First Grade Paper Weavings

A great way to reinforce fine motor skills and the use of patterning. Our first grade artists did a wonderful job with these artworks.

5th Grade Silhouettes

There were many elements to this lesson. First we spent a day learning to create tints by mixing various amounts of a chosen paint hue with white. Students worked with a partner to do this, both painting their tints onto their own papers in order from lightest tint to darkest tint, creating a tint scale. During our next session we looked a variety of silhouettes and talked about the contours (outlines) of objects. As students were searching through books and magazines to find inspiration for their silhouettes we were able to discuss what kinds of images would make good silhouettes and which ones would not.

2nd Grade Egyptian Cartouches

Our golden cartouches now bear the hieroglyph initials of the artists who created them, as well as some multicolored "jewels" around the edges.

Colonial Houses

Fourth grade artists finish up their colonial house tiles with layers of watercolor paint. We think the effect that the watercolors create help to make our houses look antiqued...just like old bricks from Colonial Williamsburg. Be on the lookout for these beauties at Nelson's Fine Arts Night coming up on April 20th!

Oceans for our Fish

Using blue and green paint blended together, our kindergarten artists created "oceans" for their fish to swim in. Scraping a popsicle stick across the surface helped to create the effect of waves.

Kindergarten Crazy Fish

Having just finished our "Feathered Friends" paintings, kindergarten artists are now going to their hands at some "Finned Friends." We're starting with these simple fish drawings, decorated with a variety of lines and colors. Stay tuned to see what happens next...

2nd Grade Egyptian Cartouches

Second grade students creating Egyptian cartouches in art class. Here they are putting on the base coat of gold.

4th Grade Colonial Clay Houses

Our fourth grade artists have been studying colonial architecture in the art room. We've looked at many examples of buildings from history to learn about the variety of building materials used and decorative elements that were used. Now the students are designing the facade of their own colonial style home. We're using terra cotta clay that will be painted or glazed after being fired in the kiln.