Art Class with Mrs. Smidt
News From the Art Room
January 2014
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. O'Hearn
www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Congratulations to the December and January Featured Artists of the Month: Jatzareth L. (5th, Dec.), Jaquan N. (4th Dec.), Emmett M. (K Dec.), Brooke L. (1st Jan.), Maya R. (1st Jan.), and Daniel L. (1st Jan.). Artwork is displayed in the first floor foyer at Plympton for the month.
Special School Wide Project:
Each year the Multicultural Committee leads an all school study of a different continent. In library, art, music, drama, science and in the individual classrooms, teachers incorporate projects that tie into the continent being studied. This year we are learning about South and Central America. In conjunction with our study, we choose a charity to raise money for, learning a bit about giving as well as about what the charity does to help those who are in need. This year, in art, we will decorate paper soup cups in the style of colorful Peruvian textiles and Guatemalan back strap weaving. Please look for your child’s artwork-collection cup to come home in the next few weeks. All donations will go to the Only a Child charity which provides housing and education for street youth of Guatemala. The founder of this charity is from Waltham. Please have students return their banks to Mrs. Paradis no later than the week of Feb. 24th.
Square One Art: Packets should be sent home in the near future with your child’s artwork and order forms. If your child was absent during art class when we did the 1 day project, unfortunately, he or she will not have a packet.
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten Over the last few months we have completed several fun projects in art class. We learned how to fold an origami style school and paint with a sense of foreground, middle ground and background. We also practiced our gluing skills. Students are working on an Arctic polar bear scene based on a pop-up book we read called, Ahoy There, Little Polar Bear, by Hans De Beer. This scene will have a two pop-ups and a 3-dimensional polar bear made out of Model Magic.
First In staying with our focus of learning about colors, first graders made a drawing/ painting composition of 6 patterned pops. Students drew a detailed pattern on each (lolly) pop and then used primary and secondary colors to paint the pops. Students were responsible for mixing their own secondary colors and they did great! We are moving on to a drawing and blending project based on the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe.
Second We have just finished up two longer range projects with a focus on color mixing and patterning. Students learned how to draw an elephant inspired by the book Elmer by David McKee. Students learned about foreground and background through decorating Elmer in the foreground with primary colors, and a painting a striped secondary color background. I also snuck in a super fun clay pinch-pot project. Students were so excited to mold their clay into real pots. After they are finished with their last firing in the kiln, I will be sending them home! We will soon move on to color mixing with the addition of tints and shades while also tying in the concept of symmetry.
Second (Mrs. O’Hearn’s class) In grade 2 the students completed 3-D penguins using construction paper as a base. We also made snow people using markers and crayons. Currently are working on designs using shapes and patterns. The children are enthusiastic and work hard to complete their art work.
Third We have just begun working on our Henry David Thoreau- inspired pond projects showing what ponds look like both above and below the surface of the water. There is paper flying everywhere during these third grade collage classes and students are really enjoying the process of turning shiny scraps of paper into fluttering insects or slithering snakes, etc. In between our study of geometric and organic shapes and the pond project, I snuck in a super fun clay coil pinch-pot lesson. Students were awed by building up coil upon coil and did a fantastic job. Once all pieces have been fired in the kiln, I will be sending them home!
Fourth We took a detour from 2-dimensioal work and began a relief carving clay project. Students chose an animal as the focus for their tiles and sculpted, through adding and taking away clay, a detailed animal in its habitat. We are just finishing up glazing and firing these pieces. When they are all finished, I will be sending them home. We also created adorable and inventive textured owl compositions many of which are perched on trees outside the nurse’s office. Please try to stop by for a look! We have just begun a study of symmetry through working on a “symmetrical jewel” composition.
Fourth (Mrs. O’Hearn’s class) In 4th grade we have been working on Zany Zoo creatures. The students had to design an animal using 6 or more body parts of different animals. Then they needed to create a habitat for it to live in. The results were fabulous! We also completed an artist study on Kandinsky; the children worked on replicating on of his art piece. Presently we are working on a symmetry design.
Fifth Grade five has begun the study of facial proportions. In this unit students will learn some basic drawing exercises and guidelines to help them better see their subject—a person’s face. After learning the basic guidelines, we will begin a long range self portrait composition with a detailed background based on their personal interests. This is a special grade 5 project that is done each year. It’s a nice culminating experience and display of their abilities and interests. When all of the portraits are finished I will hang them in the first floor foyer for display.
Check it out: I have a website for Plympton Art Class stuff. Here’s the link: www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Ongoing Request: If you prefer your child to stay spotless during art classes, please send him/her in with an art apron.
How to contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happy Winter!
~Mrs. Smidt and Mrs. O’Hearn
January 2014
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. O'Hearn
www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Congratulations to the December and January Featured Artists of the Month: Jatzareth L. (5th, Dec.), Jaquan N. (4th Dec.), Emmett M. (K Dec.), Brooke L. (1st Jan.), Maya R. (1st Jan.), and Daniel L. (1st Jan.). Artwork is displayed in the first floor foyer at Plympton for the month.
Special School Wide Project:
Each year the Multicultural Committee leads an all school study of a different continent. In library, art, music, drama, science and in the individual classrooms, teachers incorporate projects that tie into the continent being studied. This year we are learning about South and Central America. In conjunction with our study, we choose a charity to raise money for, learning a bit about giving as well as about what the charity does to help those who are in need. This year, in art, we will decorate paper soup cups in the style of colorful Peruvian textiles and Guatemalan back strap weaving. Please look for your child’s artwork-collection cup to come home in the next few weeks. All donations will go to the Only a Child charity which provides housing and education for street youth of Guatemala. The founder of this charity is from Waltham. Please have students return their banks to Mrs. Paradis no later than the week of Feb. 24th.
Square One Art: Packets should be sent home in the near future with your child’s artwork and order forms. If your child was absent during art class when we did the 1 day project, unfortunately, he or she will not have a packet.
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten Over the last few months we have completed several fun projects in art class. We learned how to fold an origami style school and paint with a sense of foreground, middle ground and background. We also practiced our gluing skills. Students are working on an Arctic polar bear scene based on a pop-up book we read called, Ahoy There, Little Polar Bear, by Hans De Beer. This scene will have a two pop-ups and a 3-dimensional polar bear made out of Model Magic.
First In staying with our focus of learning about colors, first graders made a drawing/ painting composition of 6 patterned pops. Students drew a detailed pattern on each (lolly) pop and then used primary and secondary colors to paint the pops. Students were responsible for mixing their own secondary colors and they did great! We are moving on to a drawing and blending project based on the artwork of Georgia O’Keeffe.
Second We have just finished up two longer range projects with a focus on color mixing and patterning. Students learned how to draw an elephant inspired by the book Elmer by David McKee. Students learned about foreground and background through decorating Elmer in the foreground with primary colors, and a painting a striped secondary color background. I also snuck in a super fun clay pinch-pot project. Students were so excited to mold their clay into real pots. After they are finished with their last firing in the kiln, I will be sending them home! We will soon move on to color mixing with the addition of tints and shades while also tying in the concept of symmetry.
Second (Mrs. O’Hearn’s class) In grade 2 the students completed 3-D penguins using construction paper as a base. We also made snow people using markers and crayons. Currently are working on designs using shapes and patterns. The children are enthusiastic and work hard to complete their art work.
Third We have just begun working on our Henry David Thoreau- inspired pond projects showing what ponds look like both above and below the surface of the water. There is paper flying everywhere during these third grade collage classes and students are really enjoying the process of turning shiny scraps of paper into fluttering insects or slithering snakes, etc. In between our study of geometric and organic shapes and the pond project, I snuck in a super fun clay coil pinch-pot lesson. Students were awed by building up coil upon coil and did a fantastic job. Once all pieces have been fired in the kiln, I will be sending them home!
Fourth We took a detour from 2-dimensioal work and began a relief carving clay project. Students chose an animal as the focus for their tiles and sculpted, through adding and taking away clay, a detailed animal in its habitat. We are just finishing up glazing and firing these pieces. When they are all finished, I will be sending them home. We also created adorable and inventive textured owl compositions many of which are perched on trees outside the nurse’s office. Please try to stop by for a look! We have just begun a study of symmetry through working on a “symmetrical jewel” composition.
Fourth (Mrs. O’Hearn’s class) In 4th grade we have been working on Zany Zoo creatures. The students had to design an animal using 6 or more body parts of different animals. Then they needed to create a habitat for it to live in. The results were fabulous! We also completed an artist study on Kandinsky; the children worked on replicating on of his art piece. Presently we are working on a symmetry design.
Fifth Grade five has begun the study of facial proportions. In this unit students will learn some basic drawing exercises and guidelines to help them better see their subject—a person’s face. After learning the basic guidelines, we will begin a long range self portrait composition with a detailed background based on their personal interests. This is a special grade 5 project that is done each year. It’s a nice culminating experience and display of their abilities and interests. When all of the portraits are finished I will hang them in the first floor foyer for display.
Check it out: I have a website for Plympton Art Class stuff. Here’s the link: www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Ongoing Request: If you prefer your child to stay spotless during art classes, please send him/her in with an art apron.
How to contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happy Winter!
~Mrs. Smidt and Mrs. O’Hearn
News From the Art Room
Fall 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt
www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Congratulations to the following students whose artwork will be displayed in the superintendent’s office for the month of November: Marianna H. 2nd, Kevin G. 4th, Jaquelin Z. 4th, Andrew L. 4th, Kennedy W. 4th, Jennifer B. 4th, Daphne J. 3rd, Lola A. 4th, Catherine H. 1st, Marianna R. K, Alfredo S. 3rd, Alex R.1st, Tennyson P. 2nd, Joriel O.2nd, Andria P. 4th, Sophia G. K, Rylie W.4th, Amy H. 4th, Emily L. 4th. And a special congratulation to Di’Undrae S.1st, whose artwork has been chosen to represent Plympton School on the Waltham Public Schools website for the month of November. www.walthampublicschools.org.
Congratulations to the November Featured Artists of the Month: Muddaissir S. 1st, Evelyn B. 3rd, and Ashley J. 5th. You can see their artwork in the first floor foyer at Plympton for the month.
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten: We have been busy learning our colors. The kindergarteners are becoming comfortable using the terms primary colors, secondary colors, warm colors, and cool colors. We’ve done some cutting and gluing not to mention lots of painting! Next up, owls with patterns!
First After reviewing primary and secondary colors, and warm and cool colors, we began learning how to mix secondary colors from primary colors in a few different projects. We moved on to make mixed media pumpkin patches with an impressionist feel. Students learned about foreground, middle ground, and background as well as practiced their cutting and gluing skills. We are about to begin an imaginative project about their ultimate dream tree house.
Second We did a lot of reviewing of colors in the beginning of the year and then put our knowledge into a project. We made beautiful line and patterning color wheels. Students did some color mixing with tempera paints as well as learned about how to mix a tint when making an autumnal scene. Next up is some more work with patterns and color mixing.
Third We learned all about organic and geometric shapes through making a number of different projects. Students painted, drew with pencils and colored with crayons. We’ve been finishing up learning about and mixing our own tints and shades while incorporating our knowledge of organic and geometric shapes. These kids are becoming “pro’s” at painting! Next up is a mixed media project based on Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond.
Fourth We have been working on an Eric Carle-inspired painted paper project. Students painted their own paper with different colors and different tools. (Not just brushes. Ask them what we usedJ) They then used their paper to create an imaginative character and background in a collaged manner. We have also been learning about drawing from looking or “from observation.” Students drew the craziest gourds and did and amazing job! Next, they painted from observation using color mixing. Look for some gourd paintings on the bulletin boards in school.
Fifth We spent a lot of time on observational drawing in the beginning of the year. You can look forward to seeing your child’s Square 1 Art drawing of the school in the near future. They did a great job with drawing what they saw and then using blending with colored pencil and with outlining to finish their compositions. If you are in the school, check out their work on the boards outside the art room. They are gorgeous!! We are beginning an assemblage project based on the artwork of Dale Chihuly.
Ongoing Request:
If you prefer your child to stay spotless during art classes, please send him/her in with an art apron. I do my best to prevent art materials from getting on clothes. :)
How to contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected] (Mrs. Hache and Mrs. Carlin's classes)
Fall 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt
www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Congratulations to the following students whose artwork will be displayed in the superintendent’s office for the month of November: Marianna H. 2nd, Kevin G. 4th, Jaquelin Z. 4th, Andrew L. 4th, Kennedy W. 4th, Jennifer B. 4th, Daphne J. 3rd, Lola A. 4th, Catherine H. 1st, Marianna R. K, Alfredo S. 3rd, Alex R.1st, Tennyson P. 2nd, Joriel O.2nd, Andria P. 4th, Sophia G. K, Rylie W.4th, Amy H. 4th, Emily L. 4th. And a special congratulation to Di’Undrae S.1st, whose artwork has been chosen to represent Plympton School on the Waltham Public Schools website for the month of November. www.walthampublicschools.org.
Congratulations to the November Featured Artists of the Month: Muddaissir S. 1st, Evelyn B. 3rd, and Ashley J. 5th. You can see their artwork in the first floor foyer at Plympton for the month.
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten: We have been busy learning our colors. The kindergarteners are becoming comfortable using the terms primary colors, secondary colors, warm colors, and cool colors. We’ve done some cutting and gluing not to mention lots of painting! Next up, owls with patterns!
First After reviewing primary and secondary colors, and warm and cool colors, we began learning how to mix secondary colors from primary colors in a few different projects. We moved on to make mixed media pumpkin patches with an impressionist feel. Students learned about foreground, middle ground, and background as well as practiced their cutting and gluing skills. We are about to begin an imaginative project about their ultimate dream tree house.
Second We did a lot of reviewing of colors in the beginning of the year and then put our knowledge into a project. We made beautiful line and patterning color wheels. Students did some color mixing with tempera paints as well as learned about how to mix a tint when making an autumnal scene. Next up is some more work with patterns and color mixing.
Third We learned all about organic and geometric shapes through making a number of different projects. Students painted, drew with pencils and colored with crayons. We’ve been finishing up learning about and mixing our own tints and shades while incorporating our knowledge of organic and geometric shapes. These kids are becoming “pro’s” at painting! Next up is a mixed media project based on Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond.
Fourth We have been working on an Eric Carle-inspired painted paper project. Students painted their own paper with different colors and different tools. (Not just brushes. Ask them what we usedJ) They then used their paper to create an imaginative character and background in a collaged manner. We have also been learning about drawing from looking or “from observation.” Students drew the craziest gourds and did and amazing job! Next, they painted from observation using color mixing. Look for some gourd paintings on the bulletin boards in school.
Fifth We spent a lot of time on observational drawing in the beginning of the year. You can look forward to seeing your child’s Square 1 Art drawing of the school in the near future. They did a great job with drawing what they saw and then using blending with colored pencil and with outlining to finish their compositions. If you are in the school, check out their work on the boards outside the art room. They are gorgeous!! We are beginning an assemblage project based on the artwork of Dale Chihuly.
Ongoing Request:
If you prefer your child to stay spotless during art classes, please send him/her in with an art apron. I do my best to prevent art materials from getting on clothes. :)
How to contact us:
[email protected]
[email protected] (Mrs. Hache and Mrs. Carlin's classes)
News From the Art Room
Welcome Back!
Fall 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt
I'm so happy to be back at Plympton to teach art this year. It's always exciting to unpack all that I tucked away at the end of the year and even more exciting to be able to unpack boxes of new art supplies. We have a strong art department with eager students and talented teachers. I am grateful.
Stop by the art room, room 118, on Open House night and say hello. I’ll be here with some information about my K-5 art curriculum. I’d love to meet you!
What's new?
Plympton is growing! We welcome Mrs. O'Hearn who will be teaching art to Mrs. Carlin's grade 2 and Mrs. Hache's grade 4.
I am excited to be teaching 2 Art classes at Plympton School; my name is Mrs.Oliveri- O’Hearn. I am teaching art to Mrs. Hache’s 4th grade class and to Mrs. Carlin’s 2nd grade class. We started our first class by making portfolios. Now the students have a special place to put their art work in throughout the year.
In second grade we have moved on to make, under the sea pictures; while in fourth we are doing a mini artist study of Kandinsky. The students are following Kandinsky’s style of organic and in-organic shapes, color and lines.
What to expect:
Beginning next month, we will be choosing 3 Featured Plympton Artists of the Month. Artwork will be displayed in the first floor foyer and students will receive an award certificate for their achievement at our Plympton Community Meeting.
I will be in touch periodically via email with the newsletter and with other requests or special announcements. The Plympton website is a work in progress. Check it out for updates and fun art work!
www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Your child will not bring home artwork they make in art class until the end of the year. We keep artwork here in a portfolio that students will design the cover of in conjunction with a project. We do this so that we can assess projects, display student work, as well as refer back to it for various reasons. If your family is moving, please let the art teachers know so that we can give your child his/her work to take with them.
Ongoing Request:
As much as I encourage my 400+ students to stay “paint free” during class, some manage to sneak a little paint, crayon or marker on themselves. If you are concerned about your child’s clothing getting dirty in art class, please send him/her in with a smock that he/she can bring to art each week. I’m happy to help roll up sleeves or tie aprons that students bring in. Thank you!
News From the Art Room
Have a wonderful summer!
I Iook forward to seeing you in September. ~Mrs. Smidt
June 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
Congratulations this month’s Plympton Featured Artists of the month: Simon S. (1st), Jordan M. (2nd) and Athena L. (4th) CONGRATULATIONS to all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer until the end of the school year. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
The Plympton Art Class website is coming along. Check in monthly for new pictures of what we’re working on: www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Ongoing Request:
As much as I encourage my 400+ students to not become covered with paint during art class, some students manage to get a bit of paint, crayon, marker etc on their clothing. If you are concerned about your child’s clothing getting dirty in art class, please send him/her in with a smock that he/she can bring to art each week. I’m happy to help roll up sleeves or tie aprons that students bring in. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten has been working on a colorful patterned egg composition influenced by the book Rechenka’s Eggs, by Patricia Polacco. Students traced large and small eggs with some appearing to be in the background and some in the foreground. Students finished their pictures with watercolors. We have moved on to a warm and cool colored “hand-fish” composition that includes tracing, coloring, and painting.
First grade has finished their factory projects and we are in the process of sharing our work. Students will be making wrist decorations as part of their costumes for their Fine Arts Day play. We will then be working with patterning and paint to draw and paint fanciful peacocks.
Second grade has finished their printmaking project and learned how to sign their prints like professional printmakers do. We have begun a collage project that includes forethought and planning, drawing with crayons, colored pencils and cutting and gluing fabric pieces into our compositions.
Third grade has finished their printmaking project and learned how to sign their prints like professional printmakers do. We are working on making one of our two prints into a new composition by incorporating crayon and colored pencil into the existing print. Once finished, students will create their own fantastical castle complete with a dragon or other such creature looming overhead.
Grade four has been finishing up their complementary colors figure drawing. We are beginning 3 complementary color mini-compositions using cut and torn paper and gluing. If time allows, before the end of the year, we will learn how to draw a shaded treasure chest with shiny treasures!
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s classes) will be finishing the year with some whimsical cut and torn paper collages of various kinds of baked goods! If time allows, we will look at some compositions of well known paintings and do some reflective writing about the pieces in order to learn more about the artwork and the artists.
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Ms. St Laurent's 5th grade class will be finishing up with their Picasso-esque Portrait Busts. Blocks of color are being added, typical and unusual facial features will be painted on, and assorted embellishments will be offered to those so inclined to add some to their piece. I have had a wonderful Art experience with this class, and hope that I have the opportunity to work with them again in the future. They are talented, creative, and all around great citizens and I wish them much success and happiness as they move on to the next phase of their education. Thank you! Barbara Bourque
News From the Art Room
May 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are all grade 5 students. Because of the nature of the projects we do in 5th grade, there haven’t been many finished works to choose from each month. So, this month I decided to choose ONLY 5th graders as the featured artists. Congratulations to: Alexia D., Isabella D. and Isla M. CONGRATULATIONS to all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of May. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
The artwork of our Spring Art Show winners will be on display on Moody Street until May 6th Have a look if you’re in that area of town.
The Plympton Art Class website is coming along. Check in monthly for new pictures of what we’re working on: www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Ongoing Request:
As much as I encourage my 400+ students to not become covered with paint during art class, some students manage to get a bit of paint, crayon, marker etc on their clothing. If you are concerned about your child’s clothing getting dirty in art class, please send him/her in with a smock that he/she can bring to art each week. I’m happy to help roll up sleeves or tie aprons that students bring in. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten finished their polar bear sculptures. Students made an Arctic scene background, complete with pop-ups for their polar bears to play on. Most have been sent home by now. Next we will begin a crayon resist project with a focus on patterning and overlapping shapes.
First grade finished their Model Magic mice and paint palettes. These should all have been sent home by now. We are beginning a fun project about how things are made. Students will see a few short videos that show how things are made in factories such as crayons and bread. Students will then draw their own factory complete with people, machines, and a final product.
Second grade is working on sculpting pinch pots out of clay. Once finished, students will use glaze to paint their pots to look like guinea fowl, inspired by South African ceramic artists. After our sculptures are finished, we will begin a printmaking project based on nature.
Third grade has been learning how to use a coil method to sculpt clay pots. We will use a variety of colors to paint our pots with glaze. When we are finished with ceramics, we will begin an additive printmaking project.
Grade four has been working on a relief style clay tile sculpture with an animal theme. Students will soon use glaze to paint their tiles. When finished, we will revisit figure drawing while incorporating our new knowledge of complementary colors.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s classes) are finishing up the first part of their 1 point perspective projects, 6 boxes. Students will begin part two shortly where they will draw a city street, in perspective, complete with details such as buildings with windows, sidewalks, trees and maybe even a monster looming overhead!
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Mrs. St Laurent's 5th grade class continues to create their Picasso-esque busts. This project is fairly long and involved and is coming along quite nicely. This past week artists added their base coat of white acrylic paint to their now Mod Podge stiffened busts. The sculptural part is completed and now the creativity of design begins. Next class we will be sketching out blocks for the introduction of color onto the white surface of the busts. Artists will then start to fill in these blocks with acrylic paint. With the use of their initial drafts on paper, they will be able to determine whether they want to stay with their original design, or change it up before painting. The choice is theirs. This project should be finished by the end of May. Stay tuned... Have a creatively wonderful May! Mrs. Barbara Bourque
.
May 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are all grade 5 students. Because of the nature of the projects we do in 5th grade, there haven’t been many finished works to choose from each month. So, this month I decided to choose ONLY 5th graders as the featured artists. Congratulations to: Alexia D., Isabella D. and Isla M. CONGRATULATIONS to all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of May. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
The artwork of our Spring Art Show winners will be on display on Moody Street until May 6th Have a look if you’re in that area of town.
The Plympton Art Class website is coming along. Check in monthly for new pictures of what we’re working on: www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Ongoing Request:
As much as I encourage my 400+ students to not become covered with paint during art class, some students manage to get a bit of paint, crayon, marker etc on their clothing. If you are concerned about your child’s clothing getting dirty in art class, please send him/her in with a smock that he/she can bring to art each week. I’m happy to help roll up sleeves or tie aprons that students bring in. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten finished their polar bear sculptures. Students made an Arctic scene background, complete with pop-ups for their polar bears to play on. Most have been sent home by now. Next we will begin a crayon resist project with a focus on patterning and overlapping shapes.
First grade finished their Model Magic mice and paint palettes. These should all have been sent home by now. We are beginning a fun project about how things are made. Students will see a few short videos that show how things are made in factories such as crayons and bread. Students will then draw their own factory complete with people, machines, and a final product.
Second grade is working on sculpting pinch pots out of clay. Once finished, students will use glaze to paint their pots to look like guinea fowl, inspired by South African ceramic artists. After our sculptures are finished, we will begin a printmaking project based on nature.
Third grade has been learning how to use a coil method to sculpt clay pots. We will use a variety of colors to paint our pots with glaze. When we are finished with ceramics, we will begin an additive printmaking project.
Grade four has been working on a relief style clay tile sculpture with an animal theme. Students will soon use glaze to paint their tiles. When finished, we will revisit figure drawing while incorporating our new knowledge of complementary colors.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s classes) are finishing up the first part of their 1 point perspective projects, 6 boxes. Students will begin part two shortly where they will draw a city street, in perspective, complete with details such as buildings with windows, sidewalks, trees and maybe even a monster looming overhead!
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Mrs. St Laurent's 5th grade class continues to create their Picasso-esque busts. This project is fairly long and involved and is coming along quite nicely. This past week artists added their base coat of white acrylic paint to their now Mod Podge stiffened busts. The sculptural part is completed and now the creativity of design begins. Next class we will be sketching out blocks for the introduction of color onto the white surface of the busts. Artists will then start to fill in these blocks with acrylic paint. With the use of their initial drafts on paper, they will be able to determine whether they want to stay with their original design, or change it up before painting. The choice is theirs. This project should be finished by the end of May. Stay tuned... Have a creatively wonderful May! Mrs. Barbara Bourque
.
News From the Art Room
April 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month's Plympton Featured Artists are: Amy H. (3rd), Lucia P. (2nd), and Matthew E. (1st). CONGRATULATIONS to all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of April. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
CONGRATULATIONS to our Spring Art Show winners! (3rd Grade) Patrisia B., Kevin G., Oscar Z., Desdani H., Delanie P., and Olivia B. (2nd Grade) Yaslye S., Daniel A., Maria M., Ana B., David C., Michelle T., Frederick A., and Reagan M. (1st Grade) Sophia W., Amanda P., Briana H., Daniela G., Marilyn L., Jazmine T., Jason M., and Madelin M. Our annual Spring Art Show award ceremony and reception is on April 10th at the Kennedy Middle School cafeteria. Look for art from the Waltham Elementary Schools' first, second and third grade students on Moody Street and in City Hall from April 11th through the end of the month.
The Plympton Art Class website is coming along. Check in monthly for new pictures of what we're working on:www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com<http://www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com/>
All fundraiser banks should have been sent home by now. When finished collecting funds, please return banks for Mrs. Paradis in the library. Look for these awesome decorated homes displayed outside of the library.
Request:
As much as I encourage my 400+ students to not become covered with paint during art class, some students manage to get a bit of paint, crayon, marker etc on their clothing. If you are concerned about your child's clothing getting dirty in art class, please send him/her in with a smock that he/she can bring to art each week. I'm happy to help roll up sleeves or tie aprons that students bring in. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten has been learning a lot about colors lately. We've been focusing on memory and imagination while reviewing primary, secondary, warm and cool colors. Next up for K is to use their motor and sculpture skills to create an animal using Model Magic!
First grade has been finishing up their narrative art projects nicely. We took a detour for one class in order to learn a great method for how to draw a person. We talked about how people can bend in all different ways and then practiced drawing them, using ovals and circles to capture various movements. Next up is a super fun 3-D project using Model Magic!
Second grade did a great job on their spring time projects! They not only reviewed color families and color mixing they also learned about adding white to a color to make a tint. Next on the curriculum map is to begin our 3-D clay project using the pinch method and glazing techniques.
Third grade has been finishing up their figure compositions of what they want to be when they grow up. We'll be looking at these drawings as a group and sharing our aspirations. Next on the curriculum map for grade 3 is to learn about how to create a clay vessel using the coil method.
Grade four has been working hard on their observational drawings featuring their own shoe. Students have been transforming their shoes into fantastical scenes that show a sense of imagination and their ability to draw figures. We will be making one more mini figure drawing composition that encompasses some color theory before moving on to our next project, clay!
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub's classes) is beginning to learn about 1 point perspective through drawing tons of 3D-looking boxes! It's a very satisfying technique to learn as it can really make a drawing look more realistic. We will be doing a few mini-compositions in an effort to create a sense of believable space, using only line, form, and color!
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) and I have begun creating 3-D sculptures of Picasso-esque profile portraits. Artists are at the beginning stages of creating a free standing bust in the spirit of Pablo Picasso's cubist style. They have finished their preliminary, yet detailed, drafts on paper. This week they will begin taking flat, raw materials and rendering them 3 dimensional. In the next few weeks they will make them paintable by applying a stiffening agent, Mod Podge. Drying time in between coats of Mod Podge will be spent with artists creating "professional" portfolios. Every minute of class will be spent creating! I am very excited about our Picasso-esque Bust project, as are the artists. As always, I know the fourth grade student artists of this class will work hard and diligently, as they have all year! Stay tuned for a wonderful outcome....Have a creatively wonderful April! Barbara Bourque
News From the Art Room
March 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are: Eve W. (4th), Emily L. (3rd), and Jack O’Brien (K). CONGRATULATIONS to all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of March. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
The Plympton Art Class website is coming along. Check in monthly for new pictures of what we’re working on: www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com
Only four more classes need to finish their fundraiser banks as of this week. All funds raised will be donated to Coaches Across Continents. http://www.coachesacrosscontinents.com/ Please return banks and the collected donations to Mrs. Paradis in the library by mid March. Banks will be displayed outside of the library as they are returned. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten will be focusing on drawing from memory. In one of our projects, students will choose their favorite story and illustrate the main characters and setting of the book.
First grade will be finishing up their tree house compositions in the next week or so. When we are all finished, students will each have a turn to present their pictures to the class. This form of critique will give students a chance to share the personal narrative they showed in their artwork.
Second grade is working on finishing their self portraits. When finished, students will begin a spring time project based on the symmetry of a butterfly. We will also talk about color families such as, primary colors, secondary colors, and warm and cool colors.
Third grade is beginning to learn about drawing people. Students will spend a class or two drawing each other in directed figure drawing exercises. Students will use what they learned to depict themselves as who they want to be when they grow up.
Fourth grade is reviewing figure drawing by drawing each other in various poses. Our final project from this unit will incorporate both realistic figurative drawing and imagination. Students will create an imaginary scene showing realistic people in action poses. If time allows, we will do another figure drawing that involves contrasting complementary color pairs.
Fifth grade (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s classes) has been working very hard on their self portraits. Students will be finishing up soon and then we will be learning about 1 point perspective. Students will create a building-lined street using realistic perspective. They will invent a monster that will loom high over their city to finish off this realistic, yet imaginative drawing.
Fifth grade (Mrs. St. Laurent) has just about completed their self portraits mounted on personally stylized wallpaper. These pieces will be put on display with the other fifth grade class for all to see. We are about to embark upon a 3-D Picasso-esque project. Students have been asked to bring in wire coat hangers by March 13th for this project. They will be creating three dimensional side portrait busts of themselves, however, in a Picasso cubist style. Bits and pieces of personality will shine through blocks of vivid color and altered facial features! It will be a great adventurestay tuned!! Mrs. Barbara Bourque
News From the Art Room
February 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are: Daphne J.P. (2nd), Juliana B.(1st), and Ollie K. (K). CONGRATULATIONS to you all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of February. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
Mrs. Smidt has been working to create a website to post this very newsletter on a monthly basis along with some examples of the artwork we make in art class. The web address is www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com This is a work in progress, so please check back here and there for updates.
Please look for the flock of owls perched outside of the art room. Grades, K, 4, and 5 have their owl compositions displayed. You will see a great use of texture, patterns, and blending in the work. Those owls have A LOT of personality as well!
All grades continue to work on creating their fundraiser banks in art class using line, patterning and color. These banks are based on the artwork of the Ndebele home painters from Africa. Your child’s banks should begin to come home over the next few weeks as they are completed. All funds raised will be donated to Coaches Across Continents.
http://www.coachesacrosscontinents.com/ Please return banks and the collected donations to Mrs. Paradis in the library by early March. Banks will be displayed outside of the library as they are returned. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten will be focusing on color, shape, line, and texture this month. Students will use line texture to make a cat composition. We will be looking at the work of Piet Mondrian and be making a composition using primary colors, shapes, and lines.
First grade will be focusing on a project that shows a sense of personal narrative through creating their own dream tree houses. We will read The Fourteen Bears Summer and Winter, by Evelyn Scott and Virginia Parsons to get us started. In addition to telling a story, our tree houses will show knowledge of line-texture and color theory.
Second grade will be learning how to draw a self-portrait from direct observation. We will do several drawing exercises to learn about facial proportions and then make their own self-portrait compositions. This unit will teach students about color theory while helping students to really LOOK when they draw themselves in order to draw what they see.
Third grade will continue working on their mixed media collage project with a focus on Henry David Thoreau. This project focuses on using traditional and non-traditional materials to create a desired look. Students are also learn how to blend and shade with colored pencils. When finished in mid-Feb, students will begin learning how to draw the human figure.
Grade four will be finishing up their colorful circular symmetry projects by early Feb. We will then begin learning about how to draw people in action through discussing foreshortening, drawing from observation, and looking at artwork from art history.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s classes) have been learning techniques for how to draw the face realistically. Through looking at their own faces, students have learned a lot and their work looks great. Students are thinking about how to fill their backgrounds with things that show their interests. We will be finishing the self portraits in mid February and moving on to learn about the use of perspective in drawing.
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Mrs. B's Fifth Grade class continues to work on their self portraits, and the work is amazing! As they are putting the finishing touches on the details of their faces, they are thinking ahead to the background. This background will consist of illustrations that visually describe "who" they are and what they want the world to see about them. The self portraits are composed in pencil only, however, the background will have color and design. Once finished, these pieces along with Mrs. Smidt's fifth grade classes, will be put on display. Please watch for them.... Have a creatively wonderful month! Barbara Bourque
News From the Art Room
January 2013 Happy New Year!
Written by Ms. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are: Gino R., (K), Theo S., (1st), and Ryan P., (4th). CONGRATULATIONS to you all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of January.
Please look for grade five’s Dale Chihuly-inspired sculpture projects that are suspended from the 2nd floor foyer’s balcony. Just look UP when you are on your way to the cafeteria. You’re in for a colorful treat!
All grades continue to work on creating their fundraiser banks in art class using line, patterning and color. These banks are based on the artwork of the Ndebele home painters from Africa. Your child’s banks should begin to come home over the next few weeks as they are completed. All funds raised will be donated to Coaches Across Continents.
http://www.coachesacrosscontinents.com/
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten will be focusing on cutting and gluing this month. We will be looking at the artwork of Wassily Kandinsky as inspiration for upcoming projects using traced circles and drawing.
First grade will be working with lines and patterns to create active compositions. We will be looking at the artwork of Pablo Picasso in an effort to see how we can use line in different ways.
Second grade will be making their own woven paper Kente cloth compositions with an emphasis on patterning and warm and cool colors.
Third grade has begun a mix media project based on Henry David Thoreau’s life in the Walden Woods. Students have been using books about pond life and brainstorming to get started. I will have boxes of paper, string, yarn, fabrics and other fun stuff for them to use to create their Ponds, Above and Below.
Grade four is finishing up their textured cut and torn paper owls, which will be displayed outside of the art room shortly. We will begin a symmetry based project that emphasizes colors, lines, and pattering.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s) are going to be learning about how to draw the face more realistically by learning about facial proportions. Students will observe how they look in a drawing mirror, among other techniques, and practice by drawing their neighbors. Our final self portrait compositions will be exhibited in the first floor foyer at the end of the year.
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Now that Ms. St. Laurant's 5th grade class has finished a wonderful project creating a very large collaborative Penguin collage (look for it on display!), they will be moving on to self portraiture. Artists will be rendering personal interpretations of their likeness in pencil. They will add shading and highlights to give their portraits a more realistic three-dimensional look. After they complete their portrait students will frame it within a background of personal descriptors. Their background will depict who they are and what they want the viewer to know about them. I look forward to visually reading what each artist has to say! Stay tuned! Happy New Year! Mrs. Bourque
News From the Art Room
December 2012
Written by Ms. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
The Superintendent’s Art Show is currently on view in the Superintendent’s Office. A special congratulations to Owen H., whose artwork is featured on the Waltham Public Schools Website for the duration of the show (November 15th-December 14th) Congratulations to the following artists: (from K) Danna V., Alycia M., Evan B., Estafany A., Isabella J., (from 1st) Grace L., Marianna H., (from 2nd) Janis V., Yaslye Sosa, Charlie M., Pablo G., Hayley C., (from 3rd) Owen H., Nikola Anitc, Amy H., Andria P., Lindsey C., Desdani H., Christian M., Hidear G., Emily L., (from 4th), Esparanza G.-B., Shaelyn H., Eve W., Aidan S. Golda F., (from 5th) Marisa B., Brenda R.
This month’s Featured Plympton Artists are: (3rd) Aiden W., (4th) Anthony V., (5th) Emma B., Congratulations! Artwork is on the front foyer bulletin board.
This month’s Featured Artist, shown outside of the art room, is Mary Cassatt.
General Notes:
Each grade will begin working on their fundraising banks in art class. This year’s multicultural focus is Africa. Students, grades K-5, will design a milk carton bank in the style of the Ndebele women painters. This graphic style is remarkable, comprised of bold geometric designs. Look for your child’s bank during the month of December. Here is an informative website for more information about the Ndebele painters: http://academic.evergreen.edu/projects/wallpainting/about.htm
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten is learning how to mix colors! Using primary colors, students have been mixing their paints to make secondary colors. We are finishing up a big lion painting and will be moving on to a new project with a focus on patterns.
Grade One has been working on a cut paper composition, based on Paul Klee’s painting, Castle and the Sun. Using different colored squares and triangles, students formed their own magical city under a glowing sun.
Grade Two has been busy with creating an illustration for their sea creature research project. We saw this cross-curricular project come to life using crayons and watercolors. Second grade then used an under-the-sea theme to complete their Square 1 art projects.
Grade Three created a cityscape using tempera paint and tints and shades. We are gearing up to begin a mixed-media project based on Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond.
Grade Four has been working to finish a big still life painting using tempera paints, secondary colors, and patterning. Students are also working on their Fancy Foods Square 1 project.
Grade Five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub) has been finishing up their assemblage projects. Look for several assemblages in the front foyer display case. We have moved on to another sculpture project based on the glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. Look for a display of this project while attending the Winter Concert.
Grade Five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Mrs. Bourque's Fifth Grade students are finishing up their large assemblage project. They have worked both independently and collaboratively to create a large penguin (Plympton School Mascot) to give to the school community. It is made entirely out of cardboard rolls adhered to a cardboard armature. They have painted, cut, assembled and glued this penguin into existence. They will have this project complete and on display before the holiday break. I am so pleased and proud of the work this class has done. Their collaboration was executed in a most impressive mature and cooperative fashion. Please be sure to seek out their piece.
News From the Art Room
Sept/Oct/November 2012
Written by Ms. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
We have had a wonderful fall so far in art. Lots of great projects have been completed and many more are in progress. Students can look forward to the monthly rotation of the Plympton Featured Artists Board, which is located in the 1st floor foyer. This is a showcase of several artworks that exhibit original ideas, good craftsmanship, and have been made by students who show Plympton Pride in art class. As well, students can check out the monthly Featured Artist bulletin board, which is right outside of the art room. I will exhibit information about a well known artist, along with examples of his or her artwork each month in an effort to expose students to more art. Lastly, I will be sending home a monthly art newsletter to keep parents and guardians informed of art happenings. On display now is Georgia O’Keeffe. Coming soon is Pablo Picasso.
Upcoming events:
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten has been busy making compositions of cows, bunnies, a self portrait, and moon-lit night time pumpkins with a shadow. Our focus has been on geometric shapes and painting using tempera paint and crayon resist.
First grade began the year with the color wheel, a review of primary colors, and an introduction to secondary colors. They made a Fruit and Vegetable Color Wheel and moved on to their Primary Color Shapes Train using drawing, coloring, and painting with crayon resist. As we are heading into late October, first graders are working on a giant painted and collaged pumpkin.
Second grade began their year with a review of their primary and secondary colors with a Color Wheel Math project, which tested their color mixing skills. Students then learned how to draw an elephant, based on the book Elmer by David McKee. Then they used primary colors to show Elmer in the foreground and secondary colors to fill their backgrounds with bold stripes. We are finishing up a mixed-media collage of a pumpkin patch that emphasizes the parts of a composition: foreground, mid-ground, and background.
Third grade began the year with a quick review of color theory and moved on to learn about organic and geometric shapes through making a funky painted composition with tempera paint. We have been learning about the artwork of Henri Matisse through looking at his use of line and pattern. Students drew a still life that I set up and turned it into a fantastic larger composition using glue to draw their lines. We then learned how to blend and layer oil pastels in order to color our compositions in the style of Matisse. Emphasized were the use of line, complementary colors, and patterning. They look amazing!
Grade four began the year with a review of color theory. We then moved on to look at the illustrations of Eric Carle for inspiration. We experimented with watercolors, tempera paint, acrylic paint, and some tools when painting a large piece of paper. Students looked at their painted paper and cut it up to create a character and background in the style of how Eric Carle works in painted paper collage. They look awesome! We moved on to drawing gourds from observation and will turn one of our drawings into a painting that emphasizes foreground, mid-ground, background, as well as tints, shades, and pattern. We had a brief interruption to work on our Artist Trading Cards in preparation for our big art show at Mass Art.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s) began their year with a trip outside to draw the school from direct observation. Students turned their awesome drawings into paintings using watercolor and black pen to refine their lines. We have just begun a great assemblage project based loosely on the work of Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson. Thanks for the shoe boxes!
Grade five (Ms. St. Laurent) This year I, Mrs. Bourque, have the honor to be the 5th grade Art Specialist at Plympton School. Our 5th grade artists started out the school year making ‘Zentangles’. This was our creative way of artistically ‘describing’ learned and new art vocabulary. Zentangles are like yoga for the creative mind. They are abstract and monochromatic creations that are formed within either an organic shape or a favorite block letter word. Using mechanical pens and a relaxed method of creating shapes within shapes, students made unique and rhythmic pieces. 5th grade artists are currently working on a collaborative ’assemblage’ project. They will piece together the school’s penguin mascot on a very large scale using painted cardboard rolls applied to a cardboard armature. Progress is going well and this project should be complete by the end of November. Have a creative day! Barbara Bourque
February 2013
Written by Mrs. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are: Daphne J.P. (2nd), Juliana B.(1st), and Ollie K. (K). CONGRATULATIONS to you all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of February. Students will receive an award certificate from Mrs. Smidt at our monthly community meeting.
Mrs. Smidt has been working to create a website to post this very newsletter on a monthly basis along with some examples of the artwork we make in art class. The web address is www.plymptonartclass.weebly.com This is a work in progress, so please check back here and there for updates.
Please look for the flock of owls perched outside of the art room. Grades, K, 4, and 5 have their owl compositions displayed. You will see a great use of texture, patterns, and blending in the work. Those owls have A LOT of personality as well!
All grades continue to work on creating their fundraiser banks in art class using line, patterning and color. These banks are based on the artwork of the Ndebele home painters from Africa. Your child’s banks should begin to come home over the next few weeks as they are completed. All funds raised will be donated to Coaches Across Continents.
http://www.coachesacrosscontinents.com/ Please return banks and the collected donations to Mrs. Paradis in the library by early March. Banks will be displayed outside of the library as they are returned. Thank you!
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten will be focusing on color, shape, line, and texture this month. Students will use line texture to make a cat composition. We will be looking at the work of Piet Mondrian and be making a composition using primary colors, shapes, and lines.
First grade will be focusing on a project that shows a sense of personal narrative through creating their own dream tree houses. We will read The Fourteen Bears Summer and Winter, by Evelyn Scott and Virginia Parsons to get us started. In addition to telling a story, our tree houses will show knowledge of line-texture and color theory.
Second grade will be learning how to draw a self-portrait from direct observation. We will do several drawing exercises to learn about facial proportions and then make their own self-portrait compositions. This unit will teach students about color theory while helping students to really LOOK when they draw themselves in order to draw what they see.
Third grade will continue working on their mixed media collage project with a focus on Henry David Thoreau. This project focuses on using traditional and non-traditional materials to create a desired look. Students are also learn how to blend and shade with colored pencils. When finished in mid-Feb, students will begin learning how to draw the human figure.
Grade four will be finishing up their colorful circular symmetry projects by early Feb. We will then begin learning about how to draw people in action through discussing foreshortening, drawing from observation, and looking at artwork from art history.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s classes) have been learning techniques for how to draw the face realistically. Through looking at their own faces, students have learned a lot and their work looks great. Students are thinking about how to fill their backgrounds with things that show their interests. We will be finishing the self portraits in mid February and moving on to learn about the use of perspective in drawing.
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Mrs. B's Fifth Grade class continues to work on their self portraits, and the work is amazing! As they are putting the finishing touches on the details of their faces, they are thinking ahead to the background. This background will consist of illustrations that visually describe "who" they are and what they want the world to see about them. The self portraits are composed in pencil only, however, the background will have color and design. Once finished, these pieces along with Mrs. Smidt's fifth grade classes, will be put on display. Please watch for them.... Have a creatively wonderful month! Barbara Bourque
News From the Art Room
January 2013 Happy New Year!
Written by Ms. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
This month’s Plympton Featured Artists are: Gino R., (K), Theo S., (1st), and Ryan P., (4th). CONGRATULATIONS to you all! Artwork will be on view in the first floor foyer throughout the month of January.
Please look for grade five’s Dale Chihuly-inspired sculpture projects that are suspended from the 2nd floor foyer’s balcony. Just look UP when you are on your way to the cafeteria. You’re in for a colorful treat!
All grades continue to work on creating their fundraiser banks in art class using line, patterning and color. These banks are based on the artwork of the Ndebele home painters from Africa. Your child’s banks should begin to come home over the next few weeks as they are completed. All funds raised will be donated to Coaches Across Continents.
http://www.coachesacrosscontinents.com/
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten will be focusing on cutting and gluing this month. We will be looking at the artwork of Wassily Kandinsky as inspiration for upcoming projects using traced circles and drawing.
First grade will be working with lines and patterns to create active compositions. We will be looking at the artwork of Pablo Picasso in an effort to see how we can use line in different ways.
Second grade will be making their own woven paper Kente cloth compositions with an emphasis on patterning and warm and cool colors.
Third grade has begun a mix media project based on Henry David Thoreau’s life in the Walden Woods. Students have been using books about pond life and brainstorming to get started. I will have boxes of paper, string, yarn, fabrics and other fun stuff for them to use to create their Ponds, Above and Below.
Grade four is finishing up their textured cut and torn paper owls, which will be displayed outside of the art room shortly. We will begin a symmetry based project that emphasizes colors, lines, and pattering.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s) are going to be learning about how to draw the face more realistically by learning about facial proportions. Students will observe how they look in a drawing mirror, among other techniques, and practice by drawing their neighbors. Our final self portrait compositions will be exhibited in the first floor foyer at the end of the year.
Grade five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Now that Ms. St. Laurant's 5th grade class has finished a wonderful project creating a very large collaborative Penguin collage (look for it on display!), they will be moving on to self portraiture. Artists will be rendering personal interpretations of their likeness in pencil. They will add shading and highlights to give their portraits a more realistic three-dimensional look. After they complete their portrait students will frame it within a background of personal descriptors. Their background will depict who they are and what they want the viewer to know about them. I look forward to visually reading what each artist has to say! Stay tuned! Happy New Year! Mrs. Bourque
News From the Art Room
December 2012
Written by Ms. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
Happenings:
The Superintendent’s Art Show is currently on view in the Superintendent’s Office. A special congratulations to Owen H., whose artwork is featured on the Waltham Public Schools Website for the duration of the show (November 15th-December 14th) Congratulations to the following artists: (from K) Danna V., Alycia M., Evan B., Estafany A., Isabella J., (from 1st) Grace L., Marianna H., (from 2nd) Janis V., Yaslye Sosa, Charlie M., Pablo G., Hayley C., (from 3rd) Owen H., Nikola Anitc, Amy H., Andria P., Lindsey C., Desdani H., Christian M., Hidear G., Emily L., (from 4th), Esparanza G.-B., Shaelyn H., Eve W., Aidan S. Golda F., (from 5th) Marisa B., Brenda R.
This month’s Featured Plympton Artists are: (3rd) Aiden W., (4th) Anthony V., (5th) Emma B., Congratulations! Artwork is on the front foyer bulletin board.
This month’s Featured Artist, shown outside of the art room, is Mary Cassatt.
General Notes:
Each grade will begin working on their fundraising banks in art class. This year’s multicultural focus is Africa. Students, grades K-5, will design a milk carton bank in the style of the Ndebele women painters. This graphic style is remarkable, comprised of bold geometric designs. Look for your child’s bank during the month of December. Here is an informative website for more information about the Ndebele painters: http://academic.evergreen.edu/projects/wallpainting/about.htm
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten is learning how to mix colors! Using primary colors, students have been mixing their paints to make secondary colors. We are finishing up a big lion painting and will be moving on to a new project with a focus on patterns.
Grade One has been working on a cut paper composition, based on Paul Klee’s painting, Castle and the Sun. Using different colored squares and triangles, students formed their own magical city under a glowing sun.
Grade Two has been busy with creating an illustration for their sea creature research project. We saw this cross-curricular project come to life using crayons and watercolors. Second grade then used an under-the-sea theme to complete their Square 1 art projects.
Grade Three created a cityscape using tempera paint and tints and shades. We are gearing up to begin a mixed-media project based on Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond.
Grade Four has been working to finish a big still life painting using tempera paints, secondary colors, and patterning. Students are also working on their Fancy Foods Square 1 project.
Grade Five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub) has been finishing up their assemblage projects. Look for several assemblages in the front foyer display case. We have moved on to another sculpture project based on the glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly. Look for a display of this project while attending the Winter Concert.
Grade Five (Mrs. St. Laurent) Mrs. Bourque's Fifth Grade students are finishing up their large assemblage project. They have worked both independently and collaboratively to create a large penguin (Plympton School Mascot) to give to the school community. It is made entirely out of cardboard rolls adhered to a cardboard armature. They have painted, cut, assembled and glued this penguin into existence. They will have this project complete and on display before the holiday break. I am so pleased and proud of the work this class has done. Their collaboration was executed in a most impressive mature and cooperative fashion. Please be sure to seek out their piece.
News From the Art Room
Sept/Oct/November 2012
Written by Ms. Smidt & Mrs. Bourque
[email protected]
[email protected]
We have had a wonderful fall so far in art. Lots of great projects have been completed and many more are in progress. Students can look forward to the monthly rotation of the Plympton Featured Artists Board, which is located in the 1st floor foyer. This is a showcase of several artworks that exhibit original ideas, good craftsmanship, and have been made by students who show Plympton Pride in art class. As well, students can check out the monthly Featured Artist bulletin board, which is right outside of the art room. I will exhibit information about a well known artist, along with examples of his or her artwork each month in an effort to expose students to more art. Lastly, I will be sending home a monthly art newsletter to keep parents and guardians informed of art happenings. On display now is Georgia O’Keeffe. Coming soon is Pablo Picasso.
Upcoming events:
- November/December is Plympton’s month to exhibit in the Superintendent’s office. The show should be hung in mid-November and will run through mid-Dec. Details and artist names to follow.
- Grade 4 group art show at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Artist Trading Cards will be on display at the Arnheim Gallery in the South Building at 621 Huntington Ave. Boston, MA from Nov. 5th -Nov. 17th.
- This month’s Featured Plympton Artists are: Sebastian Keleher- Grade 1, Alexander Politis- Grade 2, and Mikayla Perez- Grade 3.
- Where is my student’s artwork? Student work will, for the most part, be kept at school for the majority of the year. The reason for this is so that artwork can be assessed and can be displayed in school and in other art show opportunities that might arise.
- I am having each grade work on their Square 1 art projects, which is school wide fundraiser sponsored by the PTO. This is ongoing when time allows.
What have we been up to?
Kindergarten has been busy making compositions of cows, bunnies, a self portrait, and moon-lit night time pumpkins with a shadow. Our focus has been on geometric shapes and painting using tempera paint and crayon resist.
First grade began the year with the color wheel, a review of primary colors, and an introduction to secondary colors. They made a Fruit and Vegetable Color Wheel and moved on to their Primary Color Shapes Train using drawing, coloring, and painting with crayon resist. As we are heading into late October, first graders are working on a giant painted and collaged pumpkin.
Second grade began their year with a review of their primary and secondary colors with a Color Wheel Math project, which tested their color mixing skills. Students then learned how to draw an elephant, based on the book Elmer by David McKee. Then they used primary colors to show Elmer in the foreground and secondary colors to fill their backgrounds with bold stripes. We are finishing up a mixed-media collage of a pumpkin patch that emphasizes the parts of a composition: foreground, mid-ground, and background.
Third grade began the year with a quick review of color theory and moved on to learn about organic and geometric shapes through making a funky painted composition with tempera paint. We have been learning about the artwork of Henri Matisse through looking at his use of line and pattern. Students drew a still life that I set up and turned it into a fantastic larger composition using glue to draw their lines. We then learned how to blend and layer oil pastels in order to color our compositions in the style of Matisse. Emphasized were the use of line, complementary colors, and patterning. They look amazing!
Grade four began the year with a review of color theory. We then moved on to look at the illustrations of Eric Carle for inspiration. We experimented with watercolors, tempera paint, acrylic paint, and some tools when painting a large piece of paper. Students looked at their painted paper and cut it up to create a character and background in the style of how Eric Carle works in painted paper collage. They look awesome! We moved on to drawing gourds from observation and will turn one of our drawings into a painting that emphasizes foreground, mid-ground, background, as well as tints, shades, and pattern. We had a brief interruption to work on our Artist Trading Cards in preparation for our big art show at Mass Art.
Grade five (Ms. Lenza and Mr. Straub’s) began their year with a trip outside to draw the school from direct observation. Students turned their awesome drawings into paintings using watercolor and black pen to refine their lines. We have just begun a great assemblage project based loosely on the work of Joseph Cornell and Louise Nevelson. Thanks for the shoe boxes!
Grade five (Ms. St. Laurent) This year I, Mrs. Bourque, have the honor to be the 5th grade Art Specialist at Plympton School. Our 5th grade artists started out the school year making ‘Zentangles’. This was our creative way of artistically ‘describing’ learned and new art vocabulary. Zentangles are like yoga for the creative mind. They are abstract and monochromatic creations that are formed within either an organic shape or a favorite block letter word. Using mechanical pens and a relaxed method of creating shapes within shapes, students made unique and rhythmic pieces. 5th grade artists are currently working on a collaborative ’assemblage’ project. They will piece together the school’s penguin mascot on a very large scale using painted cardboard rolls applied to a cardboard armature. Progress is going well and this project should be complete by the end of November. Have a creative day! Barbara Bourque