Smith Clove

Inspired by the work of artist Alma Thomas:
Shape Eclipse made of paper collage and tempera

Our kindergarten artists took a look at the bold, colorful work of African-American artist and teacher, Alma Thomas. After examining Thomas' painting The Eclipse (1970), students created their own echoing shapes. The kindergartners utilized skills such as printing, tracing, cutting, tearing and gluing in order to incorporate elements such as line, shape as well as color together to create eye-catching works of art!

In the style of
Wassily Kandinsky:
Geometric Composition
in ink, crayon & watercolor

Our first graders were inspired by the works of artist, Wassily Kandinsky. Students incorporated elements and principles such as line, geometric shapes, space and scale together for these deliciously modern pieces.

Inspired by the work of Claes Oldenburg:
Sandwich Collage using paper collage & ink

Our first grade artists learned about Pop Art and Claes Oldenburg's child-friendly subject matter was a great source of inspiration for these adorable paper sandwiches. Students used construction paper to hone their folding, tracing and cutting skills.

In the style of artist, Georges Seurat:
Pointillist Landscapes using ink & watercolor

Our first grade artists learned about the art technique of pointillism, its relationship to color mixing as well as the "Father of Pointillism" artist, Georges Seurat. Students took a long look at Seurat's most famous painting, Sunday Afternoon on the Island la Grande Jatte (1884-86). Our first graders were then asked to create a landscape using the three secondary colors as well as brown using the three primary colors of liquid watercolor paint.

Inspired by the work of Louise Nevelson:
Wood Sculptures using wood & tempera

Our Kindergarten and first grade artists explored 3-D art through the eyes of Louise Nevelson. The artist's work, which incorporated found wood pieces, was perfect for demonstrating to students how form can also be used to create an artistic composition. Students painted their wood pieces with a metallic tempera paint which gave the work a timeless feel!

Inspired by the work of ceramic artists throughout the centuries:
Lotus Bowls using clay with paint or glaze

The tradition of creating lotus bowls is believed to have come from Asia. Lotus bowls do not have to look exactly like a lotus flower. Over the years they have become so common that almost any bowl that resembles a flower can be considered a lotus bowl. By creating and using specific forms, students created a flower-like shape with earthenware or air dry clay. After their lotus bowl had been fired or hardened, students painted with gloss glaze at school or acrylic paint at home.