Easy Picasso Roosters Art Lesson for Elementary

Picasso Roosters with 1st Grade is always a hit!  Fun project with some great results!  

For previous rooster posts, click HERE!

How did it go down?

The kids drew roosters with white crayons.

The kids colored with oil pastels.

That's it!

💛1965

Alma Thomas and the 2024 Eclipse

We were on a special schedule to be able to view the eclipse on campus on 4.8.24. We were told to distribute the eclipse glasses and head out to our black top area for the viewing. I had about 35 minutes in art class before we could go on the journey. What did I do? I taught a quick lesson on Alma Thomas and her Eclipse painting. You see, I think this was a win - win situation. 

Who is Alma Thomas? 

Alma Thomas was an African American artist known for her abstract paintings. She was born on September 22, 1891, in Columbus, Georgia, (FUN FACT 1969 and 1965 were both born in Columbus, too!) and passed away on February 24, 1978, in Washington, D.C. Thomas was a pioneering figure in the Washington Color School, a group of abstract artists in Washington, D.C., during the 1950s and 1960s. She gained recognition for her vibrant, colorful compositions inspired by nature, often using bold brushstrokes and geometric forms.

Thomas began her artistic career later in life after retiring from teaching in 1960. She became the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City in 1972. Throughout her career, Thomas's work evolved from representational to abstract, and she explored themes of color, light, and movement.

Alma Thomas's contributions to the art world were significant, not only for her artistic talent but also for breaking barriers as an African American woman in a predominantly white, male-dominated field during the mid-20th century. Her legacy continues to inspire artists and admirers alike.

We used 9x12 white paper and crayons. This was simple but effective as I have learned on days like the eclipse to just roll with it and enjoy the JOURNEY!

1969

Tulips and Patterns

 

Have you ever heard of Noemi Ibarz? Here is a little information about her. Noemi Ibarz is an artist from Spain who makes amazing paintings. She mixes colors and shapes to make pictures that look like dreams! Sometimes, she uses oils and other things to add texture to her art. Noemi's paintings make people think about who they are and what they feel. She is becoming really famous around the world because of her beautiful and creative artwork. She uses more than one medium on her paintings. Which brings me to this mixed media blog post.

I signed up to receive emails from The Glitter Bomb. The link to the Soul Sparklettes is below. Check it out. Pretty cool network. That is where this idea came from in my email at just the right time. I needed a back up substitute lesson as I needed to attend a funeral. This one worked great. I liked it so much I did it with all sections of my 6th grade wheel classes.

https://www.soulsparklettes.com/theglitterbombshop/

If you want to see more of her original work you can scope it out on Etsy below.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/NIMonETSY

I really focused on the patterns on the tulip petals for this lesson. Yes, it was mixed media. You can take this lesson and make it into many different avenues that you are trying to cover in your curriculum. Students will learn about patterns in visual arts by examining the intricate designs found on tulip petals. They will create mixed media artwork inspired by these patterns, exploring various techniques and materials. This lesson plan can be adapted and expanded to suit various grade levels and curriculum objectives. As we near the end of the year, I would definitely suggest you give a variation of this lesson a try, it was worth it and the students did like the end results.

1969

Easy Pop Artist Art Project with Ed Heck

Kids are always down for an Ed Heck project!  These second graders did a great job on their versions of Ed Heck!  For lots of more posts on Ed Heck, Click HERE!

How did this go down?

I gave the kids a sheet with some of Heck's work.

The kids looked at the sheet and began drawing and painting!

L👀Kie!

💙1965

 

Taylor Swift Nicho Box

Of course, Taylor made it to the art room in a Nicho Box.  

What is a Nicho Box?

A Nicho box, also known as a Nicho, is like a 3D display case, similar to a shadow box. In the past, they mixed things from Roman Catholicism, mixed-race spirituality, and everyday culture. Nowadays, people make Nichos to honor special folks or loved ones, or to show devotion or keep safe.

I guess one art student think Taylor Swift is special! She must be in the Swiftie club!

So have a lookie at the Taylor Nicho Box!

Front of Taylor Swift Nicho Box

Side of Taylor Swift Nicho Box

Side of Taylor Swift Nicho Box

Top of Taylor Swift Nicho Box

Bottom of Taylor Swift Nicho Box

💗1965