Artist Posters

Fourth graders ended the year studying artists. Each student chose a random artist out of a hat, and read biographies on the artist with a partner. They explored the artist’s life, childhood, and the style of their work. Then, we learned about posters, and how they excite, inform, and capture our attention. Specifically, we looked at artistic qualities of the poster, and their use of composition, text, and complementary colors. Fourth graders picked from three simple compositions, and created eye-catching posters to feature the artist that they studied. I was amazed at the results of these posters, and I hope you are, too! Below are a few of the many outstanding artist posters.

Tote Bag Awareness Project

In fourth grade, students took on a project that explored the individual in a different way. This project’s focus is on how students, as individuals, can make a change. I created the Tote Bag Awareness project as a way to show students that art can be a means of communication. No matter how old you are, you can make a change. First, we watched a clip of Planet Earth, and enjoyed the beauty and uniqueness of the deep oceans. Then, I presented a lesson on plastic bags. We discussed: statistics about plastic bags, the Great Eastern Garbage Patch, plastic bag bans, and how to remedy the negative impact of plastic bags. Next, students created a drawing that communicates something about the environment to promote a change. I strongly discouraged students from using words, to highlight the importance of telling a story using pictures. After creating drawings, students transferred their drawings onto soft-kut printmaking blocks. Once the image was transferred, students carefully cut into their drawing, then inked their block, and printed the image.

Initially, students printed on colorful paper to get the feel for this printmaking technique:

The final print was transferred onto a canvas tote bag. The result: students made an artistic statement in their school and in their community. Wherever they go, wherever they shop, whenever they have their tote bag, they will have a piece of art that stands for something that needs addressing in the environment. What a big statement for someone so young!

*Tote bags are NOT washable!

*Tote bags are NOT washable!

Ceramic Slab Sculptures with Texture

Is it a vase, or a pencil holder? Could it be a box, or possibly a treasure chest? Whatever it might be, the ceramic slab sculpture is unique and original to the student that created it. In fourth grade, students built upon ceramic skills learned in years prior by creating three-dimensional slab sculptures. Students were responsible for making decisions regarding the size, shape, texture, and functionality of their sculpture. After creating paper templates to help measure the base and sides of their piece, students wedged clay, rolled slabs, cut slabs from templates, and constructed their piece with care. Finally, students glazed their sculptures using consistent coats of glaze. Voila! 

Hardest Working Artist of the Semester

The results are posted on artscher.weebly.com!!! In the art room, students voted for their classmates who they believe deserve the Hardest Working Artist of the Semester Award. This award recognizes students who participate above and beyond in the art room with a tremendous ability to: stay on task, keep a positive attitude, demonstrate respect to everyone and everything in the classroom, and express creativity.

To see the winners for this semester follow this link, and click on the grade that you would like to see at the top of the page: artscher.weebly.com

Emotional Self-Portrait Yarn Drawings inspired by Edvard Munch

In fourth grade, students studied emotions and facial expressions, specifically the physical changes in the face when someone feels sad, happy, excited, surprised, angry, etc. We looked at how colors play an important role with emotions, and how you can often associate a feeling with a color. Students explored drawing different expressions and connecting them to related colors. Then, we looked at the art movement, Expressionism. In class, we discussed how artists use brush strokes and color to express their feelings at the time that they are creating their artwork. In particular, we looked at Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” and how he uses active lines and dull colors to reveal his emotion. Students chose a final emotion to express in a self-portrait, and studied the intricacies of their own face when making an expression. Finally, students drew with yarn to mimic the active lines that Munch used in “The Scream,” paying close attention to choosing the right colors to express their emotion. This is a personal favorite, as the results are always so unique! 

"Angry"

"Questioning"

"Thoughtful"

"Excited"

"Annoyed"

Immigrating to America Mural

As a culmination of the drawing unit, students tried their hand at a large-scale collaborative mural. Everyone participated by including their own full-body portrait. Students also worked together to create the beautiful backdrop of their mural: Ellis Island. Students were responsible for painting the ocean, waves, sky, and clouds. I found this to be a great opportunity for the students to share a visual story of their interviewee, while also participating in a large collaborative project that the entire grade can be very proud of! Well done, fourth grade!

"Immigrating to America" Final Mural