Valentine's Art Projects from the Past

Each year, I tend to try something different for Valentine's Day.  I like to spice things up, don't you?

Here are some from the past that I have done.

1.  Valentine's Heart Collages

 2.  Cool Hands, Warm Heart

3.  Easy Clay Hearts for Kindergarten 

    I have made these for Christmas presents, but they would be perfect for Valentine's Day.

4.  Maps of My Heart (by Kindergarten)

5.   Styrofoam Printed Valentines

P.S.  My new blog design is at ArtisBasic.com.  Check it out if you would like to get a sneak preview before the RSS feeds are moved over.

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Cross Hatched Animals by the 3rd and 4th Graders

These lovely cross-hatched animal drawings were made by my 3rd/4th grade class. The students used pictures from Zoobooks magazine for reference and practiced hatching and crosshatching techniques.

I love using illustrated books to connect with our curriculum. For one, it gives a real life connection. Second, it might spark their interest in reading more quality books.

We looked at the beautiful cross hatched drawings by Brian Selznick, author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and Wonderstruck. Those are both awesome books. Many of the students had already read or seen these books, so it was a great way to connect with interests they already had.

drawing by Brian Selznick



 

   

   

   

   

Name Pattern Designs

This is a great project that ties together math, art, and social studies.  We looked at the repeating patterns and shapes in Islamic tile designs (they are studying Islam in social studies) for inspiration.

The tutorial for this project is in a blogpost I made earlier.  The only difference is that this year we used light tables to trace the image through the triangles.

Egyptian Sarcophagus Drawings-- 4th/5th grade

As much as possible, I like to tie in art projects to what the students are learning in their other classrooms.  The 4th/5th grade class studies ancient civilizations and has a big unit on Egypt.

In art class, I showed them a long slideshow about Egyptian art and architecture.

Then, the students made a sarcophagus drawing.

They all started with a shape tracer for the sarcophagus.  I don't often use tracers, but once in awhile, I think it helps to start them off on a confident foot.  I didn't want them to become frustrated with getting the shape just quite right.  There are plenty of sarcophagus templates on the internet if you google for them.

I gave them a handout with directions about how to set up their sarcophagus.  Basically, they needed to divide their sarcophagus into sections.  Then they drew the facial features, hair and other details.  They were encouraged to draw 3-5 Egyptian hieroglyphs and make ups 2 or more of their own symbols.  Then they could color in their sarcophagi however they wanted.

After their pictures were complete, we made these OUT OF CLAY!!  We actually made sarcophagus boxes with lids.  The students replicated their drawings very well.  These boxes turned out awesome and the kids loved this project.  The boxes are in the kiln right now being fired and we are going to paint them next week.  Of course, I will show you pictures when they are all finished, but let me tell you, they are fantastic!  This is the first time I taught an Egyptian art lesson where we made the sarcophagi out of clay and I'm pleased with how it all went.

If you are curious about other projects we've made incorporating ancient civilizations here are a couple of links:

Egyptian Profile Paintings
Sumerian Clay Statues

Dr. Suess Architecture-- 2nd grade

The 2nd graders studied Dr. Suess books in their classroom.  In art class, I showed them the art of Dr. Suess.  Did you know he made paintings and sculptures?  I showed them this book:

The Secret Art of Dr. Suess.. a must-have for art teachers teaching about Dr. Suess!  I love his artwork. Fantastic, whimsical, charming!  There are a few pictures in there better left for adults, so photocopy the pages you want the kids to see and pass them out for them to look at.  

I photocopied pictures from his storybooks that showed buildings and houses in the background.  The students used his whimsical style for inspiration and made their own Dr. Suess inspired pictures of architecture.  Some added characters... all of them were colorful and fanciful.

Coloring Book

I just wanted to share with you this cool Doodlers Anonymous coloring book link. 
I have a drawing that is going to be in the coloring book!  I can't wait to see it.  (I haven't been paid to promote the book, but I just wanted to share my good news!)

"The anticipated Volume II of the Doodlers Anonymous coloring book features the doodles and drawings of 60 artists from around the globe - some fresh novices, others seasoned veterans, all of whom share a love for the hand-drawn.

The coloring book ships in time for the holidays and is the perfect stocking stuffer for the young or young at heart.

The artwork is playful, beautiful and inspiring - not something off the shelf. So treat yourself, your family, and your faves to a little bit of happy!"

Here was my drawing!

The cover of the coloring book.  Doesn't it look fun?

Patterned Still Life: 5th and 6th grade

The 5th and 6th grade students set up still life arrangements and drew them from observation.  We discussed composition and creating interest within a picture.  The students tried to draw some objects with a variety of heights and sizes.  They were to make sure that 2-3 lines went off the edge of the page. 

We viewed a slideshow of many examples of still life paintings from various artists throughout art history.

Then, the students outlined their drawing and filled in the picture with lots of patterns.

Abstract Oil Pastel Trees-- 4th/5th grade

This is a lesson I teach every year because the results are so beautiful!  Each of the kid's drawings just turns out wonderful.

The 4/5s drew trees to complement their studies in Science class.
How can line be used creatively to make a stylized picture?  How can oil pastels be used effectively?   The students aimed to use line creatively and made stylized art.  A focus of the lesson was color mixing, blending and layering of the oil pastel.

Steps:
Day One-- (40 minutes)
1.  Show images of Piet Mondrian's abstract trees.  I use a powerpoint slideshow to show his art work.  Discuss how he started out with realistic trees, then they became more and more abstract.  Finally, his style progressed to just shapes, lines and colors... the style with primary colors which he is most known for.  

2.  Sketch a stylized tree with pencil.  Make sure the trees branches create sections for coloring in.  These lines should touch the edges of the page.  Tell the students that they can draw their tree with creative lines, but to avoid drawing lots and lots of tiny branches.

3.  Paint over the tree lines with black tempera paint.  You might need two coats to make it nice and solid.  At this point, many of the children are done with this step and can move on next period.  Others will need to finish painting the next class period.

Day Two, Three and maybe Four-- (40 minutes) 

4.  After the paint is dry, color thickly with oil pastels in each of the white sections (negative space).  Layer colors on top of each other to mix colors.  Then, use your finger to smudge and blend.  Show the students how they can make a color lighter by adding white or darker by adding black.  Show them how to make gradations or color changes within the sections (for example blending purple and blue from one side to the other).

Mondrian-- Primary Colors lesson plan-- Kindergarten

This is a great beginning of the year project for kindergartners. 

During the first 40 min. class period:

1.  Identify the primary colors:  RED, BLUE and YELLOW.  Show the color wheel and discuss.  (During the next project, we experiment with color mixing.)

2.  Teach about the artist Piet Mondrian.  I use a Powerpoint slideshow to show the artworks and explain about his style.  Discuss the straight lines, shapes and colors.

3.  The children glue pre-cut black strips to the paper.

During the second 40 min. class period:

1.  Review the primary colors and pass out crayons.  (Some of the crayons appear to be blue or red, but then when you color it actually looks pink or purple... so either test on a scrap piece of paper or have the kids test them out.)

2.  Color in the sections.  Admire your artwork.

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