This year my 5th-grade artists looked at the work of Louise Nevelson and Betye Saar. Inspired by their work with found objects we started our own collection of bits and bobs. Each student started out with a cardboard base for stability and then we learned all about composition. We played with how we would arrange... Continue Reading →
In Second Grade we started our ceramics unit by tying in their number corner's look at pinnate vs. palmate leaf types. The resource I used from the American Museum of Natural History's website is here. We left our campus and explored the amazing Capital Crescent Trail as a class. We collected various pinnate and palmate... Continue Reading →
I tried drawing from observation and impressionist style paint application with my 4th graders and they did a fantastic job! The results are phenomenal and I hope you enjoy some photos of their process and final pieces.
My Second graders started out the year learning about the term "Public Art". They looked at Kieth Haring and other artists and learned the term "Mural Art" as well. Once we had a good handle on this type of art we started on a journey to create a design with a variety of lines just... Continue Reading →
To start the year off, my after-school art club made paper roller coasters. Part of my new job includes running two after-school art clubs. One for grades two and three, and another for grades four and five. It is an awesome opportunity to try out projects with the kids, and see what works and what... Continue Reading →
I have recently accepted a job at the Washington Episcopal School, just outside of DC in Bethesda Maryland as their elementary art teacher. I am following my children into what I hope will be their school until 8th grade! I am going to be teaching 2nd-5th grade art classes, and I couldn't be happier! The... Continue Reading →
Once again we created single object still life paintings. I swear they get more and more dynamic every year! This project comes as the final piece in our study of color theory. We do this through studying the color wheel, color terms, and finally color relationships. Right before this project each student had the opportunity to design... Continue Reading →
After four years of trial and error in finding the right sketchbooks for my students I think I may have finally cracked it! I order them these beautiful ProArt hardbound sketchbooks that are only five and a half by eight inches. They are easy to cary and somehow incredibly pleasing in their small size. The girls... Continue Reading →
Just like I have the past 4 years I am starting out the year with having my Foundations of Studio Art class explore visible light and the color wheel! In preparation for our first big project (Single Object Still Life) we spend the first two-three weeks of classes looking at color theory, color mixing and... Continue Reading →
We wrapped up this amazing school year with another round of independent art projects. Each student filled out a contract that outlined their plan of action, their research goals, and their three most important overall goals for the project. It was their three overall goals that I used as a measure for how I would... Continue Reading →
Emma Teaches Art! 