St. Peter Catholic School Art Room

 We learned all about watercolor in our Spilt Paint Watercolor Drawing lesson. Students applied their knowledge of watercolor methods to create an original drawing.  This project utilized critical thinking skills that challenge students to incorporate a drawing with their watercolor wash.  Here are some student examples:   

 Students spent first quarter learning about creative process.  They met various objectives throughout the quarter to complete a final, finished project. This included brainstorming, practicing technique, planning a layout, and finally: creating their poster.  Throughout the creative process students learned about various artists, including Bonnie Maclean who created the first Rock posters for the famous Fillmore Concert venue. We discussed different design elements through observing Maclean's artworks to gain inspiration for our posters.  Students also covered artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Alfred Mucha for inspiration and context into the art world. We discussed themes of art as advisements and functions of street art.  We applied this knowledge to our own artwork.  Pictured below: 8th through 6th grade posters. 

 Students are learning about Día de los Muertos. We looked at photos of several alters that had been prepared and talked about the different artifacts on them. Students learned about the origins of Day of the Dead and we listened to Mariachi music.  Students chose festive colors and explored different cutting techniques to make their own prayer flags. We put all the prayer flags together to make a banner. 

 Students are rounding off their exploration of Hispanic artists and artwork with a lesson on  Día  de los Muertos.  We learned about the different artifacts placed on alters during Día de los Muertos. The 8th grade is hard at work creating Clay Pinch Pots for an alter.   We discussed the importance of creating a welcoming alter filled with someone's personal belongings, food, and photographs. We looked at photographs of alters and got inspiration from the different artifacts.  Pictured is a sneak peak at the 8th grade drying their pinch pots. Students were encouraged to create a design of their choosing. 

Students have been engaging Hispanic artists and artwork in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. We have covered artists from Colombia, Spain, Mexico, and the United States.  Students learned about various artistic styles and art movements. We view artwork from the Baroque period (1600-1750), Post-Modern period (1950's to present), and the Surrealist period (1920's to 1935).  Students viewed Botero's, a Colombian artist, sculpture "Gato." They then applied Botero's artistic style to their own renditions of a gato. Students were encouraged to use various mediums to complete this project.  3rd grade Botero Inspired Gato watercolor.  3rd grade Botero Inspired Gato watercolor.  Mixed Media, inspired Botero Gato Composition.  Mixed Media, inspired Botero Gato Composition.

 Students in Grades 3-5 did a "draw with me." Students spent studio time drawing a step by step Keith Haring Image with Ms. Thurman. They also worked together to give feedback and artistic tips!  This exercise focused on refining listening skills and conditioning fine motor skills. Students realized that a combination of Shape and Line helped create a beautiful artwork.  The motto for our studio work is "It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be mine." Students learned that artwork is personal to the artist and that they can feel empowered by creating work that reflects their personality.  Carly Woodward, 4th grade Isabella Stock, 4th grade.  Silvia Boicourt, 4th grade.

  Artists from different grade-levels are signing up to display their artwork.  Check out this weeks St Peter Artists!  Pictured right:  “The Adventurist,” Callyn Warner 3rd grade.     As you walk by the art room be sure to stop and check-out the posted artworks!