We used calendar pictures of birds for inspiration in this project. Before we started drawing we discussed proportion and placement. Each student was given a bird picture to reference while we discussed the shape of the bird body (like a raindrop); the head size in comparison to the body size (can be different on different species); the angle and size of the beak; the length of the tail; and the angle of the legs. The students then pencil drew the bird and comparable surroundings as the calendar picture. They colored the birds with oil pastels and finished with a colored chalk background. For further information on this project see “Drawing Birds” in the 6th Grade Projects Gallery in the sidebar.
CALENDAR INSPIRED BIRDS
BE BOLD WITH BRITTA
One of the interesting things I learned about Romero Britta, when I looked up his biography, is the fact that when he started painting he painted on scraps of cardboard and newspaper. Britta’s optimistic, fun-loving approach to life is reflected in his selection of art subjects and his use of vibrant colors. I find his use of lines, circles and patterns a compelling reason to imitate his art. PowerPoint featuring Britta’s art is included. In this project we will be using a compass for the circles or part circles and a ruler for straight lines. For a list of supplies and directions go to, “Bright and Beautiful Britta,” in the 6th Grade Projects Gallery in the sidebar. Click on the image for a better view.
CIRCLES
Artist, Marlene Healey, uses elegant colors, textures and basic shapes to create her paintings. She creates depth with overlapping lines and texture. We attempt to recreate her style with circles, lines and colored pencils. We call this project, “Near and Far Circles.” For directions check in the 6th Grade Projects Gallery in the sidebar.
PAPER WEAVING
This is a very nice project, one I would suggest for the upper elementary grades. We are blessed in getting lots of used calendars and are always looking for new ideas to use them in. We also used wallpaper pages (a furniture store in town gives us as many retired wallpaper books as we want.) For a list of supplies needed and directions for this project, “Calendar Paper Weaving” look in the 6th Grade Projects Gallery in the sidebar.
FROSTY SNOWMAN PLAQUE
Last summer I bought a snowman plaque at a garage sale with the idea that I could use it as an example for the 6th grade to try to duplicate using cardboard instead of wood for the snowman base. I had it in mind for them to make their own patterns for the hat and carrot nose, but class time didn’t allow that. So I made a pattern for them to trace onto the black felt and the orange felt. I had wanted to use fleece for the scarves and hat bands, but I didn’t have enough scraps for that, so I used some type of jersey scraps. Any fabric that doesn’t ravel will work as long as it has a holiday look. For directions, supplies list and pattern, go to ” Snowman Plaque,” under the 6th Grade tab in the sidebar.
Art ala Alberto Cerriteno
This 6th grade project is inspired by the art work of Alberto Cerriterno. Alberto Cerriterno is a Mexican surrealism artist who has developed his own very personal technique and style. You’ll notice delicate hints of traditional Mexican artistic influences in his use of rich textures and decorative patterns. Before class we viewed a PowerPoint presentation of his work and then looking at images of his work, the students tried to imitate his style. You’ll find this project, “Alberto Cerriteno Inspired” in the 6th Grade Projects Gallery in the sidebar.
Check out his art at http://www.albertocerriteno.com/artwork01.html .
SPIDER WITH CHENILLE LEGS
Make a room full of these hanging spiders to decorate your classroom for Halloween. The spiders are printed on black construction paper, stuffed with black tissue paper, colored chenille strips, a colored pom-pom and google eyes. Hang them with ribbon, yarn or fishing thread. Hang spider webs in a few corners of the room to finish the look. To find the directions for this project, “Hanging Spider with Chenille Legs,” look in the 6th Grade Projects Gallery in the sidebar
DESIGNER PROFILES
This is an art class that takes two, one hour, sessions to finish. Before the first class I trace the students’ profiles using an overhead projector. Some amazing results. The supply list and directions are under the 6th Grade tab in the sidebar. This could be done in any of the elementary grades, but you’ll want to cut the profiles out for the younger classes.