Cast-Tissue Tiles with Grade 1

First grade students recently learned about the casting process through the use of texture plates. We discussed how casts are used by artists in creating sculptures and relief artworks. Some students were very excited to know that they have indeed used his technique by pouring chocolate into molds to make candies! To make our cast tiles, students brushed their texture plates with a watery glue mixture and then placed their tissue paper squares onto the plate. Students chose every aspect of their design from the texture plate to the colors of tissue paper. Once we coated the plate with a few layers of tissue paper, we has to patiently wait for them to dry overnight. The reveal of the tile is by far the most exciting part of this process as students get to fully see their color choices captured on a beautiful tile!

Dragon's Eye with Grade Five: Final Product

Fifth graders have worked so hard to complete their dragon's eye artworks this week! Using a combination of techniques from cross-hatching to watercolor washes, students truly added individuality and personality to their pieces. Enjoy! 

Dragon's Eyes with Grade Five: In-Progress

Fifth graders have been recently learning about the mythological creature of the dragon, which has been used in a variety of fairy tales and folklore stories. As a class, we compared and contrasted the two major types of dragons (eastern and western) and found some interesting preferences! Students then created their own dragon eye complete with a variety of shapes and designs. To focus on a range of techniques, we have been developing our skills in cross-hatching with Sharpies as well as the wet on wet technique using watercolor washes. We cannot wait for you to see the finished results! 

Back to school!

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year! I am so beyond thrilled to return after a wonderful summer with my family. September is already flying by and we have been busy creating sketchbooks and portfolios to prepare for a productive year! 

Here are just a few highlights for this month:

   *Students are just beginning their first project of the school year! Look for new art project blog posts soon!

    *Mr.G and some wonderful parent volunteers have been busy working with students to create replicas of the six original school buildings of Stratham to be used in the celebration parade on September 25! We are always looking for more help as enter the last week of painting and detailing! A huge thank you to the PTO for their assistance in supplies!

  *I am excited to be offering a photography after school session for grades 4 and 5 coming in October! Details will be coming soon! 

This year is already shaping up to be the best one yet and I cannot wait to continue to share the wonderful successes of our amazing artists here at SMS! 

Art Fest 2016

     A heartfelt thank you to all who took the time to visit our first, Art Fest event at SMS this past Thursday and Friday.  Students have been working so hard throughout the school year and it is always a pleasure to see all their efforts showcased together! As the school year winds down, students will be getting all their works back so be on the lookout! They are so excited to share all of their artistic efforts with you!  Here is just a sampling of the artwork displayed:

Pop-Art Self Portraits with Grade Four

Fourth graders have been busy finishing up a printmaking unit studying the Pop-Art movement and the life of artist, Andy Warhol.  Using tools for proper proportion, Students created their own self portrait on foam and then printed using Speedball ink.  After many printmaking sessions, students were able to assemble their most successful prints into a triptych (three part) or quadryptch (four part) series.  The results are unique and colorful interpretations of an interesting movement in art history! 

Youth Art Month Art Show

To celebrate Youth Art Month, The Exeter Arts Committee will be featuring artwork from various schools in and around our district.  The gallery is located in the upstairs of the Exeter Town Hall (across from the gazebo).  This exhibit will be on display until March 27th and can be seen any Saturday or Sunday 12-4. The following students have been featured:

Grade 5:

Grace M.       Ashleigh v.d.L.         Kiera V.           Ella H.

Caroline M.      Srijan M.      Christopher L.      Santina D.    Makena G.

Grade 4:

Susannah A.     Camryn M.      Annie G.      Sean D.      Will E.     

Grade 3:

Edison D.      Charlotte P.       Leo T.       Jaclyn K.       Sarah H.        Breanne D. 

Grade 2:

Annita P.        Emmy L.        Celia Z.       Madeline C.       Joseph M.       Patrick L.

Grade 1:

Grady M.      Gianna C.       Colby F.      Juliet M.      Laney W.

Kindergarten:

Isaiah C.      Izzy F.      Keira L.     May A.     Evan B.      Caroline A.      Reagan C.      Mary Rose J. 

Lovely Printmaking with Kindergarten

Kindergarten students have been working with printing foam, pencils, and  markers to create their own stamp in the beginning levels of printmaking. Students have been creating love inspired prints to go along with our book, "That Yucky Love Thing." Once the foam was imprinted with the student's design, they then colored their "stamp" with marker.  Printing these works is the most fun of all! Just a quick spray of water onto a paper and a roll of a brayer and the work magically appears! 

Photography with Grade Five

Fifth graders are just getting into our new lesson involving digital photography.  We have discussed   the origination of film photography and the tremendous growth of the digital medium these past ten years.  It has been interesting comparing the two types of media with the students and understanding the ideas behind the use of pixels in today's digital photography.  Students will be exploring the outdoor world next week inspired by the life and works of Ansel Adams.  Here is just a taste of a few test shots from last week's mini-session!

 

Update: Op-Art Final Products!

Fifth grade students have been showing great perseverance through the completion of this optical illusion artwork. Students really reflected on the qualities of shading and application of control through pressure applied to the colored pencil.  These works took quite a few classes to complete, but the results are truly worth all of the time and great effort shown! 

Collage Snowmen with Kindergarten

Kindergarten students have been diligently working on creating a torn paper snowman inspired by the book, "Snowmen at Night." Students used their painting skills to create a wash night sky as well as their muscles to tear plenty of "snow!" These works were completed using construction paper and crayon to create details and a snowy background.