John James Audobon Watercolor birds

My 8th graders learned about different watercolor techniques as well as famous artist John James Audobon.  In our lesson, we have literacy, we have drawing how-to's, we ave watercolor exploration and then we create an artwork inspired by Audobon.  Students had a fun time with the exploration and learning the basics in the how-to.  In the literacy, we read together and practices reading and study strategies.  Here are some pictures. My Reflection for next time is at the bottom.

Reflection:  I would review the expectations with them more, regarding a light background and what method to use (wet on wet), then the middle ground with value (more wet on dry and color blending, also using the white of the page) and then letting it dry, then adding sharpie detail last.

JC Graffiti Wall

Our school is currently going through some renovation and our Principal had a really cool idea one morning.  Let our students write their names on our walls one last time before it is destroyed.  He pictured Graffiti-style letters with signatures and handprints.  I immediately got excited about the chance for some Graffiti!  I collabed with another "hipster" teacher and got some ideas.  I had my 7th graders design a few ideas and then off to Lowe's I went!

Students helped paint the wall white (a few layers), then I did the letters. Last, students got to place their signature on the wall the Friday before Spring Break.

Nothing like getting street cred with the middle schoolers over Graffiti-ing your school!!  ;)

Drawing: Self Portrait Cubes

8th grade just completed their Self Portrait Cubes.  I wanted to do something other than a regular straight-on Self Portrait.  a) they are hard  b) nobody wants to look at themselves that long!  c) that can be either freeing or detrimental to a middle schooler.  So, I figured placing their facial features on a cube would be less frightening, but still intro drawing, self portrait and value.
We started with a little value practice on a sphere, then moved to practicing an eye, nose and mouth.  I demo'ed the different level of drawing pencils (HB to 4B).  I gave students mirrors to use and a template.  We worked on this (and a weekly sketch) for a solid 4 days.  I graded and passed back cubes with feedback, there were a LOT of outlines and minimal shading.  3-4 were exceptional, only a couple unfinished.  After feedback, students worked on them a bit more, then we cut them out and glued or taped them together.

Next time, I would like to make an Alexander Calder out of them; either a mobile to hang in the classroom or in our display case.  ;)