We begin 3D!!!

 I was over the moon when I found that you can buy boxes of pretty cheap 3D glasses on Amazon- who knew 3D glasses would be cost friendly for teachers?! This began a long, incredibly fruitful lesson on how to make 3D drawings. We taught the kids about how their eyes perceive 3D images (Mrs. Slats taught me about the parallax effect ;)). Then we explained how to make a drawing that will pop out when you put 3D glasses on. Using red and blue is key but, almost as important, using alternating color or pressure can really enhance the effect. Here are pictures of our first few class periods in this project when we researched and practiced making 3D images.

Comic Strips featuring our creatures

For our next project we extended off of the last project. I really wanted the kids to push their characters/creatures further in an additional format and transfer their writing practice into the art room.

They each designed and wrote a comic book featuring their bioluminescent character. We started by using graphic organizers for writing (which varied by grade or level) to lay out their story. Then I gave them a photograph that I had taken of their stuffed animal creature to use as a visual resource for drawing. I gave them both a front and back view so they could use those perspectives in their comic book. They practiced drawing both views before attempting it in their comic book (they are SUCH good sports about all of the planning tasks I make them do for each project ;)!).

I drew an outline for the strip and copied it onto nice Bristol paper so the paper was thick, strong and smooth.

For the next few weeks they hammered away at their comics. Some kids wove each other's creatures into each other's comics.....the stories connecting and extending off of the other.

When it came to inking and coloring the comics I only let them use fine tipped pens. I bought Sharpies, gel pens and ball point pens but all fine tips. Although it took a lot of hard work the final comic strips turned out stunning!

 

 

 

 

One point perspective lesson with soft pastels

I can't stop uploading pictures for this post because I'm so enamored with these drawings ;). These are from 1st-3rd grades. I approached the lesson a little different with the Kindergartners and I don't see 4th and 5th grade until Wed. (these here are my Monday students).

We looked at a couple of paintings by Grant Wood (American painter....super famous for the American Gothic painting) who creates really interesting space with perspective.

We also looked at Martin Puryear's "Ladder for Booker T. Washington" sculpture (here)....
Then we got technical and I instructed how to use a vanishing point, horizon line and orthogonal lines to create a guide to show perspective in their drawing and painting. I gave them one "rule" which was they had to show me some sort of road, path, river, etc in their drawing. From there they could invent their own place.

We also got the chance to work with high quality soft pastels......and they were a LOT messier that I envisioned them being!! ;) The students seemed to really enjoy working with them though. They are so full of potential! I see them as a cross between a drawing tool and a painting tool.

The first session they completed their drawing and laid in color. The second session I gave them pastel pencils, Conte crayons in several colors and a fine paintbrush and water to add their details.

Needless to say I was GUSHING over their results and effort....which is why I keep adding more and more to this post!!!

;)