Students created these flowers using the pinch pot method. It was tricky for little kindergarten fingers, but they did a great job! We use an air dry clay that is not fired in a kiln like traditional ceramics. I coat the painted projects with mod podge to protect the clay and give it a smooth, polished surface. Y5 students turned their pinch pots into turtles.
What should I paint? Where do artists get ideas?
I read students a book that gives some answers to these questions. The pages I highlighted from the book had the following messages: "Artists get inspiration from nature." "Artists exercise their imagination." "Artists express ideas and feelings in a way that others can see." The Starry Night is one of the most iconic paintings in art history. I like to give students a chance to experience this painting on their own and as part of a "virtual field trip" to the MoMA in New York to view the painting up close through pictures and videos. We do not cover the saddest and most tragic aspects of Van Gogh's life and struggle with mental illness. We do talk about how in his time, Van Gogh worked hard to paint with his own special style. During his lifetime, however, he did not sell his work or have what others would call "success" as a working artist. We look at the way in which he put his paint down in thick, visible brush marks that convey a sense of emotion and movement. What I love about teaching kids is that so many of them naturally paint with a sense of freedom and expression that we "grown ups" can only hope to achieve. In my opinion, Van Gogh's Starry Night is so beloved because he was able to combine his artistic skills with a childlike, imaginative expression that resonates with so many of us.
Thank you so much for your support of our Art Show! The framed artwork looked fantastic, and it was a great opportunity for our students to showcase their creativity and hard work. I was so happy to see so many smiling young artists, proud families, and appreciative community members. I received many compliments which I passed along to the stars of the show - my students!
If you missed the show and would like to purchase a frame, orders will be accepted through Friday, April 5th. To order, please respond to Mr. Jaruzel via email and send a $30 payment with cash or check made out to DeWitt Public Schools. Reproductions and multiple frames are also available. All remaining artwork will be sent home with students in a few weeks. |
Mr. JaruzelWeekly Art Class Archive
Click here to view an archive of our weekly art lessons from this spring.
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August 2021
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August 2021
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