after the activity was over.
Using the Studio Habits of Mind
Using the Studio Habits of Mind
Develop Craft: I can improve my art making skills by practicing techniques. Practice for progress...not perfection!
Engage & Persist: I find creative solutions to problems I encounter. I embrace "mistakes" as essential steps to the learning process.
Envision: I create a plan for the direction I would like to go in with my project.
Observe: I pay close attention to the small details of my project.
Stretch & Explore: I challenge myself to try new techniques and materials.
Express: I create art that holds meaning to me and can communicate that to others.
Reflect: I can identify my successes and areas of improvement.
Understand the Art World: I participate respectfully in the creative community of our studio classroom. I can find inspiration from others.
Students complete creative and collaborative challenges or "tasks" during our Task Party at the beginning of the trimester. Examples of tasks: build the tallest tower, give someone a manicure, turn a chair into a monster, make a game and find someone to play it with you, give someone a tattoo (washable marker only) and many more! This is a fun way to to think outside the box and problem solve through the tasks all while building community. (Stretch & Explore)
Oreo Carving Competition
Oreo Carving Competition
We ended the trimester with some sweet competition by carving the cream of Oreos to create a design of students' choosing. The strategy involved using a toothpick to carve away negative space. These artists made it look way easier than it was!
How is art assessed?
How is art assessed?
This year, all Pathways classess are assessed using the following rubrics in two categories: Content Mastery and Student Learner Expectations. Students need to receive a 3 or a 4 in both categories to have an overall "complete" grade.
About Ms. Morrell
About Ms. Morrell
My approach to teaching is called choice-based art education. The foundation of a choice-based approach emphasizes the role of the student as artist where they become the primary drivers and decision makers for their art-making experiences.
As a fellow artist and teacher in our AACA studio, I believe my role is to provide the structure, skills and resources for learners of all abilities and diverse backgrounds to thrive.
I find students are most successful and engaged when they are able to pursue an artistic process that feels most authentic to them within a supportive, collective environment.
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