Cubist Oil Pastel Portraits

The classic Picasso Cubist portrait lesson!

I introduced Grade 5 students to Picasso's colorful Cubist portraits. We discussed the style and elements in his works. They did a practice sketch then drew their good copy on black construction paper. 

Then they were coloured using oil pastels. 

Students were encouraged to mix and layers colours. 

Some Grade 5 finished portraits:

 

Mixed Media Portrait Paintings

A wonderful mixed media portrait project which I found HERE on the art blog: Art Room Britt.

I printed out sheets of photocopied vintage dictionary pages and sheet music to be used as collage paper. Grade 4 - 6 students cut these into squares and glued it onto heavy tagboard. 

Once dry, they gave the collaged background a translucent wash of watercolour paint.

Then, listening to my verbal instructions, students painted their faces directly using watered down black acrylic paint. No pencil sketching beforehand!  The goal was for students to be able to trust themselves as well as working with any 'mistakes'. Students were nervous about this step!

A transparent wash of watered-down white tempera was added to the background and 

whites of the eyes for a bit of contrast.

 

Feathers of Appreciation

A lovely Thanksgiving project that I found from the wonderful 

art education website Deep Space Sparkle. 

Grade 6 students led Grade 4 and 5 students in drawing and colouring a feather. Then, they added a word of something in their life they are grateful for. This aligns with our school's emphasis on appreciation. To read about the benefits of teaching children gratitude, this is a great article:

10 Science-Backed Benefits of Practicing Gratitude With Kids

They sketched out a large feather on long strips of construction paper.

                                 

Then used oil pastes to colour and add patterns.

Finally cut out and then their word was glued on top. 

Use white glue as glue sticks didn't stick well to the oil pastel. 

    

    

    

    

    

They were all hung on a window for the parents to see :)

Candy Corn Creatures Collages

Looking for a fast Halloween project that utilizes that coloured scrap paper you can't bear to throw out? Look no further!  I do this project with my Homeroom class every year and always love the fun results.

See all the steps posted previously HERE.

Some Grade 6 artworks: