Value Drawing...Owls

Isn't it just that way?  I went looking photos of the owl drawings my third graders did as a practice for the printmaking project below and couldn't find them.  That's because I was so blown away by the results that I forgot to photograph them.  Boo-hoo.  I guess I'll get to that later this week because their little practice sketches spontaneously turned into a 45 minute intense value drawing episode.  You could hear a pin drop. Naturally I let them go with it and then ran right over to sixth grade and repeated the lesson with my older artists, because I'll do anything to engage kids deeply with drawing.  Here are the few sixth grade value drawings that were completed last week.  Others are still in progress.

Shrinky Dink Skeletons

Here's a small selection of Shrinky Dinks that I'm getting ready for the oven. Fifth graders practiced skeleton drawing then  when they got one they liked they put the Shrinky Dink plastic on top and traced with a Sharpie.  To shrink them, line your pan with parchment paper so they won't stick and bake at 250 degrees.  Keep an eye on them...it will take 10 minutes more or less.  You'll know when they're close because they will curl up and you'll think they're ruined.  Don't worry. Be patient and give them more time in the oven and they will flatten out.  You can bake them just as show, but trimmed around the skeleton and punched a hole with a hand punch.  A jump ring finishes off the charm. Kids love 'em.
Sorry I don't have the after pics.  They didn't hang around long enough.  But believe me they were over the moon cute.

African Masks Inspire Us

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders took a break from making Haiti House pins, and used some of the their previously decorated papers to create these colorful masks.  Before work began, we discussed reasons why people around the world might wear or use a mask.  Some of the reasons mentioned were to change or hide identity, for protection, for fun, and for spiritual or ceremonial reasons.  For inspiration, we looked at a selection of African mask designs.
Students completed a rough draft of a mask that would show an alternate or secret side of themselves.   We reviewed bilateral symmetry and after a quick demonstration on cutting symmetrical shapes, students were ready to go.  The students selected their papers and began turning their designs into masks.  The expectation was that the would mix and layer papers to create visual interest.  When we met for the third week students were asked to break out of the outline of their mask by adding fringe, feathers, raffia, etc.
By the looks of things our students have very wild and colorful inner lives!  It was great to share this project with the students and fun for all.  They will look great at the art show.