In an effort to promote the use of reference material, research, and sharing ideas, I’m asking my eighth graders to create their own individual Tumblr pages. Always believing to practice what I preach, I’ve created my own. With students, step by step, I will be working on a piece of my own, using ideas from the processes of famous artists, until everyone has a completed masterpiece by the end of the term in March.
Author Archives: swartstudio
Drawing 101 – Pencils
I was startled to find out how many of my sixth and seventh graders didn’t know the difference between pencil grades. Today we’ll be exploring value and the relationship between dark vs light.
A history of abstract art
Abstract Art is always a fun subject for students and it’s a great tool for imaginative exploration of creativity. I was excited when a friend shared this article with me. I have to take time for a trip to New York City to see this exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts. Anyway, it’s the perfect excuse for a worthwhile experience.
A great series of books for your kids!
There’s a great series of books I initially got for my third grade classes to have as reference material for a Greek mythology lesson I concocted when I first started teaching. Over the years the lesson has grown and evolved and so has the series! Olympians is by mastermind author and illustrator, George O’Connor, and highlights the Greek gods and the most popular myths they’re associated with, told in comic book form. Not only that, but each book ties continuity with past books, showing how the stories entwine with others. I would have loved to have read the books as a child, but I’m no less grateful that I have them as a tool for my classroom.
For more on the Olympian series and articles that it’s been mentioned, check out:
Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess – Robot 6
Mr. Wilber says —
Glory of Gaea, Wonder Woman
A fourth grader asked me, “What would Wonder Woman have done?” I knew she was only half kidding because she was visibly hiding how upset she was over the latest news of the shooting in Connecticut. I pray if this … Continue reading
Movie Night at the NAC
Graphic Novel Movie Night 12.12
References: NO@NAC
Teaser for a very exciting event soon to be announced!
Progress report
A cloaked figure by Ilan, 13.
This week started off great after the holiday weekend! As the semester begins to wind down I’m giving students more freedom in class and seeing just what they’ve learned in class (and if they were paying attention these last several weeks). I’m starting with my kindergarteners and working my way up.
Yesterday I asked my k’s to assemble from clay a pet of alien design for their action heroes that were created a week ago. I watched carefully as everyone created limbs and “scratch & attached” with slip to form unique creatures. After looking them over, each figure remained hollow (important during the firing process), was put together correctly with safe use of a pin tool, and all had its own story to tell. I’m very proud of them!
The success continued with my seventh graders who have been working on drafting their own comic book. Many of the students have been wary of inking their pencils, afraid to ruin weeks worth of work. I requested that everyone practice inking a figure in their sketchbook after reviewing the steps. I was impressed with the end result and I think it gave the students confidence to proceed. One student showed me an example of a similar try out she had done at home, then compared it to her practice piece from class and expressed how pleased her work had improved. I’m glad the students are learning to experiment more with their art and, more importantly, have fun. My older students are beginning to develop their own style with their artwork and it’s exciting to be a part of the process as it progresses.
A manga inspired school girl/princess by, Sarah, 14.
Postponing classes today!
For those who did not receive a phone call or email —
It’s with great regret that I cancel today’s after school classes. I’ve been stricken with a severe head cold and I need serious rest if I’m to overcome this illness. The term will be extended a week (until December 19th) to make up for the lost class time. I apologize for any inconvenience, but I’ll see everyone next week!
SWart Studio 