The Dot

Kinder responds to The Dot by Peter Reynolds

After hearing the story, The Dot, and seeing all the different types of dots Vashti paints, kinder students were able to make their own art.

First, students were able to use crayons, markers, and watercolors to create their own dots, in all different sizes and colors. Students did a wonderful job of interpreting the story and the main character's artwork into their own creations! I look forward to posting the final outcomes on Arstonia, for parents to enjoy as well. These final products will also be linked to Ms. D's Art Room on facebook as well.

When they were finished, I let students use the watercolors to paint whatever they would like to paint. It was so much fun to hear them explain why they were painting certain things and what their paintings were about. At this age the ability to explain the intention of their work is even more relevant than the outcome.  Although we are working diligently on fine motor skills, I know that my students lives will be richer if they are given the chance to develop their creativity!

More than just an art class

This past week my students and fellow teachers rose up and were much more than just art students of fellow educators. They were the hands and feet of God! I am so proud of the hard work they put in and the generosity they and their families showed. I am so happy we will be able to donate so much to help those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.

A little variety?

St. Basil's Cathedral with Chalk Pastel

Second grade spends the year traveling the globe and creating art from various countries. The students even fill out passports for each country we study.

This unit is on Russia. Students love St. Basil's Cathedral because of its bright colors and Castle-like towers.

I've done a variety of projects about St. Basil's over  the years, and decided this year we would use Dry Pastel, I had a hard time deciding on the process, though. Should we use black paper or white paper? Should we outline first or not? So... this year, I decided to do all of them. I have 3 different groups, and each did their project a little differently. Why not?!? I'm finding the work inspiring in its variety. Who knows, maybe one year I will get brave enough to let the students chose their path! 

Check out some of the students' great work in progress.

Modern Mexican Art for All

I had so much fun....

I am so lucky to have a job I love teaching what I love... What could make it better? Training at one of the best places to visit...only 40 minutes from my house.

I went to go see the  México 1900–1950: Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and the Avant-Garde exhibit at the Dalla Museum of Art and receive training on creative ways to get students to look at and experience art.

I was so excited to see some of my favorite artists, and experience some new artists I was unaware of before today. It was also inspiring to see some work by artists whom I love, but had never seen these specific pieces.

Learn more about this exhibit here: Mexico 1900-1950 at the DMA . The exhibit runs through July, and they have free entry most Sundays, although it tends to be packed those days. As I always do, before I visit the museum with my students, I'll take this moment to remind you that many artists chose to represent the human body, and you should be ready for that if taking children.

Here are just a few pictures and observations from my training.

 Here I am ready to leave for my training.
 Can you see the excitement on my face?

When We first got to the museum, we met for some introduction and information on the Workshop and the Exhibit.

The first painting we saw was this Diego Rivera Mural which is in 4 sections. Here are a few of the panels. It's called Río Juchitán. 1953-1955. We did a fun activity involving looking and reflecting on the art. 

I also saw one of my favorite Rivera paintings, Calla Lilly Vendor (Vendedora de alcatraces), 1942:

Then we  moved on to Olga Costa's The Fruit Seller (La vendedora de frutas), 1951. We talked about identity and also got some fun ideas for bringing a painting alive for students through other senses like smell and texture.

 

Before I talk about the highlight, Frida, here are some other amazing artworks I saw:

  

 

The culmination of my day was seeing art by Frida Kahlo! 

Have you ever seen these wonderful fruit paintings? 

Here are some other paintings by Frida Kahlo that are rarely seen, since her Self-Portraits are what she is most famous for:

 

 

 

I spent so long looking at these last two paintings, only my loving family at home could finally drag me away. The meaning and details behind these paintings are so amazing in person!

 

Frida Kahlo's Self-Portrait with an Itzcuintli Dog, 1938 and The Two Fridas (Las dos Fridas), 1939

Lastly, here is me art-geeking out with some of my favorite pieces. 

and then it was time to leave, with some souvenirs and an excited smile!