Shadow and Light...Finished Works

Using oil pastels and their fingers (for blending colors), our fourth grade artists completed these realistic drawings of simple 3D shapes.

Shadow and Light--4th Grade

Our fourth grade artists have been studying the way that artists use shadow and light to create realistic looking objects in their work. These are a few of the practice sketches that were made. Students learned how to vary their pressure upon the crayons to create dark areas and light areas. Vocabulary for this lesson: cast shadow, light source, highlight.

First Grade Pattern Fish in Progress...

First grade artists reviewed LINE and PATTERN to create these whimsical fish. The background is collaged pattern that represents the waves in the water. During our next art class we will do some stamping to create seaweed and bubbles....

Fifth Grade Paper Sculptures in Progress...

This is a fun way to get students to think 3-Dimensionally. Using scrap strips of paper they have to create an interesting sculptural work that incorporates some of the Principles of Design: Movement, Unity, and Balance. Simple elements like zig-zags, waves, and curly-cues take on a new life in 3 dimensions.

Welcome to a New School Year!

Well, it's that time again! A new school year is upon us. That means a new year of art classes and a year full of creative adventures awaits our Nelson artists. This year we will place an emphasis on practicing "Habits of Good Artists." The sign pictured here is hanging in the art room to encourage our artists to use these habits, not just in the art room, but in all of their academic endeavors. I expect great things from our Nelson students this year and can't wait to get stARTed!

Fifth Grade's Glazed Coil Pots

Here are some finished pots made by our 5th grade artists. Using the coil method of construction and a little imagination...it's amazing how unique each one is. The brightly colored glazed make them beautiful and safe for food or drink. We hope that these pots will be a nice memento to remind our fifth grade artists of their time at Nelson Elementary.

Painted Wild Things

Here are the Wild Things after they have been painted with watercolors. Notice all of the details added to the creatures such as scales, claws, horns, and teeth. They look friendly and frightening all at the same time!