Third graders learned what makes a design "radial" (a design that starts in the middle and repeats itself in a circular motion, going around and around). They then looked at radial designs in nature as well as watched a time-lapse video of monks creating an intricate sand mandala.  After that, they designed and etched their own printplates (stamps) on craft foam.  Finally, they rolled black ink on top of these print plates and pressed them onto colorful marker backgrounds, creating beautiful radial designs!  

Please remind your third grader that submissions for the STR Holiday Card contest are due on October 12th.  All students submitting will receive extra credit for art class.

Third graders viewed artwork by Frida Kahlo.  They learned about her use of symbols and how they represented her thoughts and feelings.  Students drew themselves, created symetrical frames, and then filled out a questionaire all about themselves.  They used that questionaire to come up with symbols to represent themselves which they collaged on to their frames.

Students began this painting by creating a blue value gradient for the sky.  They focused on blending paint colors to create a gradual shift from dark blue to light blue/white.  Students then practiced proper painting skills as they layered the other shapes on top.  We looked at artwork by Charley Harper to tie this lesson into American art history.

We learned about artist, illustrator, and author, Faith Ringgold.  Students then chose a memory of their own to create a drawing of.  They used repeated, lines, shapes, and textures to create a quilt-like border.  Finally, third graders recorded their own artist statement about this artwork, and printed out QR codes that link to these videos. 

Students created their own ceramic animals in class.  They learned about the stages of clay and the kiln firing process.  Finally, they used glazes to add their bright and shiny colors!

Third graders are currently creaing their own castle watercolorings!  We learned about artist, Mary Blaire and her Disney connections.  Students focused on drawing with good line quality, and painting with intention.  These are looking amazing!

Students will learn about Jackson Pollock and his abstract expressionist paintings.