Monday November 9-13, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 3rd Grade Art Adventures

Wednesday, November 11, Veteran's Day---Thank you Veterans!!!

Monday, November 16, Winners announced from Plumbing Contest

Wednesday, November 18th, 3rd Grade Art Adventures

Friday, November 20th, Trimester 1 Ends

Wednesday, November 25th, Thanksgiving Break Begins-No School

1st Grade- Nez Perce Woven Bags and Monet Bridges: We will be putting our final touches on our Nez Perce Bags including decorative patterns, string ties, and vegetables for inside our bags. Once students complete their woven bags, we will begin learning about Impressionist Artist, Claude Monet.

2nd Grade- Prehistoric Rock Art: We will be beginning a unit on Prehistoric Rock Art (cave drawings). Students will select their 'rock' paper color and form a rock by tearing edges and crumbling paper.

3rd Grade-Japanese Landscapes and Origami: We will be learning how to paint like a sumi-e artist by recognizing our posture and approach to painting.

4th Grade- M.C. Escher Hands: We will be focusing on sketching our hands as realistically as we can. We will consider lines, shapes, forms, and spacing.

5th Grade-Pop Art Painting: We will use the works of Andy Warhol and other Pop Artists to learn about color and the color wheel. Students will be picking their Pop Art subject matter and sketching it on canvas board. First colors...Primary Colors!

Art Folder Assignments

We will be temporarily stopping Art Folder Assignments following Art Folder #8. We will begin Art Folder #9 at the beginning of Trimester #2.

Monday November 2-6, 2009

Tuesday, November 10, 3rd Grade Art Adventures

Wednesday, November 11, Veteran's Day---Thank you Veterans!!!

Monday, November 16, Winners announced from Plumbing Contest

Wednesday, November 18th, 3rd Grade Art Adventures

Friday, November 20th, Trimester 1 Ends

Wednesday, November 25th, Thanksgiving Break Begins-No School

1st Grade- Nez Perce Woven Bags: We will be putting our final touches on our Nez Perce Bags including decorative patterns, string ties, and vegetables for inside our bags.

2nd Grade- G. Seurat's Sunday Afternoons and Prehistoric Rock Art: We will be finishing our Sunday Afternoon paintings and beginning a unit on Prehistoric Rock Art (cave drawings).

3rd Grade-Japanese Landscapes and Origami: We will be learning how to paint like a sumi-e artist by recognizing our posture and approach to painting.

4th Grade- M.C. Escher Hands: We will be focusing on sketching our hands as realistically as we can. We will consider lines, shapes, forms, and spacing.

5th Grade-Pop Art Painting: We will use the works of Andy Warhol and other Pop Artists to learn about color and the color wheel. Students will be picking their Pop Art subject matter and sketching it on canvas board. First colors...Primary Colors!

Art Folder Assignments

We will be temporarily stopping Art Folder Assignments following Art Folder #8. We will begin Art Folder #9 at the beginning of Trimester #2.

Monday, October 26-30, 2009

October 30 No School-Teacher Institute

October 31 Happy Halloween

Art Adventures:

October Art Adventures for fourth and fifth grades will be meeting from 2:30-3:45 on: Wednesday, October 28th

Poster Contest?!?!?!

Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois are sponsoring a poster contest! The theme is 'Do Your Part, Be Water Smart'. Posters have been delivered and winners will be announced in November!

Mystery Artist Clues for October

1. Born on September 7, 1860, this artist grew up on a farm in Greenwich, New York and lived to the age of 101. Throughout her long life she witnessed amazing historic events and inventions including the automobile, airplane, Civil War, World War I, and World War II.

2. Since she did not begin her career as an artist until she was in her seventies, many only know this artist and her artwork by her nickname. Her paintings often had themes surrounding fairy tales, nursery rythmes, and seasonal themes including the painting, Thankgiving Turkey (displayed in art room and is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

3. Although this folk artist never went to art school, she taught herself to paint. Her paintings showed her love for the rural life and countryside while using brushstrokes that resembled needlepoints.

First Grade: Nez Perce Native American Bags- Students will be learning about the Northwestern Nez Perce Tribe and their hand-woven cornhusk bags. Students are finishing up their weaving and will soon be designing the symbols on their bags.

Second Grade: Sunday Afternoon with George- We will focus on artist, George Seurat and his famous painting Sunday Afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte. Students will be creating their landscapes by sketching their ideal park and painting with the pointillist style.

Third Grade: Japanese Landscapes- We will begin discussing the Japanese culture and landscapes. We will review the differences between landscapes, portraits, still life, and abstract art. We will continue our landscapes by creating the skies with chalk pastels. Soon we will be painting like sumi-e artists.

Fourth Grade: M.C. Escher Hands- We will be learning about the Dutch artist Maurice Cornelis Escher. Students will begin sketching their own hands!

Fifth Grade: Warhol Pop Art- Students will learn about the artist Andy Warhol and his style of Pop Art. Students will create their own Pop Art Paintings.

Art Folder #8

Directions: Choose 1 word that you would like to illustrate, than explain the word in the way you draw it. See examples below for help. Please consider and use the necessary art elements...line, shape, color, texture space, and form. Only one word is required, but you can do up to six total (including first one).

This is an old game but a good one. Select words to draw and illustrate their meaning. For example, "Fire" and "Slime" to illustrate what these adjectives describe. You can illustrate nouns too, such as "Fish" and "Boxes".

At the age of 35, Paul Gauguin left his successful job as a stockbroker to devote himself to painting. In 1891, he went to Tahiti in search of a simpler life. This unspoiled island in the South Pacific inspired Gauguin to produce bolder, more colorful works.

Where would you go if you could choose one location to spark your creativity? Please describe this place.

Monday October 19-23, 2009

October 21 Early Dismissal

Art Adventures:

October Art Adventures for fourth and fifth grades will be meeting from 2:30-3:45 on: Wednesday, October 28th

Poster Contest?!?!?!

Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois are sponsoring a poster contest! The theme is 'Do Your Part, Be Water Smart'. Posters have been delivered and winners will be announced in November!

Mystery Artist Clues for October

1. Born on September 7, 1860, this artist grew up on a farm in Greenwich, New York and lived to the age of 101. Throughout her long life she witnessed amazing historic events and inventions including the automobile, airplane, Civil War, World War I, and World War II.

2. Since she did not begin her career as an artist until she was in her seventies, many only know this artist and her artwork by her nickname. Her paintings often had themes surrounding fairy tales, nursery rythmes, and seasonal themes including the painting, Thankgiving Turkey (displayed in art room and is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

3. Although this folk artist never went to art school, she taught herself to paint. Her paintings showed her love for the rural life and countryside while using brushstrokes that resembled needlepoints.

First Grade: Nez Perce Native American Bags- Students will be learning about the Northwestern Nez Perce Tribe and their hand-woven cornhusk bags. We will begin creating our own paper woven bags by cutting our warps and learning about weaving techniques called wefts and tabby.

Second Grade: Sunday Afternoon with George- We will focus on artist, George Seurat and his famous painting Sunday Afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte. Students will be creating their landscapes by sketching their ideal park and painting with the pointillist style.

Third Grade: Japanese Landscapes- We will begin discussing the Japanese culture and landscapes. We will review the differences between landscapes, portraits, still life, and abstract art. We will continue our landscapes by creating the skies with chalk pastels. Classes on early dismissal day will create Japanese origami.

Fourth Grade: Picasso Portraits- Students will learn about the artist Pablo Picasso. Students will create their own cubist portrait using oil pastels. We are going to finish this week and introduce the artist M.C. Escher for our new project!!

Fifth Grade: American Gothic Parodies- Students will learn about the artist Grant Wood and his style of Regionalism. Students will create their own American Gothic Parody. Our goal is to finish this week and begin learning about artist, Andy Warhol!!!

Art Folder #7

Directions: Answer the questions below in at least 3 complete sentences.

At the age of 35, Paul Gauguin left his successful job as a stockbroker to devote himself to painting. In 1891, he went to Tahiti in search of a simpler life. This unspoiled island in the South Pacific inspired Gauguin to produce bolder, more colorful works.

Where would you go if you could choose one location to spark your creativity? Please describe this place.

Monday October 12-16, 2009

October 11 Miss Smeltzer is running the Chicago Marathon!!!
October 12 No School, Columbus Day!


Art Adventures:
October Art Adventures for fourth and fifth grades will be meeting from 2:30-3:45 on:
Wednesday October 14th
Wednesday, October 28th

Poster Contest?!?!?!
Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois are sponsoring a poster contest! The theme is 'Do Your Part, Be Water Smart'. Posters have been delivered and winners will be announced in November!


Mystery Artist Clues for October
1. Born on September 7, 1860, this artist grew up on a farm in Greenwich, New York and lived to the age of 101. Throughout her long life she witnessed amazing historic events and inventions including the automobile, airplane, Civil War, World War I, and World War II.

2. Since she did not begin her career as an artist until she was in her seventies, many only know this artist and her artwork by her nickname. Her paintings often had themes surrounding fairy tales, nursery rythmes, and seasonal themes including the painting, Thankgiving Turkey (displayed in art room and is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

3. Although this folk artist never went to art school, she taught herself to paint. Her paintings showed her love for the rural life and countryside while using brushstrokes that resembled needlepoints.

First Grade: Nez Perce Native American Bags- Students will be learning about the Northwestern Nez Perce Tribe and their hand-woven cornhusk bags. We will begin creating our own paper woven bags by cutting our warps and learning about weaving techniques called wefts and tabby.

Second Grade: Sunday Afternoon with George- We will focus on artist, George Seurat and his famous painting Sunday Afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte. Students will be creating their landscapes by sketching their ideal park and painting with the pointillist style.

Third Grade: Japanese Landscapes- We will begin discussing the Japanese culture and landscapes. We will review the differences between landscapes, portraits, still life, and abstract art. We will begin our landscapes by creating horizon lines and pulling charcoal.

Fourth Grade: Picasso Portraits Students will learn about the artist Pablo Picasso. Students will create their own cubist portrait using oil pastels. We will discuss lines, shapes, colors (complimentary), and texture. We are going to finish this week!!

Fifth Grade: American Gothic Parodies Students will learn about the artist Grant Wood and his style of Regionalism. Students will create their own American Gothic Parody. This week we are developing the subject matter of our artwork. Our goal is to finish this week!!!

Art Folder #6

A fashion designer is a person who sketches, designs, and creates clothing. When a fashion designer is planning out a line of clothing they need to consider the following:
Who is the clothing meant for?
How will it be used?
What will the clothing be made of?
What type of person is the clothing meant for?
What colors of material will be used?

Your assignment is to create a new uniform. First choose a profession or activity that requires a uniform. Second, create a new, original (one of a kind) design for your chosen profession and/or activity. Be creative in choosing colors, styles, and accessories. Please answer the questions above and create a sketch of your uniform.

Monday October 5-9, 2009

October Art Adventures for fourth and fifth grades will be meeting from 2:30-3:45 on:
Wednesday October 7th
Wednesday October 14th
Wednesday, October 28th

Poster Contest?!?!?!Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois are sponsoring a poster contest! The theme is 'Do Your Part, Be Water Smart'. Stop by the Art Room for guidelines and rules! Posters are due the morning of October 9th!

September's Mystery Artist was Pierre Auguste Renoir!

Mystery Artist Clues for October
1. Born on September 7, 1860, this artist grew up on a farm in Greenwich, New York and lived to the age of 101. Throughout her long life she witnessed amazing historic events and inventions including the automobile, airplane, Civil War, World War I, and World War II.

2. Since she did not begin her career as an artist until she was in her seventies, many only know this artist and her artwork by her nickname. Her paintings often had themes surrounding fairy tales, nursery rythmes, and seasonal themes including the painting, Thankgiving Turkey (displayed in art room and is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art).

3. Although this folk artist never went to art school, she taught herself to paint. Her paintings showed her love for the rural life and countryside while using brushstrokes that resembled needlepoints.

First Grade: Nez Perce Native American Bags- Students will be learning about the Northwestern Nez Perce Tribe and their hand-woven cornhusk bags. We will begin creating our own paper woven bags.

Second Grade: The Dot and Sunday Afternoon with George Students will learn about the illustrator and author Peter H. Reynolds and his story The Dot. Student will create their own artworks based on the dots they've created. Some classes will be moving on to our next project, Sunday Afternoon with George where we will focus on artist, George Seurat and his famous painting Sunday Afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte.

Third Grade: Kaleidoscope Designs and Japanese Landscapes- Students will be completing their kaleidoscope designs. We will begin discussing the Japanese culture and landscapes.

Fourth Grade: Picasso Portraits Students will learn about the artist Pablo Picasso. Students will create their own cubist portrait using oil pastels. We will discuss lines, shapes, colors (complimentary), and texture. This week we are designing the face using geometric and organic shapes.

Fifth Grade: American Gothic Parodies Students will learn about the artist Grant Wood and his style of Regionalism. Students will create their own American Gothic Parody. This week we are developing the subject matter of our artwork.

Art Folder #5

Directions: Answer the questions below in at least 3 complete sentences.

Although she was never a wife or mother herself, Mary Cassatt's favorite theme was motherhood. Her friend Edgar Degas felt sure this would make her famous since few other artists have portrayed maternal subjects, except in religous paintings.

If you could explore only one subject in your artwork, what would that subject be? Why?

September 29-October 2, 2009

Art Adventures will be meeting in October for Fifth Grade...stop by the Art Room for a Permission Slip!!!

Poster Contest?!?!?!

Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois are sponsoring a poster contest! The theme is 'Do Your Part, Be Water Smart'. Stop by the Art Room for guidelines and rules!

Mystery Artist Clues for September


1. He was born in France on February 25, 1841. At age 13 he started his career in art by painting on china in a porcelain factory in Paris. He later went to an art school to study painting.

2. This French Impressionist chose to paint themes from everyday life: that of the joy of living of entertainment, lunches and open-air cafes. He once said, "Why shouldn't art be pretty? There is enough unpleasant things in the world."

3. During the last 20 years of his life, he was unable to move his hands freely due to arthritis. However, he continued to paint by using a brush straped to his arm.

4. An outstanding example of his talent as a portraitist can be seen in the painting, Madame Charpentier and her Children, 1878.

First Grade: Where the Wild Thing Creatures Students will learn about the illustrator and author Maurice Sencdak. Students will use oil pastels to create their own wild thing!

Second Grade: The Dot and Sunday Afternoon with George Students will learn about the illustrator and author Peter H. Reynolds and his story The Dot. Student will create their own artworks based on the dots they've created. Some classes will be moving on to our next project, Sunday Afternoon with George where we will focus on artist, George Seurat and his famous painting Sunday Afternoon on the island of La Grande Jatte.

Third Grade: Kaleidoscope Designs Student are learning about kaleidoscopes and radial design. Student will create their own kaleidoscope design. This week we are focusing upon patterns of color.

Fourth Grade: Picasso Portraits Students will learn about the artist Pablo Picasso. Students will create their own cubist portrait using oil pastels. We will discuss lines, shapes, colors (complimentary), and texture. This week we are designing the face using geometric and organic shapes.

Fifth Grade: American Gothic Parodies Students will learn about the artist Grant Wood and his style of Regionalism. Students will create their own American Gothic Parody. This week we are developing the subject matter of our artwork.

Art Folder #4
We have learned about different ways we can show good character in our everyday lives. For example, turning in a lost wallet, doing our homework and chores, sharing, being responsible for our own actions, and many more. With this in mind, your art assignment involves putting Character Counts into action in a comic strip. Your assignment is to crate a comic strip that follows the theme of Character Counts. Your comic strip may use as many panels (frames) to illustrate your idea of good character. Your comic strip should shoe how someone uses good character. Please use color and label which pillar(s) you're showing. Remember, I only ask that you do YOUR best!