Beautiful Painted landscapes

These are some beautiful landscapes that were created by our 3rd grade students as they learned about deep depth. To understand how to create an illusion is not an easy task, but these students did it quite well. In this class, the students learned about landscape, then chose photographs of the landscapes as inspiration for their paintings. It was not required to copy the image exactly. In fact, it was encouraged that they combine ideas from different pictures or just use a part of the image and then "imagine" the rest. The layering technique was similar to the techniques listed in the above entry. There was a little more detail added after the sky, however.

To be honest, this was a real stretch for me as I have been more "controlling", to an extent, in my last 23 years, by doing a little more leading and not as much facilitating as I did in this project. In order to really get these students to make personal decisions and choice, I left the type of landscape up to them as well as how they would paint it with the techniques they had in their arsenals. The results were quite varied showing different skill levels. Overall, I think the lesson was successful and most of the students were happy with their work.

5th grade works on VALUES

My 5th grade students are required to know about VALUE before they leave us and go to middle school. One great way to teach it is through pencil drawing, learning to create shadow and light, and make a two dimensional drawing pop out into a three dimentional illusion. Almost every students is amazed at what they can do when it is finished and they step back and take a look.

* Students first observed many examples of pencil drawings and discussed the value scale that was used. We discussed high and low value and all the "in betweens."
* A blank value scale was passed out and the student practiced different pressures on the pencils to achieve the different values between black and white.
* We then put the values to work practicing how to use them on "3D forms" drawn on a 2D piece of paper (see above). Here they really had to learn how to "see around" the object, determine a light source, and create the illusion of mass and volume by applying a full range of values.
* Then came the crushed paper bags (crushed soda cans work as well). Students had to carefully draw the lines they saw and then apply the value to the drawing.

This is not an easy concept, but these 5th grade students did exceptionally well. Having to visualize FORM really uses the RIGHT side of the brain!

Wallpaper Still life

This was a wonderful project done with 3rd grade students.
* First a lesson on DEPTH and how artist achieve this on a flat surface.
* We talked about CONTRAST and how they would have to think about their wallpaper choices so the viewer could make out the objects.
* The students then drew a plan of their still life objects and where they would place them in the composition.
* Then students were given a piece of cardboard and a whole lot of scraps of wall paper. They really went to town, designing their still life, using all the patterns and textures available.
* Finally, the students were able to embellish and clarify with oil pastels to enhance the final piece.

This was a fun project,definitly worth repeating! Check with local stores that carry wallpaper and ask if they would donate their old books of wallpaper samples. You can usually get more than you need.

Kindergarten Color Study

From PRIMARY colors to SECONDARY colors! That is what these kindergarten students are learning about. They are identifying colors that belong in each catagory. These projects show the result of mixing two primary colors together to produce a secondary color. The pumpkins are examples of painting with the mixed colors. The fish are collages, where the students painted the paper first, mixing two primary colors, and then, later, cut shapes out and glued them into their composition.

Kindergarten Collage

Kindergarten students, many times, come to school not really knowing how to use scissors correctly. So, what better way to learn than doing collages. Here they learned about shapes, gluing procedures, and a little watercolor techniques. They cut the shapes from newspaper, glued them down, then painted right on top. These are wonderful masterpieces.

Pumpkin Patch

This third grade class used oil pastels to create VOLUME and MASS, when drawing these pumpkins. The goal was to blend colors together to give the optical illusion of form. We wanted you to think you could actually walk around these pumpkins, maybe even pick one up off the ground. Did it work?????

Monochromatic Color Schemes

Above, these 4th grade students have been experimenting wth VALUE and MONOCHROMATIC COLOR SCHEMES. They have used TINTS and SHADES of one color to create their compositions. This is not an easy task, but these students accomplished the goal with flying colors.

Collage Citiscapes

This second grade class looked at Citiscapes and began to reproduce them in paper. In their collages they showed understanding of depth, overlapping, in some cases, even reflections. It was fascinating to see the different ways they portrayed cities in their collages.

Cart Resource doesn't have to be a drag.....

I will have to say..........our Art Cart Resource teachers really know how to spice things up. Who needs to have a boring old cart when you can dress it up. Mrs. Miron has morphed her cart into a "Pic Nic" theme, while Mr. Tamburrino has hidden away in his "Hobbit Hole". Then comes Mrs. Kristy with her John Deere tractor. I know the kids love seeing these carts roll through the door when it is art time at Chets.

Our Local Artist - Macy

Macy D., a second grade student at Chets Creek, was asked to paint a "Food Flow Chart" for Second Harvest Food Bank. She came in after school for several days and painted this wonderful piece that will be displayed at SHFB. It was really fun to watch her work progress through the planning,painting, and detailing stages. CONGRATULATIONS, MACY, on a job well done!

a HUGE Congratulations!!!!

Our own Elizabeth Miron won TEACHER OF THE YEAR at her 4 day school, Whitehouse Elementary! This is only her 2nd year teaching!!!! She has really made a major impact and it was immediately noticed. We are all proud of you! Great Job!!!!!

Awesome 5th grade Photographers

Our 5th grade students never cease to amaze me with their photographic "eye." We talk about the difference between taking photographs to create memories and to create an artistic composition. The classes have had assignments such as TEXTURE, STILL LIFE, "HANDS", and EMPHASIS. In all, the focus has been on how to compose the image to best communicate an idea. Students have learned about simple manipulation of the images with color and cropping. This project seemes to rank right up there at the top of the favorite 5th grade art assignments!

2nd grade Working on "Cool" colors.

Actually, they are working on warm colors too! And emphasis. We have been talking about how color can make the viewer feel and why an artist might use a warm or cool color scheme. Our new vocabulary word is......ANALOGOUS - colors related to each other, located next to each other on the color wheel!

Art To Remember Questions and Answers

Art To Remember Project on the Way HOME!!!!



We have completed the Art To Remember Artwork and have them all stuffed in the envelopes, ready to head home. Included on the envelope, should be instructions on how to fill out the order forms so that you can receive all those fabulous items with YOUR child's artwork on them. This is really one of the greatest projects that we do because nothing is better than getting the artwork of a child, as it is fresh and honest. The following are answers to many questions you might have. If your answer is not there, my number appears on the sheet that is attached to your envelope. Give me a call.

What if my child did not finish their artwork? Well, that is not a problem. They are welcome to finish at home with whatever art medium you have available. Many were completed with crayon or markers, or a combination of both, so either of these would be fine.

What if my child did not do a piece of artwork? There were some students who were absent during several art classes or did not enter the school until after we were finished. They are welcome to do a piece of artwork. You can use a piece of copy paper but you must cut it down to 8' x 10 1/2". If you forget this step, I can cut it down when I get it. Make sure they put their first and last name, their teachers name, and Chets Creek, on the back. Have your child come to the Art Lab and get an extra envelope, which contains all the things you need to order.

What if my child does not like their artwork OR what if I would like them to draw something different? When we introduce this project to the students, we normally allow them (at least the older ones) to pick their own subject matter. We do stress the importance of choosing something that would be nice printed on one of these items. However, sometimes, the subject matter of the work is not necessarily something you would like to see on a coffee mug or a T-shirt. You are welcome to have your child draw another picture on a piece of copy paper (see above instructions) and send the new picture in the same envelope you received.

If I have another child that does not attend Chets Creek, can I have them do artwork and include it in the order? Absolutely! Again, just cut a piece of copy paper down to the size mentioned above and have them include their name on the back, their sibling's teachers name, and Chets Creek. You will have to get a seperate order form so that the company is not confused as to what artwork to print on what object. I should have extras in the Art Lab. You can put the artwork in the siblings envelope when your order is complete.

What do I need to return with my order? The order must have the original piece of artwork, the order form, and the payment.




How do I pay? You can pay by check Made out to CHETS CREEK OR by cash. A district change has stated that Duval Schools can no longer recieve checks for over $250. If your order is over $250, you could break it up into two checks.

Will I get my child's artwork back? Yes. If you make an order, the artwork will be returned with the items purchased.

When is my order due? Orders are due back to school by October 15th. I can send in ONE LATE ORDER on Nov. 5th. After that, we will not be able to send in any additional orders.

When are we expecting the orders to arrive? This year, we are looking to receive them before the Thanksgiving break. If not then, then right after we return. They will be here in plenty of time for the holidays, especially, if your gifts are being sent out of town.

What if an item I have purchased comes damanged? Not a problem. Send the damanged piece in to the Art Lab. ATR keeps student artwork, digitally, until June. We can contact ATR and they will replace it and send it directly to you.

What if I want to order more items at a later date? Again, if you have put in a previous order, the artwork is stored digitally with ATR and they can simply pull it up and print it on whatever you like. You can work directly with ATR at that point.

What does the ATR fundraiser support? All funds raised by this project go to support the Cultural Arts at Chets Creek by bringing in quality presentations and performances for all our students. It also supports our annual Cultural Arts Week, which is a week long celebration of guest artists and family workshops that allow students and families to enjoy different aspects of the arts. The Arts Extravaganza evening event is also supported so that families can come enjoy and participate in the arts together. Finally, these funds help support the resources at Chets, allowing them to purchase special equipment and/or supplies for our students to enjoy.

Hopefully, your question has been answered. If not, you can leave a comment with a question and then check the blog for the answer in a day or two. OR you can call the number on the information sheet attached to your envelope. Let me THANK YOU for your support of and through this project. I KNOW you will be WOWed by these objects with your child's original art. It make the item that much more special.






Labels: ArtToRemember, childsart, fundraiser, questions

First Project of the Year - Art To Remember

Once again, we are starting our year with the Art To Remember Project, an art fundraiser for Cultural Arts at Chets Creek. You get to purchase items with your child's artwork beautifully presented for all to enjoy. We raise funds to help bring in quality guest presenters, local artists, and put on special events like our Cultural Arts Week and Arts Extravaganza. Funds can also go to purchase special supplies for the various resources at Chets Creek, to enhance your childs experiences in Art, Music, and PE.

Begin looking for your childs Art To Remember envelope to come home at the first of October. With the Holidays coming up, these beautiful works of art could make wonderful gifts for family. We encourage everyone to order at least one magnent to help support Cultural Arts.

Please contact me at 993-6390 x 108 with any questions.

Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ART LAB "TREASURE" LIST........

There are many different items in your home that you may consider trash, that the Art Lab would consider a "Treasure". The following are things we are collecting:

small green soda bottles (rinsed)
water bottles (rinsed)
styrofoam egg cartons
clean soup/veggie cans
wood scraps
metal scraps (not sharp)
small game pieces
toilet paper and paper towel rolls
buttons
beads
old calendars
any crafty items
cardboard
old cd's and dvd's
ribbon
old broken costume jewelry
silk flowers and plants
material scraps
anything that might be fun to glue into an art project

If you are not sure whether or not we can use an item, send it in and let us have first dibs. If we can't use it, we will throw it away for you!

ART LAB WISH LIST....

Below are several items that could be used in the Art Lab this year. Any of these donated items would be GREATLY appreciated!!!!!

HEAVE DUTY ALUMINUM FOIL
WAX PAPER
WOODEN CRAFT STICKS
TOOTHPICKS
LIQUID STARCH
LIQUID DISHWASHING DETERGENT
BARS OF IVORY SOAP
CELLO SPONGES
COPY PAPER
PHOTOPRINTER INK (HP 02 ALL COLORS - CYAN, LIGHT CYAN
YELLOW, MAGENTA, LIGHT MAGENTA)

Thank you thank you thank you!

Cultural Center offers Adult and Student Classes

The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is offering art classes and workshops for both adults and children. Visit their website ( www.ccpvb.org ) or call them at (904) 280-0614 and see what they have to offer. Registration ends September 8th, so hurry up and have fun with art!!!!

PLEASE READ.....

http://blog.futureofed.org/index.php/2010/06/26/robert-redford-myths-and-the-future/
(if you can't get there from this link, click on "Please Read" and it will take you there.)

The Above link is a VERY INTERESTING read about where we are and are heading. Daniel Pink hit it right on the nose. Looks like the Creative mind will be what will keeps us a float as well as keeps us sane as we travel quickly through the 21st century.

Tell me what you think!!!!!

I got a job!

I just wanted to share the good news that I have been hired on in Davidson county! I have been working very hard as a substitute teacher this past school year. The job hunt was tough, but I am so fortunate to have been hired on at my top choice school!

I will be teaching K-4 at Hickman Elementary. I have my own art room with 2 sinks, shared storage and 2 kilns with the second art teacher at the school. I am very excited to start my career, its a great school! The principal is very nice and values the arts and I am so pleased there is already a second established art teacher that can deal with all my first year teacher questions :)

It was my very first interview with a principal and I beat out 4 other candidates! The principal was very impressed with my rich portfolio, that I couldn't have put together without the wonderful help and guidance of Mrs. Snead. Thank you so much for taking sooooo many pictures of me in action and helping me create such awesome lesson plans! Mrs. Snead is the most talented art teacher I know and I am so glad to have worked under her wing because I feel confident in tackling my first year! I start August 9th :)

Up and Coming Graphic Designers

This was a fun project where the students had to design a wrapper for a new candy bar. What they had to think about was how the wrapper would attract a potential buyer. How could they design it so that a customer would choose their candy bar over the rest of the selection. It was quite challenging! With the little bit of time left over, they designed a magazine advertisement about their product. We discussed how advertising had to capture your attention in a glance that lasts a second or two. They were able to share their candy bar and advertisement to the class using the document camera. What fun! It is definitly a project I hope to spend more time on next year.

HUGE Congratulations

A very HUGE congratulations goes to all students who had their artwork submitted to the Florida Art Education Association Digital Art Show. You can view all 10 entries in a post below. ALL 10 STUDENTS RECIEVED TOP RATINGS AND RECEIVED AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE for their works of art. I am very proud of all of them and hope this will inspire them to continue working hard in the arts. GREAT JOB!!!!

Another Great Summer Art Activity

Atlantic Potters is offering classes for kids and adults this summer, so check out their website and take a look. You might find something that would interest the whole family. Go to classes@atlanticpotterysupply.com and have some fun!

Summer Art Activities

Visit the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach website for some wonderful summer fun. They are offering art classes and workshops for ages 4 years old to adult.

Go to http://www.ccpvb.org OR click on the title of this post, and see what fun you can find!

Portside Mural - What Fun!

Three if us, Kristy Sappington, Karen willett, and myself, had a wonderful opportunity to work together on a mural for a very special project. ARC and Chets Creek have joined up to open an Academic Resource Center in one of our local neighborhoods called Portside. This center will allow the students to have a place to work on computers, view their displayed artwork in frames, check out books, and attend storytime sessions. And that is just the beginning. ARC donated two rooms for this center, one of which, the story time room, we painted a mural of the seashore. As you watch the slideshow above, you will see the transformation from gold walls to a day at the beach.

I was such fun working with Karen and Kristy not just because they are wonderful artists, but our styles seemed to meld together so well. Plus, it was just a lot of fun. The pictures don't do justice to this project, so you will have to make plans to see it in person.

I know there are other plans for this room to even take it to the next level. May 19th will be the grand opening, so come take a look.