Abstracts!

What a fun day, and a great way to wrap up before our 2 week break! In ATCs, kids did student-choice cards and then spent quite a bit of time trading at the end of class.

In Explorations in Art, we spent some time talking about the qualities of abstract painting and sculpture. We toured the gallery and discussed works by some very famous artists. 

Some of the artists featured this week were Marc Chagall, Constantin Brancusi, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso . . . 

. . . Paul Klee, Elaine Marie de Kooning, Henri Matisse, and John Marin.

Afterward, students created gorgeous abstract mixed media works using watercolor and Sharpee markers. Anyone who had trouble getting their "Abstract Groove" on was encouraged to use their non-dominant hand--always a great way to loosen up!

In Ceramics I and II we spent the entire class time applying glaze to our bisque fired works. The goal was to have everything glazed prior to our winter break, but we just didn't have enough time. 

We'll spend another class period in January just doing glazing. So, kids, if you have any ceramics at home that you still want to glaze, bring them in after break!

As always, we listened to some wonderful music all throughout class. Many kids were especially taken with a particular group, Mannheim Steamroller. So, if you asked about the music and can't remember the name of the group, there you go! :)

Just a reminder that we'll only have 2 more weeks of school before the end of the semester!

I hope you all enjoy your 2-week break, and return rested and ready to create some more incredible art!

Happy Holidays, Everyone!

See you Next Year!!

Countdown to Winter Break!

We spent the past week finishing up pending projects, and talking about everyone's plans for Winter Break! 

Students in Ceramics I had a blast painting the spirit balls that they made a few weeks ago. Each one has it's own personality and own unique sound. Ceramic artists in the Wednesday class (above) counted the number of clay "marbles" they put into the spirit ball, and we compared sounds before the painting began. 

Hey! We could start a 

spirit ball percussion band! :)

The Tuesday class painted a variety of bisque fired wares . . .

Including small sculptural works (above)

Ian added onto his to spirit ball (below) to create a highly sculptural, and very interesting piece! What a great imagination!

Ceramics II students added glaze to their functional pieces. Once these have been glaze fired, I'll be sure to post the "after" photos. 

Mae (above) and Sarah (below) worked diligently all through class to put three layers of glaze on each of their pots. It's a slow and time-consuming process, but very important since they want to use these for food.

Students in all the other classes either finished work on pending projects, or did a "student choice" work . . .

Parker, for instance, brought in reference material from home ( a little penguin toy, above) which he drew in class. Great work! It looks just like the original!

Decorated trees surrounded by wrapped gifts were also very popular this past week . . .

And there were thoughts of spending the holidays in tropical locations . . .

We're going to do some fun, Earth-friendly projects during the week before Winter break (the coming week!).

The projects will involve using "junk" mail that I've been saving  . . . very shiny junk mail that is way too pretty and interesting to toss into the landfill!

If you saw me preparing the project last week, you have some idea of what we'll be doing. If not, you're in for a real treat! But that's all I'm going to tell you!  

And, if YOU can tell ME something specific, you'll get an ATC to add to your collection! This week's web challenge is all about Raku Pottery!

Yellow gourd with two raku fired pinch pots, by Miss Robin 

For the week of December 15th through 17th: Find out* what raku pottery is, and how the raku firing process is different from "regular" ceramic firing. Bring me this information, and I'll give you an ATC!

Coil pot, burnished with sgraffito, and raku fired, by Miss Robin

*Remember: Anytime you're doing an online search, your parent or other responsible adult must be present. No exceptions!

Morgan and Parker correctly identified Andy Warhol (Warhola) as the mystery artist from last week's web challenge. Great work, Parker and Morgan! You rock!!!

REMEMBER: Whoever has the most assignment-related ATCs by the end of the semester will win a REALLY COOL PRIZE. A 2nd place prize will also be awarded. There will be a first and second prize for each school day, so get busy!  

And remember to bring the above assignment to class!!!!