Keith Haring - looking at Movement in Art

We took a close look at some of Keith Haring's Pop art figures.  We discussed that he was an artist who made his artwork simple, bright and eye-catching.  Often times his artwork would be large and hang in public areas like subways and train stations so it was visible to many people.  We talked about how his figures were simple but always looked like they were posing- and were caught in a movement!  This is because the bodies were drawn with arms, legs and heads bending or tilted.  He also used little lines to show movement in his artwork.  After discussing and analyzing his art we talked about using simple shapes and curved lines to draw our own figures.  They sketched these shapes with pencil first, traced over them with white crayon and used brightly colored chalk to add color and blend.  They are so much fun....

Keith Haring Moving Figures on PhotoPeach

Valentines Love Bird

Some of the classes I see on Valentines Day got a chance to make a lovebird.  Our lovebirds were made using heart shapes - and lots of them.  These birds were full of kindness and caring and made with love! We had a short class - so many of them are not finished...but they are too sweet!

LOVEBIRDS on PhotoPeach

Puppets!

The Kindergarteners were lucky to be able to experience a wonderful puppet show recently by Pumpernickel Puppets while at school.  When we discussed the puppet show, many students were eager to tell me their favorite character, what materials he used to make the puppets, and their favorite part of the experience.  We all agreed that the puppet maker is an excellent craftsman and amazing artist and performer!  In art class we were able to connect to that wonderful experience and make our own puppets.  We talked about using paper bags and scrap paper to make such beautiful puppets.  The student were able to design, cut and draw fun shapes and lines to make their very own unique monster puppets...and they are 

adorable.

Monster Puppets! Kindergarten students were able to create their own unique puppets after watching a puppet show at school! They are adorable! on PhotoPeach

Stained Glass Line Designs

Kindergarten students studied many images of stained glass.  We discussed where you might find it, and what purposes stained glass might have.  Many stained glass windows were used to tell stories historically.  Each window or panel would be a different "page."  However, stained glass is created by artists and designers alike and used in furniture, lamps etc. as a decorative element with lots of aesthetic appeal. 

 Students learned that stained glass designs are made most simply by using simple lines.  These lines cross and make all sorts of interesting shapes.  Each shape is colored in with bright colors to make the appearance of a real glass window.  The colors needed to be bright because the light would shine through the window giving the glass a bright and bold glow!  We had to use our best craftsmanship to finish these windows and color all the white space - we didn't want any cracks in our windows....