December 11th thru 14th

This week in art we focused on finishing many of the projects that have been started but are still not complete.  This meant that students this week were working on their Aurora Borealis and Watercolor Silhouette projects as well as the Stained Glass projects.  Hopefully most of them have finally finished the older projects.  The Stained Glass projects will most likely stretch into the new year when we all return after the break.   For those students that work quickly and do finish all of their work there will be an extra project for them to work on as well.

Week of December 4th thru 7th

This has been a busy week in the art room.  We have been trying to get both the Aurora Borealis and the Watercolor Sillohette projects compeletly finished. 

For fourth grades this will most likely take all of our time left before winter break because we had an extra one day project last week of creating Christmas ornaments to decorate the lunchroom with. 

For fifth and sixth grades these projects should be finished now with only a handful of students needing an extra day.  So we started also talking about stained glass windows, the origin of stained glass, and how it is considered and used as an art form both for windows and art glass as well.  Students began designing a stained glass window they would like to make.

In addition to the other projects we had going on, I decided to let a few of my fifth and sixth grade students decorate my classroom windows for the holidays.  Those students who had all of their other projects completed had the chance to draw sticks to see which three students from each class would get to decorate a window pane.  Those students were then allowed to pick two others to help them.  Finally, this afternoon all of the windows were finally painted.  It was a lot of fun for me as well as the students.

Week of November 27th thru 30th

This week we did our artist focus for the month of November.  We talked a little about the artist Louise R. Farnsworth.  She is a Utah artist that paints landscapes and cityscapes using vibrant colors and soft lines.  Her paintings are great examples of the use of background, middle ground, and foreground in artwork.  The students did an assignment that asked them to remember two facts about her life, draw an example of background, foreground, and middle ground to show their understanding, and finally to write once sentence that explained their feelings or thoughts when they looked at the paintings by Louise R. Farnsworth.  This was an assignment that was completed in one class period.  Students who chose not to complete the assignment or to otherwise waste their class time will have a score that reflects that.

During the second class period we had together this week, we began talking about stained glass windows.  I love doing stained glass window projects around Christmastime because they are reminiscent of painted windows and holiday themes.  During our class together we began talking about the history of stained glass windows and how it has evolved as an art form including both windows and art glass sculpture, lamps, and more. During December I hope that students will use their time wisely and be able to complete their stained glass window projects before the holiday/winter break.

November 20th

Today is our only day in Art this week with the long Thanksgiving break beginning tomorrow.  I am excited for a few of my classes to have an extra day to work on their projects.

During the past few weeks I have been encouraging my classes to use their time more wisely by working instead of talking.  We have had a contest going between the classes.  There were two classes that tied for the best workers (I used an app that helped to monitor our volume level as part of the contest), these were Mrs. Wiser's and Mrs. Engles' classes.  For working so hard to keep on task and work together, they were provided an extra art experience on the last day of school.  These classes were allowed to do a painted cookie project.  Using food coloring (similar to watercolors) they used brand new brushes and painted a design onto a sugar cookie.  Many of the students did projects using rotational symmetry while a few others simply painted a variety of designs or attempted to paint a portrait.  It was quite a fun project for those that got to participate.

Week of November 13th thru 16th

This week we began working on our Aurora Borealis projects.  These projects begin with the watercolor texture paper we created last week.  The watercolor papers were turned into mountains and then using chalk students were able to create an Aurora or Northern Lights effect behind them.  This project has taken us a couple of class periods because the chalking takes longer for some of the students.  The end results are turning out quite well.

This is also the final week of the trimester.  I have sent home an email encouraging students to check their skyward to see if they have missing assignments.  There are several students who show they have missing work, however many of these are probably in the no name basket in my room.  Please check and turn in anything that is missing.  The last day to turn in anything will be Friday at 2:15PM.   Grades will post after Thanksgiving Break.

Next week we will only have one day of school and will be used as an extra work day on projects.

Week of November 6th thru 9th

This week we continued to work on finishing the Halloween silhouette paintings.  Most of the students are making great progress.

For those classes that have struggled with following instructions we have spent some time working on art concepts instead of time spent on projects.  In 4th grade classes this meant that we focused a class period on exploring what art means to them, and what they have learned and how to use art as an expression.

Throughout the year we will take time to re-direct our focus to art as an expression and learn about specific techniques and art terms as well as completing projects in those styles.

At the end of this week we began a new art project.  Using another watercolor technique we created a textured painting that will then be used to create a complete project next week.

Week of October 30th to November 2nd

This was a fun week in the are room.  We did a bit of subtractive sculpture (aka pumpkin carving) and I think the students had a great time.

 

I took a picture of the classroom before all of the fun got started and then each of the classes pumpkin groupings afterwards. 

 

For those students that didn't bring pumpkins or for those that finished early we had an extra watercolor project they could work on.  It is amazing just how fast the class time seemed to go both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Thursday and Friday we were back to work on our Fall Silhouettes.  By this point all of the students should have completed painting their sunset backgrounds and will work on finishing their silhouette foregrounds next week. 

November's Art Case

The 3rd graders made the artwork for the display case this month.  I helped to create a semi 3-D tree and the students all wrote on colored falling leaves what they were thankful for.

Week of Oct. 23rd to 26th

This week we continued working with watercolors.  We are going a Halloween Watercolor Silhouette project.  Students this week will learn about blending watercolors to create a sunset background.  They will also learn about using different mediums to complete their project by using black construction paper and sharpie in the foreground to create a Halloween or Fall image.

They will continue to work on this project this week and finish it next week.  Also, as a reminder next week on Tuesday and Wednesday will be our pumpkin carving days for those student who would like to bring a pumpkin to carve.  There will be an alternate activity as well.

Here's a quick snapshot of the many projects we have been working on throughout October:

Week of Oct. 16th to 19th

This week we began working with watercolors.  There was definitely a learning curve for us all, but by the end of the week I think the students were having fun and I was impressed with their projects.

Our first days this week we did a watercolor resist painting.  Using a white crayon the students created a drawing on their paper and then using watercolors painted over the drawing (the resist) until they could see it coming through.

Our second days this week we worked with liquid watercolors.  They allow for much more vibrant paintings and I think the students enjoyed working with them more as the colors don't get so mixed and messy.  For their first projects just to get a feel for the paints I allowed them to do free paint designs and then experiment with a variety of different textures including salt, rubbing alcohol, sprayed water, and tissues.  While I am keeping the majority of the students' artwork for their portfolios, these paintings will be sent home with students next week after they are graded.

Every day is a new adventure in the art room.  It is fun to watch the creativity and excitement of my students as they create their various projects and enjoy the different mediums we are working with.

Upcoming Optional Art Project for Halloween

Parents,

We are quickly approaching the end of October and Halloween. In art class we have been working on beginning watercolor projects this past week. We have a larger watercolor project coming up and then we will be moving onto a project that includes sculpture. In talking with the students and getting their feedback I have decided to offer an optional activity to those that would like to participate as a fun way to introduce sculpture (or in this case carving).
 

On October 30^th and 31^st, students can bring a hollowed out pumpkin or a small solid pumpkin or gourd to art class where we will create templates, carve, and decorate them. To ensure student safety, we will be using only safe non-sharp pumpkin carving tools (those you see in stores) while carving. Please do not allow students to bring any other carving tools or items with them to school. Everything else they need for decorating the pumpkin will be provided.
 

There will not be time to clean out the pumpkins in class so they must come already hollowed out or will instead be decorated as solids. There will be no exceptions. For those students that do not bring a pumpkin to class there will plenty of other activities to participate in or they can join with a friend or classmate and create a pumpkin together.
 

I hope this will be a fun way for the students to begin a new project as well as celebrate the holiday. If you have any questions, please call me at 801-756-8531 Ext. 174 or email me at jenniferharding@alpinedistrict.org. Also, you can see what we are doing each week in the art room by linking to our classroom blog: www.forbesuppergradeart.blogspot.com.
 

Thanks,

Jennye Harding

Week of October 9th-10th

This is a very short week, and I'm sure we're all excited for Fall Break and an extended weekend.  Because this is such a short week, and I only had one day with each class I decided to do a one day project.

Each month I will try to focus on a specific artist whether we focus on their technique, their style, or a specific painting or artwork.  This week we did the artist for the month of October.  We studied Edvard Much and his painting "The Scream".  The students got to learn a little about Edvard Much and what drew him to drawing and painting when he was younger.  (Ask your child and they should be able to tell you specifically that he was sick and so spent much of his time in his room and so started drawing what he could see in him home or just through his window.  They may even be able to give you a few other details about his life.)  We also talked about what drew him to paint "The Scream" and read his diary entry from the day that it was painted and how he felt that nature itself was screaming.

Since it is October and Halloween is this month I thought that the scream was a great fun project.  I found a fantastic handout that referenced the painting "The Scream".  It simply had the primary character and left out the background.  The students were then able to create their own background that was being screamed about.  It was fun to watch the creativity of the students as they came up with such a variety of backgrounds include traditional Halloween themes of haunted houses, to math tests, clowns, and various animals or people chasing or scaring them.

This was a quick, fun, one day project just right to send them off on Fall Break.

Week of October 2nd to 5th

Can you believe it's October!  It's hard to belive we have already been in school 7 weeks. 

We have been busy in the art room this week finishing our many projects.  By the end of the week just about all of the students had completed their color wheels, comic strips, and 6th graders had completed their scratch art.  It is great they are finishing up projects and the end results have been very good.

I was happy to see so many students and parents during SEPs.  Thanks for taking the time to come and visit the art room.  It is always fun for the students to show you what they have been working on. 

I really enjoy my classes and hope that they are enjoying what they are learning as well.

October's Art Case Display

The second grader classes did a great job with creating Haunted Houses for Halloween to decorate the display case this month. It is so exciting for me to watch the creativty of our students be displayed in so many ways.

 

Week of September 25th to 28th

It's hard to believe that September is already coming to an end.  We are continuing to have fun in the art room, though I am learning that many of my students are very detailed and projects tend to take a little more time than one class period allows for.  To accomodate this I am periodically having finish work days to allow time for students to work and complete projects.  Those students who finish quicker are given an extra project they can work on in class. 

This week all of my classes have finished their color wheels.  We began working on creating comic strips.  Students will take the primary elements that we have been talking about such as line, shape, color and use them to tell a story in 6 panels.  Most of the students have enjoyed this and have been very creative with both their characters and their comic strip situations.  There are a few who are still working on their comic strips, but by next week they should all be completed.

6th grade students have also been given a little extra time to continue to work on their scratch art projects as well.  These are looking amazing!  I hope to find a way to display them all for you to see.

5th grade had their final Kids in Nature field trip this week and hiked the Timpanogos Cave Trail.  I was lucky and got to go with them.  While I was the very last up the trail, and the very last down the trail it was an amazing experience to get to go with them. 

Next week we will have some extra class time to finish projects and begin working on a new collage art project.  This will be the first time we've worked with something other than colored pencils and crayons.  This project will take us through this week and next and lead us right into preparing for painting right after Fall Break. 

Also next week is SEPs.  All grades for completed work will be in Skyward by Tuesday.  I will be available on both days during SEP hours if you would like to stop by and see what your child has been working on in art class or if you have any questions.

Week of September 18th to 21st

We're moving right along in art class.  This week our 4th graders continued work on their color wheels, and also did a simple line art worksheet.  5th graders worked on finishing their Patriot Day drawings and completing their color wheels.  6th graders also worked on completing their color wheels and got to do a fun scratch art project on Friday while the 5th graders were on a field trip to Utah Lake.

Week of Sept. 11th thru 14th

This week seemed to speed right past!  We started off the week with Patriot Day on September 11th.  Tuesdays are when my 5th grade classes are with me, so we took the opportunity to talk about and remember the events of September 11th as well as discuss other ideas that remind them about being a Patriot.

Instead of moving on to a new art concept, students had the opportunity to use their drawing talents to create a picture of what they thought was important or memorable about being a Patriot.  These pictures include images of our flag, our service men and women, as well as memorable events of September 11th.  All of these drawings will be hung in areas of the school as they are finished.  Quite a few of them are already on display in the Art Case across from the Patriot Wall.  If you have the opportunity to be in the school take a moment to look at the great works our students are creating.

The rest of our week was busy as well.  With the 4th and 5th grade going on field trips and the Walk-A-Thon on Friday.

In the time we did have we focused this week on COLOR, one of the 7 primary elements of art.  Each of the students worked to create a complete color wheel.  We have also been working on a few additional routines in the classroom to help us when we begin messier art projects.  These new routines should also help us to move between classrooms quicker and quieter as well.

The Art Case

Mr. Rencher has suggested, and I am excited to follow-through with, using one of our front entry display cabinets to highlight the creativity and successes of our students.

In an effort to do this, we have designated the cabinet formerly used to display reading prizes as and Art Case.  This is the case directly across the hall from the Patriotic Displays.  This case will allow us space to highlight the masterpieces created by our students.  The plan is to highlight one grade per month with an extra month being focused on our PTA Reflections Program winners as well.

To start off, the 5th grade students have all created drawing commemorating Patriot Day and the ideas that symbolize patriotism to them.  Some of these drawings are in remembrance of September 11th.  Others show more universal symbols such as our country flag, the bald eagle, the Liberty Bell, and others.

I am excited to see and share the artwork of our students throughout the year.  I hope you'll take the time to see what they are doing as well.

Week of Sept. 4th to 7th

This week was pretty busy for my classes.  They all worked hard on completing their portfolios, and the last day of in class time devoted to them was Friday.  Just about everyone is finished with them now, but for those that still have a bit to do they will be allowed to work on them as they finish other projects this next week.

Our classes also participated in the school wide read-a-thon on Wednesday and watched Chopper 5 land at our school.  It was an exciting day and I hope it made an impact for them as much as it did for me.  I took the opportunity to let them have a break from doing art and we read a choose your own adventure style book that day.  It was fun to see the many options they could choose and how it would effect the story.

I was also able to go with the 5th grade classes to Thanksgiving Point and Hutchings Museum.  It was quite a full day of learning so many new things.  What a great way to see "art" in a different sense as we looked at all of the antiques and craftmanship of early settlers to Utah.  Hopefully while learning and visiting they were able to notice these things as well.  From quilts to clothing to needlepoint these are all types of art that can still be valued as important types of art skills.

This next week we'll begin reviewing the primary elements and principles of art and then beginning our next project.  I hope we can get into a good working routine as classes so that we can soon begin our first painting project for the year.  The timing of beginning that project will depend a lot on how the classes do in focusing and using time wisely.

Also, just as a note to parents and students:  I love to see work your students do outside of class.  If there is anything they want to share with me they can bring it in or even bring in a picture of it.  It's great to see how creative they are.  In fact, the PTA just announced the Reflections program for this year.  This is a great way for students to express their artistic talents.  The theme this year is "The Magic of a Moment..." and they can enter in a variety of categories.  Art categories include:  Visual Art, Photography, and 3-D art.  I encourage any of my students who enjoy being creative to consider making a project for the Reflections program.

I can still say that any day I get to go to school and do art with my "kids" is a great day.  Thank you for letting me share part of their learning time together.

Second Week

We have just about survived our second week of school.  The students are doing good and starting to remember the school rules when going to and from art class; we still need a little practice but I think they'll have it all figured out soon.

This week each student worked on creating their portfolio that will be used to store each of the paper art projects they create during the year.  The first side of the portfolio includes a minimum of 5 individual drawings that tell me a little more about them - their favorite things, what they like to do for fun, etc.

The seconod side of the portfolio is a Op Art project they did using their first names.  They each wrote their names in the middle of the portfolio page and then used a minimum of 3 different crayon colors to complete the project.

Many of the students only need a few more minutes to work or are finishing up on these projects.  Next week they should be finished.  We will do a quick review of some of the art elements, principles, and art supplies. 

Because our 4th and 5th grade classes have upcoming field trips the 6th grade classes will be doing a 6th grade only project throughout September as well.

It is a lot of fun getting to spend time with your children and seeing their creativity come to life!

Our First Days

It's the second day of school and I've finally had a chance to meet the students from all 7 of my classes.  What a great group of kids I'm lucky enough to spend part of every day with. 

In our first class time together, each class helped to create a masterpiece for my room.  These are collaborative artworks that are patterned after the "UP" balloons that carried away the house.  I had each class help me create their own bunch of balloons using their thumb prints to carry away our classroom.

They are kind of hard to see, but across my cabinets are all 7 of my classes and their bunch of balloons.

 

Also during our first day we made name cards that will help me recognize students with the right name (until I can try to start remembering all 200+ students).  In addition, I let them create their own Lego Men.  They could make it look like themselves, their future self or career, or even just a creatively designed figurine.  Here's some of what they created.

It is fun to get to spend time with these kids watching and enjoying their creativity. 

Welcome to the Art room!

Here is the first post of what I hope to be many as we begin our adventures in art together! 

I hope you have all been having a wonderful summer.  I have been enjoying the summer by planning fun project for us to do togther this year as well as preparing our art room for our new adventures. 

On this classroom blog I plan to share our classroom experiences, details about projects we are working on, fun art facts, and other things artsy as they come along.  Hope you find it informative as well and enjoyable. 

If at anytime you have comments or suggestions about something you want to see more of or have posted more regularly on our class blog please feel free to email me and let me know.

I can't wait to meet you at the school open house or during the first days of school!

Our Classroom

Here's a sneak peak inside our room: