I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoy teaching your students. I look forward to opening the door of the art room everyday, anticipating all the creativity, humor, and kindness that will take place in the next few hours. I truly LOVE my job! 💗
The first few weeks of school have been very busy getting to know each other and learning new art skills. Many 7th and 8th grade students noted the changes in the art room immediately. I was here all summer painting, cleaning, and organizing. The results are worth all the effort.
6th grade students have been busy completing their first project - Positive and Negative Space Cityscapes. Students learned about negative and positive space in art and the difference between cool and warm colors. Their work is on display in the 6th grade hall, I have received many compliments from other faculty and staff on how well they turned out.
6th Grade Cityscapes
6th grade students also finished constructing their clay projects this past week. Clay emoji rattles are always a favorite project. They are drying on the shelf getting ready for the first firing in the kiln. I am so impressed with the construction and craftsmanship of these. I have some really talented students! I will post more about these emojis once they are glazed.
6th Grade students creating their emoji rattles.
7th grade students finished their Pop Art Portraits last week as well. After lots of moaning and groaning about taking pictures of themselves students got busy creating work based on the Pop Art movement of the 1950's. Students were only able to use complimentary colors and skin tones for this project, Pop Artists such as Roy Lichtenstein used only these colors in his work. Students also incorporated an onomatopoeia describing their personalities to their portraits.
Some examples of 7th grade Pop Art Portraits.
7th grade students are currently working on their clay projects with much success. They are coil pot creatures. Students are required to build anything they like with coils. The piece must incorporate an opening in the design, have a coiled interior, and be at least 5 inches tall. They are tackling this with lots of positive attitudes and effort!
7th Grade students creating their clay projects.
8th graders have been busy as well. Since this is an elective class for 8th grade and a semester long, we really start to develop skills and learn about many art mediums. They started the year learning how to marble paper and how to bind a book using a Japanese method. Students created sketchbooks using these new skills. They turned out beautifully!
The next project was a Japanese paper cutting called a Notan. Students learned about positive and negative space and how to create art with balance and contrast. They also learned how to use an x-acto knife correctly and SAFELY! This lesson always makes me a little nervous.
8th Grade Notans
8th grade students are currently working their way through the Value and Form lesson. They learn how to create the illusion of form by using value. They also learn how to use drawing pencils and related materials. The project will close with students creating a logo relief and redrawing this from observation incorporating value.
CONGRATULATIONS to Ezra Laufenberg for being chosen the Art Student of the Month for September. I chose Ezra because he is one of the most dedicated, polite, and creative students I have ever taught. He brightens up the art room as soon as he walks in. Ezra is always on task and asking questions, he is a joy to teach!
Art Student of the Month - September
Ezra Laufenberg
As you can tell, the art room at BMS is a hopping place - I wouldn't want it any other way!
Your Enthusiastic Art Teacher,
Mrs. Doro
