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Last Day of School June 19, 2009

Filed under: news,projects — alaplante @ 7:54 am
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Today is the last day of school!  Here are the finished flower pots by the 2nd graders.  On the sides of the pots, the students used the technique of sgraffito to draw life cycles- either frogs, flowers, butterflies, or seasons.

During the month of July, I will be posting photos from the summer art camp I teach at Beaver Country Day School, please check in for updates!

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Art Supply Mandalas

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 7:42 am
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For their last art class, the junior kindergarteners were given all sorts of art supplies.  Using a hula hoop on the floor, they created mandalas.  Working in teams of 4, they constructed patterns and built up layers of supplies.  Hopefully in the fall, the students will build on this skill and create mandalas outside in the garden.

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Congrats to the 8th Grade

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 7:36 am
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The 8th graders graduated last night.  Here are some photos from their artwork that has been on display in the main lobby.

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Great Still Lifes June 17, 2009

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 8:09 am
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The 6th graders completed their 2nd observational drawing of the year, and continue to improve!  They began with simple 3D volumes, learning the correct way to shade to show the 3D quality.  Next, the students looked at vases, mugs, baskets, bowls, and noted what 3D volumes were inside the objects.

For the still lifes, Mr. Everhart’s homeroom used value scales and shaded their drawings with pencil.  Mrs. Hester’s homeroom used line weight and color to finish the drawings.

For inspiration, the students looked at still life paintings by Giorgio Morandi, an Italian artist who makes great use of simple objects.

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5th Grade Superheros June 16, 2009

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 7:02 am
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The fifth graders finished their superheros.  Beginning with a survey, the students created their ideal alter-ego, based on what super-power they wanted, as well as colors and names.  The students learned the correct proportions of the human body–7-8 heads tall.  We even measured a few student heads and multiplied that number by 7…the 7 head rule was always correct!

Next, the students learned how to put the human body in motion.  They practiced many poses, always keeping the body 7 heads tall.

After choosing a pose, the superhero was put into action.

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Sculpture Updates June 12, 2009

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 7:51 am
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The 1st and 3rd graders have finished their final projects of the school year.  The first graders worked hard to create mixed up animal sculptures, starting with sketches, then constructing out of clay, then glazing.  They read a lot of poems by Shel Silverstein and Jack Prelutsky about silly animals for inspiration.

The 3rd graders finished their baskets as well.  They have been looking at traditional baskets of Native American and African tribes, as well as contemporary baskets from recycled materials.  They were impressed that baskets can be made out of belts, moss, telephone wire, potato chip bags, magazines, metal, plastic shopping bags, and more!

Some finished projects:

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Bikes at Riverfest June 9, 2009

Filed under: news,projects — alaplante @ 8:33 am
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The 4th graders just finished their observational drawing project for the year.  They learned to use viewfinders to focus on one small section of an object and zoom in close.  The pencil drawings were completed with monochromatic chalk pastels.  After creating value scales, the students applied those values to the values they observed in the real bikes.


This Saturday, June 13th, from 12-6pm is the annual Riverfest, a celebration of the arts along the Charles River.  20 of the 4th graders’ bike drawings will be on display in the Cambridge Public School’s art exhibit.

Photos of the students at work, as well as a couple finished drawings.  Please excuse the flash spots…the drawings have been laminated for the Riverfest!

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Wheels

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 8:20 am
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The junior kindrgarteners recently finished constructing vehicles from recycled food boxes.  Using the boxes like legos, the students created trucks, trains, airplanes, rockets, and buses.  The boxes were painted and decorated.  All vehicles have to have doors, windows, lights, and wheels.  They did a great job with this complicated project!

Some of the finished vehicles:

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Flower Pots June 2, 2009

Filed under: projects — alaplante @ 8:36 am
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Lots of sculptures are being made in the Art Studio!  Junior kindergarteners are making vehicles from recycled food boxes, Mr. Klinman’s kindergarteners are making bugs from recycled bottles, 1st graders are making clay fantasy animals, 3rd graders are weaving baskets, and 2nd graders are making ceramic flower pots.

The flower pots are being created using the coil method, around real flower pots.  Next week, they will use the technique of sgraffito to draw life cycles of frogs, butterflies, and flowers on the sides of the pots.  Edible plants- mint, basil, lettuce- will be planted in the pots before the end of the year.

Some photos of Mr. Gutierrez’s class at work, coiling the clay:

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