First Grade

Leaders in Art

Click HERE to see photos :)

First Grade Visual Arts – Fourth Quarter
This quarter, 1st-grade artists explored the lives and works of several influential art world leaders! We began with the bold and brilliant Frida Kahlo, learning about her perseverance and how she used her art to express her inner strength. Students were captivated by her story and expressive self-portraits.

Next up: Salvador Dalí and his wild world of Surrealism! We celebrated his eccentric style by creating whimsical portraits—complete with interactive, twisty mustaches!

From there, we soared into storytelling with Faith Ringgold’s Tar Beach, painting scenes of ourselves flying over our favorite cities or dream destinations. The imagination truly took flight!

We wrapped things up with a deep dive into Cubism through the art of Pablo Picasso. Students created playful, cubist-style animals and explored unexpected ways to color and arrange shapes.

What a fun-filled, art-packed adventure it’s been in the fourth quarter! These young artists are already becoming creative thinkers with big ideas.

3rd GraDE

Recycle & Ecosystems/Plants

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This quarter, our 3rd-grade artists dove into creative reuse with a recycling-themed wind chime project! Using found objects like keys, washers, tin cans, and bottle caps, students designed and painted their own chimes with vibrant paint pens. They learned how to hammer nails to create holes, tied their own knots, and strung everything up with impressive independence and flair—so innovative!

Next, we explored ecosystems and took a trip to the rainforest through the vivid lens of artist Henri Rousseau. Artists focused on creating depth and space through overlapping, just like Rousseau did in his lush, layered jungle scenes.

We wrapped up the quarter by dreaming big with our plant unit, where students designed their very own dream treehouses, filled with hammocks, ziplines, slides, and all the magic their imaginations could muster. And finally, we jumped into clay, sculpting ceramic frogs in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Ribbit! It’s been a wildly imaginative adventure from start to finish! It’s been a wild and wonderful ride through nature and creativity! 

fifth

Abstract Art/BlackOut Poetry/Exhibition

           Click HERE to see photos :)

Abstract Sculpture

We started the rotation by diving into one of the most beloved projects of 5th grade: the Wire Nylon Stocking Sculpture. For this project, students bent a wire coat hanger into an abstract form and secured it into two small holes drilled into a wood base. Students hardened the surface by painting the nylon with primer. I then turned the students loose to design and color it however they seemed fit. But wait, that's not all! Students wrote a haiku describing the art form to give the abstract piece a sense of understanding and identity. 

Blackout Poetry:

Fifth-grade students tackled the art of blackout poetry with style and imagination. Using pages from old books and a bold black marker, they uncovered hidden phrases and transformed them into powerful, poetic works. Each piece reflects their creativity, critical thinking, and flair for the unexpected.

IB Exhibition Display Boards:

Exhibition came to life with beautifully crafted display boards that showcase months of research and reflection. Students have poured their hearts into these projects, and it shows, from the thoughtful layouts to the clear communication of big ideas. This is inquiry in action, and it’s incredibly inspiring.

Kuminhumo Bracelets: Artists learned the art of a traditional Japanese cord. The cords are created by taking several bundles with dozens of threads each, wrapping them around bobbins, and then braiding the bundles together in a diagonal criss-cross arrangement.

KINDERGARTEN

Celebrations/Traditions/PATTERNS

Click HERE to see photos :)

Wow! Our young artists have had an amazing semester exploring celebrations from around the world through art! 

We kicked things off with Chinese New Year, creating adorable beckoning cats with arms that really move up and down! Then, we traveled to Japan for Children’s Day, designing bright and beautiful koi fish flags that symbolize strength and perseverance. 

Next, we took a trip to Peru, where we learned about the people who live near Machu Picchu and had so much fun drawing photobombing llamas! For Valentine’s Day, we got creative with clay, making ceramic hearts with dazzling crystallized centers (melted marbles—so cool!). These special keepsakes can be picked up during Conference Days in the Kindergarten classroom.

To finish our fantastic art journey, we explored patterns and made vibrant Perler bead designs full of color and creativity! 

💖 Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful children with me! They are truly incredible human beings, and I know the world is a better place because of kids like yours!

        SECOND GRADE

RECYCLING & EXPLORERS

                                   Click here for photos!

This semester has been filled with creativity, imagination, and artistic adventure! I am beyond proud of these young artists ~their hard work, curiosity, and boundless creativity have made every project an absolute joy! 

We kicked things off in our Recycle Unit of Inquiry, transforming egg cartons into beautiful handmade bowls! The kids were so inspired by this project that many made bowls on their own time at home weeks after we finished!

Next, we explored the hidden world inside us, using cells, neurons, and synapses as inspiration for bold, abstract paintings! The creativity kept flowing as we dived into color exploration through collage. Artists made modified magnifying glasses to closely examine the colors of birds in photographs. Then, they searched through magazines to find just the right hues to piece together their stunning bird collages! 

Our next big adventure took us backpacking anywhere, on Earth or beyond!  Students imagined themselves hiking through national parks, climbing mountains, or even exploring deep space! Their storytelling through art was nothing short of amazing!

Then, we experimented with materials and created vibrant scratch art flowers inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe!  The results were absolutely stunning, and you’ll definitely want to frame these masterpieces—9”x12” is the perfect size!

We wrapped up the semester by blasting off into Outer Space! Artists dreamed up futuristic civilizations, alien landscapes, and thriving space worlds...the creativity was out of this world!

These kids have truly SHINED this semester! Their imagination and enthusiasm inspire me, and I feel so lucky to be part of their artistic journey. 💖

     4th Grade

              The BRAIN  

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Our 4th-grade artists have had an exciting and inspiring semester, blending math, movement, and design into incredible works of art! Their creativity and problem-solving skills have been on full display in every project.

We kicked off with Op Art, where students explored how lines, shapes, and patterns can create mind-bending optical illusions! Their artwork used contrast and repetition to make flat surfaces appear to move and shift, showcasing their keen eye for design!

Next, we took on the working Kaleidocycle challenge—a paper-folding exploration where students constructed interlocking tetrahedra into a continuous cycle. This project pushed their understanding of geometry, symmetry, and engineering while creating stunning, interactive models! 

From there, we moved into tessellations, where artists used mathematical formulas to design repeating patterns that cover a plane perfectly, without gaps or overlaps! These impressive designs beautifully demonstrated the connection between math and art in a challenging and rewarding way. Some of these pieces were so intricate and detailed that students ran out of time to complete them, a true testament to their ambition and dedication! 

To wrap up the semester, we joined their Unit of Inquiry on animals, applying our artistic skills to explore the beauty of the natural world. Students created artwork inspired by the patterns, textures, and movements of different species, making meaningful connections between art and science! 

I am so proud of these young artists and their dedication to exploring creativity through math, movement, and nature! Their curiosity and innovation make every project an incredible adventure!

First Grade

PLants

Click HERE to see photos :)

Artists Explore Plants and Create Magical Ceramic Owls

First graders dove into the natural world this semester, exploring plants through art in the most creative ways! They crafted colorful cacti, painted elegant birch trees, and dreamed up their own magical plant species with wild superpowers ~think plants that grant wishes or glow in the dark!

But the fun didn’t stop there. To cap off the semester, our young artists turned their attention to animals, sculpting adorable ceramic owls. The excitement reached new heights as we fired their creations in our retro 1970s raku kiln—made from an old washing machine! Watching the kiln transform their work into dazzling, one-of-a-kind treasures was the perfect way to celebrate their creativity and hard work!

3rd GraDE

Food & Native American Art

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From Sweet Treats to Cultural Connections

Our third-grade artists had a deliciously creative semester, starting with cakes and gumball paintings inspired by Wayne Thiebaud, the famous dessert painter. His vibrant artwork, known for its delightful colors and values, served as the perfect inspiration for our young artists. Using vibrant colors and careful details, students captured the charm of desserts, including drawing 3D pie and cake slices that looked almost good enough to eat!

Next, we transitioned into the Migration Unit of Inquiry, exploring Native American art through the work of Lakota artist Oscar Howe. Students created stunning cool/warm paintings of animals, symbolizing themes found in Native American traditions.

To finish the semester, we explored fiber and beadwork. Students learned traditional weaving techniques using yarn on looms, creating colorful and textured pieces. Then, they turned their focus to beadwork, crafting intricate wampum belts with meaningful designs. It was a rich semester full of exploration, creativity, and connections to art and culture!

fifth

Media

           Click HERE to see photos :)

Fifth Grade Artists: From Cereal Box Designers to Pop Art Masters

There was no stopping our fifth-grade artists this semester—they explored a whirlwind of creative genres with boundless energy and imagination!

We began with cereal box marketing, where students became designers, creating dynamic cereal box concepts. Each design featured a catchy title, a playful mascot, a drawing of the cereal in a bowl, and an enticing prize or special offer to captivate potential “buyers.”

Next, we dove into the vibrant world of Pop Art! Students crafted bold and colorful paper Squishmallows, bursting with creativity and fun. They are so good, it's hard to tell that they are not real!

To wrap up, students took their Pop Art skills to the next level by creating unique cartoon pieces. They selected a cartoon image of their choice, divided it into at least four sections, and reimagined the image in different cartoon styles for each section. The results were as inventive as they were impressive!

You’ll be amazed by the creativity and talent on display—get ready to be blown away by what your fifth-grade artists have accomplished!

KINDERGARTEN

Fairy Tales

Click HERE to see photos :)

Self Portraits: Our young artists have been busy bringing their unique ideas to life through a range of vibrant projects! In Self-Portraits, students drew their own likenesses and filled the backgrounds with dynamic designs and colors to reflect their incredible personalities. Each portrait is a window into their world, bursting with individuality and flair.

Peacocks: The Peacocks project in Kindergarten showcased our little artists' ability to capture the elegance and beauty of these birds. They used a variety of materials and techniques to create stunning peacock depictions, each one a testament to their budding skills and creativity.

Fairy Tales:  Kindergarteners embarked on a magical adventure, exploring classic tales like The Frog Prince and Jack and the Beanstalk. Through whimsical mixed-media paintings, they brought beloved fairy tale characters to life, all while honing their fine motor skills and learning to tell stories through art.

Lastly, our Starry Night Pumpkins project blended Impressionist techniques with seasonal fun. Students learned how to draw pumpkins, then mixed red and yellow to create rich oranges before applying the paint in a style reminiscent of Van Gogh. The result? Beautiful, swirling pumpkin scenes that capture the warmth and energy of fall.

        SECOND GRADE

MAPS & NATURE

                                   Click here for photos!

Me Map: Our young artists took on some exciting projects this semester, each one offering a new adventure and a chance to let their imaginations soar. For their Fantasy Me Maps, students designed personal islands on thick watercolor paper, creating places that reflected their own unique identities. They included at least five different land features—like mountains, forests, and rivers—and used a map key to explain the meaning behind each symbol, making their maps both creative and informative.

Henri Rousseau: students studied the artist Henri Rousseau and explored the technique of overlapping to create complex, vibrant rainforest scenes. They added layers of plants to build a dense, lush background and used watercolor paint, Sharpies, and colored pencils to bring their scenes to life with rich, vivid colors. This project allowed students to practice their drawing skills while experimenting with different media to create depth and dimension.

Gnome Home: For a playful finale to the semester, we dived into the whimsical world of Gnome Homes. Our second-grade artists imagined what life would be like as a gnome, designing enchanting homes filled with quirky details and fun features. The students' ideas were as delightful as they were imaginative, bringing a bit of magic and fun to our art studio!

     4th Grade

              DEEP SPACE, BEACHES, CUPCAKES & one                point PERSPECTIVE   

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Deep Space:  This project consists of layers of elements built to create this fantastical scene of a city in space that is surrounded by looming planets in the background and rough, harsh terrain in the foreground. Students created scraped paper for their planets and then added form by simply shading each sphere. A futuristic city is created with stamping legos and marker caps in a series of towers and buildings. The city is then tucked behind a textured terrain to finish off this cosmic landscape.

Beach: These adorable baby sea turtles have hatched from their eggs and are ready to make the long trip to the saltwater sea. The illustrations have inspired this lesson in the children’s book Chase the Moon, Tiny Turtle by Kelly Jordan and Sally Walker; students will explore layering watercolor washes to create new colors. They will also use overlapping to create a sense of space in their artwork in this multi-layered artwork.

Stippled Cupcakes: Our 4th-grade artists created incredible images of cupcakes using a technique called stippling. This technique involves creating images through countless tiny dots, which they used to give their cupcakes a delightful, textured look. Each student’s work was unique, showcasing their individual styles and creative flair. The results were truly impressive, with the cupcakes looking almost good enough to eat! The students demonstrated patience and attention to detail, bringing their delicious designs to life with just a simple dot-by-dot approach.

One-Point Perspective: Artists recently completed an impressive project: one-point perspective drawings of cityscapes. They worked hard to understand the concept of perspective and used it to create realistic streets lined with buildings that seem to stretch into the distance. The attention to detail in their drawings is incredible; they carefully crafted each window, and the signs on the buildings add a lively touch to the scenes. It's wonderful to see their creativity shine through in the unique elements they included, making each cityscape truly their own. Great job, 4th graders!

sixth

GROOVY ASTRONAUT & Impressionism

Click HERE to see photos :)

GROOVY ASTRONAUT: For this specific project, we focused on the design principles of variety and contrast. I wanted our students to have a lot of different things going on as far as colors and patterns, but by adding the contrast element keeps things from feeling too busy or overwhelmed. I really think the black-and-white contrasting patterns do a great job of keeping these designs well-balanced.

APPLES: All students received a pallet of ONLY primary colors (plus black and white). That's it—no brushes or water containers. We discussed what a birds-eye view meant and, prior to sketching, talked about what they noticed about the apples from the perspective of looking down on them. We also discussed what they noticed about the shadows. Were they really just black? Was color reflected in it? Was an apple only red? Was the plate only white? We then talked a bit about impressionistic painting, and I encouraged them to blend colors directly on their papers! Students used their fingers to paint to get the loose Impressionist "brush stroke" style. The results are turning out incredible!

BIRDS: Now that the students have grasped the core concepts of energy and movement central to Impressionism, they were ready to put their skills to the test. This project was all about translating those dynamic qualities onto their canvases as they created vibrant paintings of birds. With Impressionism, the emphasis is less on precise details and more on capturing the feeling or essence of the subject, which, in this case, meant conveying the liveliness and grace of birds in motion. T

This time, paint palettes filled with bold, expressive colors and a variety of paintbrushes were provided, allowing them to explore different brushstrokes and techniques. The students were encouraged to work quickly, just like the Impressionist artists, using loose and fluid strokes to evoke the sensation of wings flapping or birds soaring. They embraced the freedom to play with color and texture, and I think you'll be genuinely impressed with the results! Each painting is bursting with energy, as the students really captured the vibrant spirit of these beautiful creatures.

First Grade

Leaders in Art

Click HERE to see photos :)

Artists have studied several famous leaders in the Art World. We started the unit by exploring the life, ideas, and art of Salvador Dali. We celebrated Dali and his Surrealist art by making portraits of him depicting a unique interactive mustache. Next, students learned about Frida Kahlo. We looked at some of her art and touched upon her life and Frida's inspiring perseverance and determination, which are portrayed within her artwork. Those students who finished early started a very relaxing weaving project; the results are stunning! We then switched gears by looking at the work of the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. At first glance, his paintings look like simple compositions of shapes, lines, and words, but upon extended viewing, these artworks convey complex layers of thought and emotion. Lastly, we ended the year with French artist Henri Matisse. Students created the most beautiful art inspired by his famous "Goldfish" painting. I am so proud of these young artists. Their creativity and imagination continue to impress me every single day!

3rd GraDE

The Art of Money & Ecosystems

Click for Photos

We started the rotation with a POP. Pop Art that is! Students learned about the American art icon Andy Warhol. Warhol became famous for exploring popular culture in his work. He liked using bright colors and mass-produced images of celebrities or commonly used items. Students followed in Warhol's footsteps by drawing their own shoes (catch the pun there?). Artists did this by visually breaking down their shoes into simple shapes. When the drawing was complete, we used the Xerox machine to make three additional copies. Lastly, students used four different color schemes to create an impressive Polyptych. We then switched gears and moved into the Ecosystem unit of Inquiry. Third-grade artists focused on the different biomes of the world. Students chose several ecosystems and created a cross-section of the earth that displays animals, landscapes, and details from their selected habitats. They focused on using contrasting colors to help make several focal points in their art. Lastly, the class designed impressive food web mandalas. Students were asked to choose an ecosystem, an apex predator, secondary consumers, and primary consumers/producers to define the flow of energy through the ecosystem in their food web. The artists did a fantastic job creating radial balance and patterns around a central point. This class's ​​attention to detail and precision in their work is outstanding, and I could not be prouder of their efforts!

fifth

Abstract Art

           Click HERE to see photos :)

We started the rotation by diving into one of the most beloved projects of 5th grade: the Wire Nylon Stocking Sculpture. For this project, students bent a wire coat hanger into an abstract form and secured it into two small holes drilled into a wood base. Students hardened the surface by painting the nylon with primer. I then turned the students loose to design and color it however they seemed fit. But wait, that's not all! Students wrote a haiku describing the art form to give the abstract piece a sense of understanding and identity. 

Kuminhumo Bracelets: Artists learned the art of a traditional Japanese cord. The cords are created by taking several bundles with dozens of threads each, wrapping them around bobbins, and then braiding the bundles together in a diagonal criss-cross arrangement.

Kindergarten

                     Patterns, Cycles, love and bears

Click HERE to see photos :)

The Visual Element of a Pattern is constructed by repeating or echoing the elements of an artwork to communicate a sense of balance, harmony, contrast, rhythm, or movement. Art has two basic types of patterns: Natural Patterns and Man-Made Patterns. Both natural and man-made patterns can be regular or irregular, organic or geometric, structural or decorative, positive or negative, and repeating or random. Kindergarteners created their own fabulous patterns inspired by manmade and natural examples.

In honor of the people we love, we created photo stands made with clay and decorated them using acrylic paint. And lastly, artists made these super cute bears because who doesn't want to snuggle up with a sweet and adorable fluffy bear?

SECOND GRADE

Exploration in Art

  Click here for photos!

In V.A. class, the second graders have been busy exploring various themes through art. We began the exploration unit of inquiry by learning about outer space and drew the planets of our solar system using oil pastels. We then dived deep into the ocean and learned about the Great Barrier Reef. The students created magnificent ocean scenes depicting a variety of creatures and coral. Moving on, we created artwork on what lies beneath the Earth's surface. After drawing things on the surface such as plants, animals, and people, we imagined what could be hiding underground. The students came up with fascinating possibilities such as worms, pipes, bones, tools, and rabbits. Finally, we ended the unit by making whimsical animal wall decorations.

    4th Grade

Art & The Amazing BRAIN

                                Click HERE to see photos:

Students have created impressive tessellations using mathematical formulas. A tessellation, also known as tiling, is formed by repeating a shape over and over again to cover a plane without any gaps or overlaps. In addition, artists have also made Op Art, and working aleidocycles involve paper-folding to connect six tetrahedra or tetragonal disphenoids with isosceles triangles on opposite edges into a cycle. This model can be constructed from a stretched triangular tiling net with four triangles in one direction and an even number in the other direction. Lastly, students made impressive Notans. Notan (pronounced no-tan) is a Japanese term that means 'light and dark harmony/balance. ' It's a design concept that looks at how light and dark elements of a composition interact only using black and white. 

First Grade

PlANTS/NATURE

We had the most enjoyable experience in an Art class where children were able to appreciate the beauty of nature up close. The children had the opportunity to learn about different kinds of plants, fungi, and ecosystems while indulging in their artistic side. The program was not only informative but also engaging as we learned a fantastic technique to make birch trees look remarkably realistic. And the best part of it all was the artwork created by our little prodigies. From intricate sketches of flowers to awe-inspiring landscapes, they truly outdid themselves. If you're curious to see their brilliant creations, click below to check them out!

Click HERE to see photos:

Third Grade

Nutrition/Food

Wayne Thiebaud is an artist made famous by his paintings of desserts. His artwork looks good enough to eat. The thick application of oil paint has the texture of real frosting, meringue, and fillings with delightful values and colors.

Though Thiebauds paintings look complex, artists of all ages can create cakes of their own. Once we break it down, step back, and realize that all artwork is composed of basic shapes and lines, we begin to see the geometry at play.

Artists also made these amazing pizza stuffies. Some of them even have pockets for pens and markers!  How cool is that!?

            Click this link for photos!

fifth

Pop Art/Media

There was no stopping fifth grade this rotation in art!  We covered so many different genres. We had an epic semester in V.A. We started the rotation learning about cereal box marketing. Students became cereal box designers throughout this unit when they were asked to design an aesthetically appealing cereal box.  Each design should have a title, mascot, drawing of the cereal in a bowl, and a free prize or enticing offer. Then we moved into Pop Art, making ring pop art and paper Squishmellows. You will be so impressed when you see what your artists have created.

Click HERE to see photos :)

sixth

graffiti & Impressionism

What do graffiti and Impressionism have to do with one another? Absolutely nothing. 

Fences: We started off the semester creating these cool graffiti fences. Students learned about the history and art of graffiti and then gave it a try (legally). Photos below ~Check them out!

Impressionistic Apples: All students received a pallet of ONLY primary colors (plus black and white). That's it. No brushes or water containers.

We discussed what a birds-eye view meant and prior to sketching, talked about what they noticed about the apples from the perspective of looking down on them. We also discussed what they noticed about the shadows. Were they really just black? Was color reflected in it? Was an apple only red? Was the plate only white? We then talked a bit about impressionistic painting, and I encouraged them to blend colors directly on their papers! Students used their fingers to paint to get the loose Impressionist "brush stroke" style. The results are turning out incredible!

BIRDS: Now that students understood the idea of energy and movement of impressionism, they were allowed to use paint pallets and paintbrushes to create these amazing paintings of birds. Get ready to be IMPRESSED! (I couldn't help myself! :)

Click HERE to see photos :)

Kindergarten

Self-Portraits: Artists drew self-portraits and decorated the background with exciting designs and colors to showcase their amazing personalities. Enjoy!

Fairy Tales: Artists embarked on a magical journey through the enchanting world of fairy tales in our Kindergarten Fairy Tale Art Unit! This was an imaginative and interactive unit that invited young artists to explore classic tales like The Lion and the Mouse and Jack and the Beanstalk through a creative lens. From whimsical mixed-media paintings of fairy tale characters, our little artists unleashed their creativity while developing fine motor skills and storytelling abilities. 

Van Gogh Pumpkins: Artists learned how to draw pumpkins, mix red and yellow paint to create orange, and apply color in a VanGogh-esque Impressionist style. 

Click HERE to see photos :)

SECOND GRADE

Units: Maps & Nature

Maps: Students made impressive fantasy treasure island maps on thick watercolor paper. Artists were asked to create a country or place in which they would be able to represent themselves. Students added at least five different land features, and the map key explains what each symbol means.

Nature: These terrific toucans will be sure to capture your attention. Students learned a bit about toucans and practiced how to draw them. Next, they added plants to create a dense rainforest background. Using watercolor paint, sharpies, and colored pencils to add color gave the students an opportunity to mix and blend colors.

Students learned about a beautiful Non-Fiction book about Kate Sessions and her story of turning San Diego from a desert to a lush green environment. We focused on birds-eye perspective and foreshortening (a method of rendering a specific object or figure in a picture in depth. The artist records, in varying degrees, the distortion that the eye sees when an object or figure is viewed at a distance or an unusual angle).

  Click here for photos!

4th Grade

Symmetry, Perspective & Egypt 

Camper Van: Students worked on their line, balance & symmetry skills by creating a drawing of a camper van that flips open to reveal what's on the inside! Who knew that cats could drive?

One-Point Perspective: Artists learned how to make a unique one-point perspective city drawing using a worm's eye view.

Egypt: Students learned about the art symbolism of sarcophaguses. They created their own designs and decorated cardboard boxes, which they would later use in their U of I summative.

Click HERE to see photos:

First Grade

Leaders in Art

Artists have studied several famous leaders known in the Art World. We started the unit by exploring the life, ideas, and art of Salvador Dali. We celebrated Dali and his Surrealist art by making portraits of him depicting a unique interactive mustache. Next, students learned about Frida Kahlo. We looked at some of her art and touched upon her life and Frida's inspiring perseverance and determination that is portrayed within her artwork. Those students who finished early started a very relaxing weaving project; the results are stunning! We then switched gears by looking at the work of the American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. At first glance, his paintings look like simple compositions of shapes, lines, and words, but upon extended viewing, these artworks convey complex layers of thought and emotion. Lastly, we ended the year with French artist Henri Matisse. Students created the most beautiful art inspired by his famous "Goldfish" painting. I am so proud of these young artists. Their creativity and imagination continue to impress me every single day!

Click HERE to see photos:

Third Grade

Power of Art & Ecosystems

We started the rotation with a POP. Pop Art that is! Students learned about the American art icon Andy Warhol. Warhol became famous for exploring popular culture in his work. He liked using bright colors and mass-produced images of celebrities or commonly used items. Students followed in Warhol's footsteps by drawing their own shoes (catch the pun there?). Artists did this by visually breaking down their shoes into simple shapes. When the drawing was complete, we used the Xerox machine to make three additional copies. Lastly, students used four different color schemes to create an impressive Polyptych. We then switched gears and moved into the Ecosystem unit of Inquiry. Third-grade artists focused on the different biomes of the world. Students chose several ecosystems and created a cross-section of the earth that displays animals, landscapes, and details from their selected habitats. They focused on using contrasting colors to help make several focal points in their art. Lastly, the class designed impressive food web mandalas. Students were asked to choose an ecosystem, an apex predator, secondary consumers, and primary consumers/producers to define the flow of energy through the ecosystem in their food web. The artists did a fantastic job creating radial balance and patterns around a central point. This class's ​​attention to detail and precision in their work is outstanding, and I could not be prouder of their efforts!

            Click this link for photos!

fifth

Abstract Art, Flags & American Revolution

Artists began this rotation by creating pieces inspired by abstract expressionist and figurative artist Richard Diebenkorn. In his art, Richard Diebenkorn used maps and aerial photographs he had taken from airplanes. For this project, students used a variety of paper maps as a reference. They outlined the map's main roads and focus points and then chose a color scheme to finalize the piece. Many students decided to use a monochromatic color scheme, others analogous, and some went bold with a triadic color scheme. They are all imposing, and I couldn't be prouder of their ongoing enthusiasm and effort. Next, we dove into one of the most beloved projects of 5th grade; the Wire Nylon Stocking Sculpture. For this project, students bent a wire coat hanger into an abstract form and secured it into two small holes that were drilled into a wood base. Students hardened the surface by painting the nylon with primer. I then turned the students loose to design and color it however they seemed fit. But wait, that's not all! Students wrote a haiku describing the art form to give the abstract piece a sense of understanding and identity. We then changed gears and focused on the American Revolution unit. For this unit, artists created a non-traditional flag representing the value and beliefs of themselves, someone they love, or Mackintosh Academy. The original ideas that came out of this assignment were incredibly thought out and remarkably crafted. We concluded the unit by shifting to American Revolutionary portraits. Each student researched their selected area of study from their Unit of Inquiry class (e.g., blacksmiths, farmers, candle makers, apothecaries, tailors, goldsmiths, merchants, and more.) Next, we studied the work of Revolutionary portrait artist Charles Willson Peale. Artists then drew detailed self-portraits as if they lived during the American Revolution.

Click HERE to see photos :)

SECOND GRADE

Unit: Explorers & Human Body:

Artists started the unit by drawing themselves, looking through binoculars, and depicting the explorer they chose to learn more about in the Unit of Inquiry. They then created amazing explorer dolls out of socks and fabric. They mastered the art of tieing knots and the whip stitch.

Unit: Human Body Unit: 

Students are learning about the circulatory/Respiratory systems. After studying what they do and what they look like, artists drew a unique & artistic Circulatory/Respiratory system on paper as a practice. They then drew the refined design on a white t-shirt and colored it with fabric markers.

  Click here for photos!

         4th Grade

The Brain & Egypt 

Students have created impressive tessellations using mathematical formulas. A tessellation, also known as tiling, is formed by repeating a shape over and over again to cover a plane without any gaps or overlaps. In addition, artists have also made Op Art, and working kaleidocycles involve paper-folding to connect six tetrahedra or tetragonal disphenoids with isosceles triangles on opposite edges into a cycle. This model can be constructed from a stretched triangular tiling net with four triangles in one direction and an even number in the other direction.

Click HERE to see photos:

First Grade

Looking at Nature

Students had a close-up view of nature and the wonderful ecosystems that thrive within our beautiful plant life. While making art about plants, artists also studied warm and cool colors, and we learned a fancy way to make realistic birch trees. That's not all we did.  Just click below to see the amazing art your kiddos created!

Click HERE to see photos:

Third Grade

wayne thiebaud 

Wayne Thiebaud is an artist made famous by his paintings of desserts. His artwork looks good enough to eat. The thick application of oil paint has the texture of real frosting, meringue, and fillings with delightful values and colors.

Though Thiebauds paintings look complex, artists of all ages can create cakes of their own. Once we break it down, step back, and realize that all artwork is composed of basic shapes and lines, we begin to see the geometry at play.

Native American art

Connecting to the Human Migration Unit, artists created AMAZING Native American art honoring the indigenous people who have lived in North America for hundreds of years.

            Click this link for photos!

fifth

 Oh My! SOoOooOO much art! 

There was no stopping fifth grade this rotation in art!  We covered so many different genres. We had an epic semester in V.A. We started the rotation by making art for Original Works. Students became cereal box designers and marketers throughout this unit when they were asked to design an aesthetically appealing cereal box.  Each design should have a title, mascot, drawing of the cereal in a bowl, and a free prize or enticing offer. Then we moved into Pop Art, making ring pop art and paper Squishmellows. You will be so impressed when you see what your artists have created!

Click HERE to see photos :)

sixth

Impressionism

APPLES: All students received a pallet of ONLY primary colors (plus black and white). That's it. No brushes or water containers.

We discussed what a birds-eye view meant and prior to sketching, talked about what they noticed about the apples from the perspective of looking down on them. We also discussed what they noticed about the shadows. Were they really just black? Was color reflected in it? Was an apple only red? Was the plate only white? We then talked a bit about impressionistic painting, and I encouraged them to blend colors directly on their papers! Students used their fingers to paint to get the loose Impressionist "brush stroke" style. The results are turning out incredible!

BIRDS: Now that students understood the idea of energy and movement of impressionism, they were allowed to use paint pallets and paintbrushes to create these amazing paintings of birds. Get ready to be IMPRESSED! (Couldn't help myself! :)

Click HERE to see photos :)

Kindergarten

Original Works: Artists started the school year by creating compelling pieces of art specifically for the Original Works program.  Each grade chose a specific theme and designed a richly decorated 8.5” x 11” drawing using a variety of watercolor pencils, sharpie markers, and/or watercolor paint.  The kindergarten’s theme was peacocks and self-portraits. Take a look at what they accomplished! These are truly amazing!

Self-Portraits: Artists drew self-portraits and decorated the background with exciting designs and colors to showcase their amazing personalities. Enjoy!

Van Gogh Pumpkins: Artists learned how to draw pumpkins, mix red and yellow paint to create orange, and apply color in a VanGogh-esque Impressionist style. 

Click HERE to see photos :)

SECOND GRADE

Units: Maps & Nature

Maps: Students made impressive fantasy "Me Island maps" depicting their hobbies and interests. The symbolic map was a project in which students were asked to create a country or place in which they would be able to represent themselves. Students added at least five different land features, and the map key explains what each symbol means.

Nature: Students learned about a beautiful Non-Fiction book about Kate Sessions and her story of turning San Diego from a desert to a lush green environment. We focused on birds-eye perspective and foreshortening (a method of rendering a specific object or figure in a picture in depth. The artist records, in varying degrees, the distortion that the eye sees when an object or figure is viewed at a distance or an unusual angle).

Lastly, we finished the rotation by creating super cool 3-D cacti. Check them out by clicking below!

  Click here for photos!

Fourth Grade

Units: Original Works, Words & Art, and Inventions

Original Works: Students began the school year by creating a compelling piece of art for the Original Works program.  Each grade chose a specific theme and designed a richly decorated 8.5” x 11” drawing using a variety of watercolor pencils, sharpie markers, and/or watercolor paint.  I couldn’t be more impressed by the effort and artistic talent put forth by this creative class! 

Inventions: Connecting to the " Invention Unit of Inquiry," artists created their own mad scientist (the happy-intelligent kind that wants to pour love and kindness into the world) lab.  

Words & Art: Artists also created Food Trucks and Tin-box books.  Click on the link below to check them out!

            Click this link for lots of photos!

Kindergarten

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Third Grade

            Click this link for lots of photos!

Fourth Grade

            Click this link for lots of photos!

FIRST GRADE

Unit: Leaders in Art

SALVADOR DALI & FRIDA KAHLO, 

Students are studying some famous leaders known in the Art World. We started off the unit by exploring the life, ideas, and art of Salvador Dali. We celebrated Dali and his Surrealist art by making portraits of him depicting a unique interactive mustache. Artists then learned about Frida Kahlo. We looked at some of her art and touched upon her life and Frida's amazing perseverance and determination that is depicted within her artwork.

            Click this link for lots of photos!

SECOND GRADE

Unit: Explorers

Artists started the unit by drawing themselves looking through binoculars and depicting an explorer they wish to learn more about in
Unit of Inquiry. They then created amazing explorer dolls out of socks and fabric. Lastly, students imagined they were deep-sea divers and made a watercolor painting exploring the depths of the ocean. 

  Click here for photos!

Fifth GRADE

Unit: Poetry, Cereal, Pears, and Lightbulbs

We started the unit with blackout poetry.  What is blackout poetry? Blackout poetry is when a page of text — usually an article from a newspaper — is completely blacked out (colored over with a permanent marker so that it is no longer visible) except for a select few words. When only these words are visible, a brand new story is created from the existing text. 

Students also became media designers and marketers throughout this unit when they were asked to design an aesthetically appealing cereal box.  Each design should have a title, mascot, drawing of the cereal in a bowl, and a free prize or enticing offer. 

Artists then focused on technique and skill using acrylic paint and colored pencils.  Check out these AMAZING acrylic paintings of pairs and lightbulbs using colored pencils on black paper.

  Click here for photos!

Kindergarten

 Community Unit: Did you know that your eyes are located in the middle of your head?  Did you also know that your arm span is almost as long as your body from head to toe? The kindergarten class knows! Artists focused on drawing self-portraits.  We learned about the anatomical aspects of the face and practiced drawing  the human body proportionally.  We finished off the drawings by decorating  the background with exciting designs and colors to showcase their amazing personalities. 

            Click this link for lots of photos!

Fourth Grade

Science & Art: Connecting to the " Invention Unit of Inquiry," artists created their very own mad scientist (the happy-intelligent kind that wants to pour love and kindness into the world) lab. 

Human Body: Students explored different ways an artist might draw "movement. We learned that there was no wrong way to express motion...the methods are wide and varied.  Artists also spent time learning how to draw details parts of the face (nose, eyes, mouth).

            Click this link for lots of photos!

seventh Grade

Shoes, Shrines, Clay & Other Treasures

Masking Tape Shoe: Students are learning about the aesthetic identity of 3D design by crafting a realistic masking tape shoe with a unique material not often used as a medium in art. Each student is required to adopt a “real” shoe as a model and create a copy using ONLY masking tape. 

Micrography Project: 7th grade artists learned that Micrography is artwork created from text that forms an image when viewed at a distance. Students chose a photograph, converted it to grayscale, drew a contour drawing of it and lastly, used text to create and block in values.

            Click this link for lots of photos!

FIRST GRADE

Plant Unit: Students had a close-up view of nature and all of the wonderful ecosystems that thrive in within our beautiful plant life. Students also depicted trees and what might exist under the earth.  What's happening with their roots?  What lives beneath the soil?  Artists had fun imagining all of the creative possibilities. 

            Click this link for lots of photos!

SECOND GRADE

Nature Unit:  Students learned about a wonderful Non-Fiction book about Kate Sessions and her story of turning San Diego from desert to a lush green environment.  We focused on birds eye perspective and foreshortening (method of rendering a specific object or figure in a picture in depth. The artist records, in varying degrees, the distortion that is seen by the eye when an object or figure is viewed at a distance or at an unusual angle).

 Human Body Unit: 

Students drew a unique & artistic Circulatory/Respiratory system  on paper as a practice. They then drew the refined design on a white t-shirt and colored it with fabric markers.

  Click here for photos!

Fifth GRADE

Astronomy/Geology Unit

Students studied the art of Wenzel August Hablik, also known as Wenceslav Hablik. Hablik, was a painter, graphic artist, architect, designer, and craftsman of the early twentieth century, associated with German Expressionism. We then made amazing geode paintings using a wet on wet watercolor technique with salt. 

  Click here for photos!

Entrepreneurship Unit

Students had a BLAST creating their very own mini golf course!  More details & pictures coming son! ~The paint is still drying!