Kluender- Art 7/8

Today, we went over safety guidelines when using the x-acto blades. Some students are still working on patterns and some were ready to cut. 

They were being very careful when using the tools. I'm very proud of them!

We also revealed our tissue paper tie-dyed paper today....I cant wait to see our birds layered on top!

Kluender/ Art 78

Art 78 students have spent their last art block creating hand-dyed paper to be later used as backgrounds for their bird drawings.

We used bleeding tissue paper and water for this technique. Some of our fingers got a little stained in the process, but the results will be worth it!

Students were instructed to cover the whole paper, but they could choose their own color combinations. We discussed using all of one color (for example, all greens), or choosing warm or cool color families, creating an ombre effect that fades from one color to the next, or doing "confetti" style with random colors. We discussed using colors that would be a nice contrast to our black and white drawings that will be layered on top of this background.

It was fun to switch gears from our sharpie bird drawings to getting a little messy in the Art Studio!

Students had to wet the white paper, place a piece of bleeding tissue on the wet area and flatten with the brush. Layering pieces caused colors to run and bleed into each other making new colors.

Once dry, we will remove the tissue paper and the remaining paper will be dyed. Taking off the tissue paper is always a little like opening a gift....it's exciting to see how it will turn out because it's a little bit of a surprise!

Look at all these colorful papers waiting to dry. 

I will post some  "after" pictures tomorrow...

Kluender- Art 78 A4

Kluender- Art 78

PATTERNS, PATTERNS, PATTERNS!!!!!!

Students have been working so hard on their patterns. It's been very quiet in the Art Studio...everyone is focused and into their details! We discussed how coloring and doodling is good for focus, lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress levels. Art class is good for you!

Next week, we will be shifting gears and getting a little messy. We will be hand tie-dying paper to use for the background.

We will also be introduced to the x-acto blades. A letter has gone home explaining all about the use of this tool, including our safety standards. The letter is on blue paper. I had them put the papers in their binders in class, but if your child misplaced the letter, there is a copy on my blackboard page as well as posted on this blog.

Kluender- Art 7/8

Parents of Art 7/8 students, 

I will be sending a notice home with your child regarding the use of x-acto knives in class for their project. Please see a copy of the notice below. 

September 16, 2016

To:  Art 7/8 parents

Art 7/8 students are working on a lesson inspired by artist John J. Audubon. They have been working hard on creating bird drawings that are being filled in with unique patterns. Students will be cutting out these intricate designs to layer on hand-colored paper. Students will have access to scissors, but to do more intricate cuts, I’d like them to be able to use x-acto knives. We will go over safety rules and expectations in class regarding the use of the x-acto knives to ensure everyone’s safety. Any student not following the guidelines below will not be allowed to continue to use the x-acto knives and will finish with scissors.

Listed below are the safety procedures and behavior expectations the students are expected to follow in this project.

1.  Students must work quietly and remain seated while using the x-acto knives.

4.  Place pads under the cutting area to protect tables.

5.  Hold the x-acto knife like a pencil.

6.  Keep hand that is not cutting above the cutting area to hold the paper in place and protect that hand from injury.

7.  When cutting curves, turn the paper with your free hand.

8.  Cut only paper related to the project.

9.  No one will be allowed to leave the room until all equipment is accounted for.

10.  Do not bring x-acto knives from home.

11.  Do not remove x-acto knives from the art room.  Hanover County policies relating to weapons will apply if a student is caught with an x-acto knife outside the art room.

12.  Anyone participating in unsafe actions will continue the project with scissors.

Please contact me if you would like your child to opt-out of using the x-acto knives. I have small scissors that they can use instead. I am available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you,

Mrs. Melanie Kluender

mkluender@hcps.us

804-723-2260

Kluender- Art 78

Today, Art 78 students began adding PATTERN to their bird drawings! 

You can achieve CONTRAST and INTEREST by varying the sharpie line width and alternating black-on-white and white-on-black patterns.

We used some of the patterns we found in magazines earlier. I also had handouts and books with plenty of ideas.

Kluender- Art 8

Today, Art 8 students were asked to draw an apple from memory. Then, I projected an image from an actual apple onto the board for them to draw from. We discussed how the two drawings differed. Most agreed that the apple drawn from observation was rendered much more realistically. 

We talked about ways to improve our observational drawing skill, a main focus in Art 8. Students were encouraged to start paying attention to the details of objects in real time. For example, upon seeing a beautiful sunset, instead of reaching for the phone to capture it, notice the fading colors of the sky and observe the shapes of the clouds. Learning to stop and observe detail will allow you to become a better artist. Students were also given tips about beginning with basic shapes before adding detail, drawing lightly and how to hold their pencil for sketching.

Our first big project will involve a pencil drawing done from OBSERVATION. We will add watercolor and colored pencil techniques to it to give it the appearance that the color is "draining" from the drawing. The subject matter is open for students to figure out on their own, but I will be working with them individually to fine tune their ideas. The IDEA is the hardest part! I'm encouraging them to think of a few different ideas for backups.