Project friends students were introduced to the art of American artist Peter Max. They learned about his history as an immigrant and his distinctive style of vibrant paintings. While he painted many subjects, Peter Max created several patriotic series including his American flags, Statue of Liberty images and presidential portraits. Students used his painterly style to create a simplified flag with pops of warm or cool colors to create a border. Students finished off the image with oil pastel details.

Learn more about Peter Max by checking out this video!

Students took inspiration from real leaves as we observed like scientists and artists to find the lines and shapes to show the leaves, stems and veins. After practicing in sketchbooks artists drew a final leaf shape and transferred it to a foam printing plate. Students observed a printmaking demonstration and learned the correct terminology for printmakers tools such as brayer, bench hook, ink, printing plate and barren. Working in small groups with the teacher to master the printing process, students were able to make multiple prints using a variety of fall inspired ink colors!