Album Art Project

This was a lesson I saw floating around on numerous art sites for a while now. I knew my Grade 7-9 kids would love this lesson as they always listen to Spotify when they're working in class. 

I started off with a brief slideshow about album cover art, showing some of the historically famous ones. Then, they had time to research which album cover they would do. They had the choice of e-creating their favourite album art or designing their own. I would say all of the class chose to copy one. 

I first provided them with a practice sheet to try out different ideas. 

(just Google 'playlist blank template, etc)

I had pre-printed a blank template (Google for free ones) onto 11 x 17" photocopy (tabloid size) paper.

I didn't want to have to have the kids use rulers and all that- but you could absolutely do that. This is just a time saving step, plus it looks pretty professional.

They could use any media they wanted, keeping in mind the paper is pretty thin. 

You could also print the template onto cardstock. 

Some kids prefer using the grid method!

Once finished, I mounted them all onto larger black construction paper.

This took about two classes to complete and the kids enjoyed it!

 

Mixed Media Insect Drawings

This is a really cool lesson using transparency sheets, sharpies and paint pens layered over a tissue paper collage background.

I saw the lesson on the fabulous Talley Street Artists Instagram account.

I taught this project to a mixed class of Grade 4-6. They were all successful with it.

First class: create a tissue paper collage using watered down glue and tissue paper onto cardstock (it should match the size of the transparency film). Let dry. These curled up ALOT during the drying process and was a huge pain both flattening them and trimming them!! Allocate time for that.

I had pre printed out a few sheets of a variety of insect clip art. Students chose one and traced a variety of sizes on insects onto the transparencies using sharpie. They were so excited to be able to trace, lol.

Then they chose three paint pens and added lines and patterns, dots and outlines.

Then we taped them onto their tissue paper background using double sided clear tape.

They look so cool!! This project's a keeper :) It took two 80 minute classes in total.

 

Elements of Art Mixed Media art project

Here's a great first project for the beginning of the year that I do with my mixed high school class. I call it the elements of art design. Essentially, students divide their paper into 7 sections- one for each art element. Then, using media and theme of their choice, they try to visually represent each element, trying to keep the whole artwork cohesive. It's very challenging!

The elements of art are the fundamental components that artists use to create visual art. These elements, often referred to as the building blocks of art, include line, shape, form, space, color, value, and texture. Understanding and utilizing these elements allows artists to express their ideas and create visually engaging works. 

I love how this project allows for alot of creativity and personal choice. 

I always get so many varied designs by my kids!