Elementary Fine Arts
Thinking. Growing. Creating.
Unit One: Drawing
Still Life
Later on this nine weeks, I plan to take the students outside to teach observational drawing in a landscape setting. The playground is not as beautiful as the Rockies, but it will do.
Cultural Studies
Indian Art
We are specifically working on recognizing line, shape, and color relationships in this project.
What is Art FOR?
One, art must be creative. It is taking an image or idea out of one's mind and putting out where others can understand it. Two, art takes skill. Now, everyone's skill level is different, but art requires us to exhibit control over our materials--to make them do what we wanted. Three, art has to have some meaning or intention behind it. This is what takes what we do from CRAFT to ART. Our emotional connection is key. Whether the meaning is, "I love pizza," or "My mom is cool" or "society needs to change _____," the message we bring is important. Every child can make art. I look forward to seeing them take ideas and show the world, to master new media, and to express their ideas in ways we've never imagined.
We also discussed what art is FOR. The students talked about showing emotions, about showing beauty, and art being an outlet for creativity. All true. But, art also balances us, lets us feel less lonely, connects us to other cultures, our humanity, and to history. Art challenges our thinking at times. Art can comfort and awaken us. A healthy appreciation of art can make us better thinkers and better people. I am very glad to have the opportunity to see art through these kids' eyes. I hope they leave my class with at least one art piece that really speaks to them on a personal level. That connection is lasting and important. I look forward to the light in their eyes.
It's going to be a great year.
Music Studies
And All That JAZZ
And, yes, we have practiced jazz hands. I couldn't resist.