Watercolor Paintings

I think I might call every project my favorite project, but these watercolor paintings are actually my favorite. Historically, most of my students have said that the watercolor lesson was their favorite, too, because it opens them up to a new media and they are given a lot of choice in subject matter. Let me outline the lesson:

We start by creating watercolor booklets to teach each of the watercolor techniques. Last semester I created a video tutorial for students to follow along to, which I love because it allows me to walk around the room and help the students who need assistance instead of being stuck at the front of the room instructing. The video is also linked to my lesson slideshow, so students are able to go back and re-watch it at any time if they forget how to implement one of the techniques. The booklets are made out of one sheet of paper, so they can essentially take them anywhere! When I first started out painting with watercolor, I enjoyed sitting outside and painting my surroundings, so the booklet was a helpful bit of inspiration for trying different techniques.

Next I introduced students to the project, where they ultimately choose between painting a landscape, dragon, or animal. This year I had students create thumbnail sketches of all three subjects and receive feedback from their peers before finalizing their subject matter. Once they decided on one of the three subjects, students sketched out a full-page rough draft. Each class completed a TAG (tell something nice, ask a question, give a suggestion) critique to provide further feedback on their ideas. After the critique, students were able to make final alterations to their rough drafts before moving on to their finals. 

I have been beyond impressed by the artwork my students have been producing this week! The goal is to use at least three watercolor techniques in their paintings, and I've been seeing some used in new ways than I've ever seen before. I cannot wait until these paintings are finished so I can add them to the Virtual Art Show to show off! Here are some works-in-progress:

Check out my Twitter and Instagram for more frequent updates on the painting process!

Watercolor Paintings

Artists are in full swing with their watercolor paintings! Students have enjoyed being able to choose their subject, which allows students to pick a composition they know that they will be most successful in creating.

Last week, students created watercolor booklets where they demonstrated several watercolor techniques. I love book arts and find that the one-page booklet is simple to make, but is very useful as a study guide or a quick little booklet.

After the booklets, students created rough drafts and then engaged in a gallery walk critique where they gave feedback to help inspire their classmates with ideas.

The last two days students have been starting on their paintings. Students also have the choice in size of their paper, so I have artwork spanning from 9" x 9" to 18" x 24". Here are a few works-in-progress:

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!

Rangoli

Unfortunately it has been a month since my last post, but this last month has been busy, busy! As of today I am back to teaching just 5-8 because Ms. Beverage has returned to work! It was a lot of fun teaching K-4 and getting to know the grammar school students, but I am shamelessly excited to return to my routine. I've been dying to share updates on my students' artwork, especially the 5th grade Rangoli.

To compliment the study of Ancient India with Mr. Kenny, artists have learned about the temporary art of Rangoli. I really like this project because students are learning three major (and somewhat difficult) art vocabulary: radial balance, tertiary, and analogous colors. Students really enjoy starting the unit by viewing Rangoli videos (which can be found here) to see how this art form is traditionally created. Then using several references, students are able to create their own radially balanced designs. We use chalk pastels over black paper for this project because the colors show gorgeous contrast against the dark paper and the softness of the pastel is pretty similar to the temporary nature of sand.

I've also started conducting in-progress critiques instead of critiques at the end of a project. I've realized that although it is important to be reflective of your artwork, it is more beneficial to the artist to receive helpful feedback mid-way. This constructive feedback could even provide students with ideas on how to proceed with their design because not all artists can see the same thing or have the same ideas. I love when students can help other students!

I am sharing a few artworks, both in-progess and completed. I will post updates to the Virtual Art Show next week once more of them are completed!