ABOUT THIS BLOG

"A Faithful Attempt" is designed to showcase a variety of K-12 art lessons, the work of my art students, as well as other art-related topics. Projects shown are my take on other art teacher's lessons, lessons found in books or else designed by myself.
Thanks for visiting!
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I acknowledge, with deep respect, that I am gathered on Treaty 7 territory. I acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis and Inuit whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. I recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Abstract Clay Sculptures



This is an abstract sculpture lesson using air dry clay. Perfect for teachers like me who don't have a kiln. My students really enjoy this project so I look forward to teaching it!
See my previous posts on this lesson HERE and HERE.

I buy one pack of air dry clay per student. I buy these at Dollarama (Canada).
Most students don't use the whole pack, for whatever reason.


I start off by showing them the work of Jean Arp and Barbara Hepworth. 
We discuss what abstract art is. Then, I do a quick demo and tell them to make any type of abstract sculpture. The only rules is it has to have a hole in it somewhere, and no parts can be thinner than a finger, as they will just break easily. 



Let these dry overnight, longer is better. 
I see my classes once a week, so they are fully dry by the next class.



The next class, students paint them using acrylic paints. They need to mix colours and use at least two.
I show them how to create metallic effects. 


Once dry, they are varnished. 
This makes them shiny and helps protect the paint from chipping.



Some Grade 7-9 finished sculptures:





















 

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

"Year of the Dragon" projects


My Grade 7-9 students recently finished their Chinese Dragons for Lunar New Year. This was an end of semester project for them. I gave them total free reign and said the only theme was "Chinese Dragon"- they could use any media they wished to illustrate this. I showed them a video about Lunar New Year celebration as well as one explaining the Chinese zodiac story. Some students shared how they celebrate with their families. I didn't do any tutorials other than showing them examples of dragons in Asian art. 

We discussed the physical  characteristics of a Chinese dragon. Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. Academicians have identified four reliable theories on the origin of the Chinese dragon: snakes, Chinese alligators, thunder worship and nature worship. They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water.

Chinese dragons have nine characteristics which are a complex combination. They have a camel’s head, a demon’s eyes, a cow’s ears, a deer’s horns, a clam’s belly, a snake’s neck, an eagle’s claws, a tiger’s paws and 117 carp scales.

Prior to the lesson, I hunted down some dragon themed Lunar New Year decorations at our local Asian supermarket. They had loads to choose from as you can see below.




Look at these giant cans of Lays potato chips!!!


I was super impressed by how these artworks turned out!  Watercolour was a popular medium.





 






  














 

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...