4th Grade

Welcome to the Fourth Grade Art page!  Here you will find project descriptions of each project that has been completed along with picture examples.

Art to Remember: Still Life Paintings

Students critiqued the work of Vincent van Gogh. They noticed his unique brush strokes and favorite subject matter-- sunflowers. Students created their own sunflower still life paintings by looking at faux sunflowers in a vase. They drew in pencil, outlined with sharpie and added color with oil pastel and watercolor. 

Monochromatic Portrait

Students viewed a presentation displaying famous artists who used a limited color palette and we discussed why we think artists chose specific colors for their work. Then, students in 4th grade created monochromatic portraits using washable markers. 

Clay Snowman Sculptures

During this project, 4th grade students added to their knowledge of clay. They received a piece of clay, rolled it into a ball and made it into a pinch pot. They then rolled another piece of clay into a ball, and attached it to the pinch pot to make the body of the snowman. Because students know how to slip and score, they had the remainder of the class period to add any details to their snowman. Once dry, the clay was put in the kiln.  Students then painted their snowman with colorful glaze.

Charcoal Winter Animals

Students in 4th grade learned how to create values using a charcoal pencil. Values are shades of a color on a continuum. With charcoal, students were learned how to make lighter values of grays and darkers values of gray. Students selected and drew an image of a cold weather animal, then used what they learned about values to only color their animal with a charcoal pencil. To finish, students added a watercolor wash around their animal for some contrast.

Printmaking: Layered Portraits 

Students in 4th grade learned about the many types of printmaking. They learned than some forms are not suitable for 4th graders because they involve acid, or expensive metals. However, they learned that there are different types that are suitable, including carving into a sheet of foam to make a plate (basically like a stamp). Students used a variety of washable inks and colored paper to layer their prints. This was a very 'active' art lesson!

Abstract Paintings

This lesson was planned and taught by our student teacher Ms. Towery. She wanted students to learn about and have appreciation for abstract art. Students began this lesson by sketching shapes or simple drawings of their choice. Then, students colored those details in with white crayon as a resist. Next students applied tape and began painting. When dry, student peeled up the tape and put new tape down in different areas. Students were encouraged to use salt, rubbing alcohol, markers and splatter painting to add different effects. Finally students highlighted details with markers.

Paper Mache Sculptures

For this lesson students learned about form. They were shown a variety of media that artists use to create form including, ceramics, glass, metal, cardboard and more! To begin, students used a water bottle as a base and built upon that using newspaper, paper towel tubes, paperboard and masking tape. Students learned that most times armatures (the foundation of a sculpture) isn't beautiful, but in the end it will be. Students finished these sculptures using watered down glue and tissue paper.