SDFAS 2016 7th Grade students worked in teams to recreate Henri Matisse’s, Woman in a Purple Coat, in fabric. The image of the original painting was projected onto paper— then traced and segmented, to form a working pattern from which the students could work. Together they cut, fused and assembled each section. On the reverse side, their personal, yet creative effort can be seen in the embroidery of their names and images of their choosing.
SDFAS 2017 7th Grade students worked in teams to recreate Henri Matisse’s, Goldfish in a Bowl, in fabric. The image of the original painting was projected onto paper— then traced and segmented, to form a working pattern from which the students could work. Together in small groups, they cut, fused and assembled each section. On the reverse side, their names have been embroidered on the French flag complete with SDFAS Logo (dry clean only). Fabric 45” x 54” textile art
SDFAS 2018 7th Grade students worked in teams to recreate Henri Matisse’s, La Musique, in fabric. The image of the original painting was projected onto paper— then traced and segmented, to form a working pattern from which the students could work. Together, but in small groups, they cut, fused and assembled each section. On the reverse side, their names have been embroidered on a Matisse inspired leaf. (dry clean only). Fabric 45” x 54” Textile art
This Children Paint the Masters blog was started over 10 years ago to showcase my students art. These collaborative art projects helped raise nearly $100,000 for school-wide programs. I have since built the site to include teaching videos, art lesson plans, individual student artwork, and more.
My Teaching Strategy: Creative project based learning with a focus on art history along with the introduction to different art materials, have been essential components in the development of my teaching strategy. I believe that Keller’s ARCS Model of Motivation is essential in engaging all students in any subject, but it is particularly effective in Visual Art class. I’m constantly educating myself and want to inspire the same spirit of self discovery, creative problem solving, and interest in my students. I am a working artist. I’m always exploring my interests, learning about new creative ways of expression, and discovering emerging artists and their work. All of this I bring to the classroom.
A great teacher should connect and coach children to be expressive, open to artistic challenges, and to be able to cope with failure and to try again. She should inspire interest in trying new materials and techniques, collaboration and respect. To that end I’ve created many curricula in line with multiple grade levels using VAPA California State Standards.https://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/vapacontentstds.asp
A few years ago, when I was student teaching at a Middle school, I wanted to create a lesson for my new students that was quick and fun. They had just completed a painstakingly detailed project, that took 10 art classes worth of time and used color pencil exclusively. I began by discussing color theory and then introduced them to the work of Mark Rothko with a slide show presentation and then I gave them this assignment:
Make 2 or 3 Rothko inspired paintings using either a Complimentary , Monochromatic or Analogous color scheme. Pick 2 or 3 sheets of colored paper and decide what colors you want to work with and then paint…. with your finger!
Mix paint directly on paper. Create a rectangle or line or square using at least 2 colors of paint that work with either the Complimentary, Monochromatic or Analogous color scheme (the color of your paper will be part of your decision making process and help determine what color scheme).
Paint using your finger- add color as need – add white or add black – color in your shape, but also let the color of the paper show through the shape. Remember to leave edges or a frame around your shapes — (don’t paint from edge to edge, remember, that the paper itself is part of your color scheme).
Once you have your shapes painted, you can use a wet brush to soften the edges if desired and then let the paintings dry …. Tempera paint dries quickly and will have a matte finish.
Once you have completed 2 or 3 Rothko- inspired paintings – you will choose one to submit for grading as a “Rothko”—then pick one of the others to enhance in your own creative style…. make it your own!
I suggest that the painting you turn in is as your “Rothko” is the most successful one, i.e. follows the correct color scheme – has nice forms and color mixing etc…
On the other painting you are going to draw using oil pastels… add color and texture or draw something over the underpainting— a fish, a flower, a face— or other shapes, designs, or patterns— whatever you want because this is your creative opportunity!!!
The resulting creations were so fabulous that I hung the most successful works in the school lobby for all to enjoy! This is a fun and inexpensive project, it only requires basic construction paper, tempera paint (red, yellow, blue, white and black only) and oil pastels.
I am a fierce supporter and advocate for Visual Art education in the classroom– K- 12th ( please don’t make those already over-burdened Elementary Teachers teach Visual Art along with all their other subjects…) Seriously! Visual Art class is an active, noisy and messy learning environment, where the right -brain gets into the action! Sadly, Visual Art is almost always the first class to go during budget shortfalls. I hope that with the aid of educational technology tools, Visual Art education will get the attention and funding it deserves. Now sit back and be prepared to be deeply amused and yet, completely embarrassed for me- this is my first teaching self produced video- ever!
Curie Elementary School students created amazing collaborative art for sale to benefit the school’s visual art and music programs. This year’s offerings were absolutely exquisite and second to NONE!
Transitional Kindergarden & Kindergarden Classes : “Fingerprint Pointillism” 20″ x 20″ Acrylic on Wood.
Top left-Right: Ms Vasquez’ Class “Birdie Sunshine”, Ms. Gingras’ class (TK) “Alphabet Soup”, Ms. Alvarez’ class “Countdown”, Mr. Sensenbaugh’s class “Alphabet Jungle” and Ms. Gleaves’ class “The Giving Tree”.
1st Grade classes created Jackson Pollock inspired Action Paintings! Students also enjoyed naming their group efforts during the “en- TITLE-ment” process. Students were asked to offer word suggestions in 4 categories: Color, Action, Animal, Feeling. The class then voted on the words from each category, thus the thought provoking TITLE of each painting…
36″ x 48″ Acrylic Paint on wood:
Ms. Balastrieri & Ms. Smith “Rainbow 360-ing Panda, Joyful!”
Ms. Holcomb “Green Leaping Cheetah, Crazy!”
Ms. Caron & Ms. Salas “Red Backflipping Tiger, Happiness!”
Ms. Sipe “Black swimming Gorilla, Surprise!”
2nd Graders created Henri Matisse inspired “Paint with Scissors” collages… Students worked in pairs creatively “role playing”, in turns, Henri Matisse and then his assistant– thus each child would participate as both Artist/Assistant. The Artist Henri Matisse was wheelchair bound/ bed bound in his later life for a period of time. This lesson/project actively demonstrates to students the importance of communication and instruction to express intentions/design, but it also offers a small glimpse of what it means to be wheelchair bound and reliant on others… Clear communication and intent required on the “Matisse” side, but following direction and participation without question on the assistant’s side… It always makes for an exciting and interesting interactive lesson as well as an unbelievably beautiful collaborative piece! Each Panel is 24″ x 36″ Tempera Paint, Paper on Wood
3rd Graders recreated in the “Curie-Style” a selection Vincent Van Gogh’s floral still- life paintings. 20″x30″ Oil Pastel, Watercolor on Paper.
Ms. Rodriguez’ Class Vincent Van Gogh inspired “White Roses”
Ms. McDade’s Class Vincent Van Gogh inspired “Sunflowers”
Mr. Leavenworth’s Class Vincent Van Gogh inspired “Sunflowers II”
Ms. Linsin’s Class Vincent Van Gogh inspired “Blue Irises”
4th Graders created amazing Renaissance Art inspired portraits with graffiti and collaging elements.
30″ x 30″ Mixed media on Wood
Ms. Selleck’s class Sandro Botticelli inspired “Portrait of Simonetti Vespucci”
Ms. McKelvey’s class Michelangelo inspired “David”
Ms. Monastero’s class Leonardo Da Vinci inspired “Portrait of Cecilia Gallerani”
5th Grade classes worked “scientifically”. Students’s worked with Sharpies and 91% rubbing alcohol and the “tie-dye” effect created when the two materials meet on a ceramic tile!
3 Mosaic Tiled Mirrors 24″ x 24″
Ms. Bacca’s class “Purple Haze”, Ms. Daglio’s class “Strawberry Fields and Mr. Todd’s class “Jackie Blue”.
SDFAS 7th grade students worked in teams to recreate Henri Matisse’s, La Musique, in fabric. The image of the original painting was projected onto paper— then traced and segmented, to form a working pattern from which the students could work. Together, but in small groups, they cut, fused and assembled each section. On the reverse side, their names have been embroidered on a Matisse inspired leaf. (dry clean only). Fabric 45” x 54” Textile art
5th Grade – Painting Georges Lemmen’s, Plage a Heist. This re-interpreted masterpiece of Belgium Post- Impressionist artist Georges Lemmen, was painted in Pointillism -(a style of painting, in which small and distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image). The young artists were given individual sections of the painting to recreate, they were encouraged to… “‘Paint what You See’, not what you think!” When all segments were completed, the 5th graders worked together to unite the sections and allow the painting to flow into a single composition. Students were very amazed and proud by what their collaborative effort produced! This remarkable painting truly embodies the spirit of community art. Tempera on Paper on Wood 48” x 36”
Tiled Mirror, Classroom B, Warm Colors 3rd Graders enjoyed a little science with their art when they created these fantastic tiles – using warm colored Sharpies the students created abstract designs on white subway tiles and then with careful precision used small amounts of rubbing alcohol to diffuse the colors. The result is this stunning Tie -Dye Stylin’ Mirror! However, viewer beware, you may forget to look in the mirror whenever you pass this wonderful and colorful compilation of children’s creative spirit! 24” x 36” Tile and Glass on Wood Panel.Special Thanks Courtney Murphy
Tiled Mirror, Warm Colors
Tiled Mirror, Classroom A, Cool Colors 3rd Graders enjoyed a little science with their art when they created these fantastic tiles – using cool colored Sharpies the students created abstract designs on white subway tiles and then with careful precision used small amounts of rubbing alcohol to diffuse the colors. The result is this stunning Tie -Dye Stylin’ Mirror! However, viewer beware, you may forget to look in the mirror whenever you pass this wonderful and colorful compilation of children’s creative spirit! 24” x 36” Tile and Glass on Wood Panel. Special Thanks Courtney Murphy
Tiled Mirror, Cool Colors
Multi-Media Painting, Classroom A, Warm Colors First grade students chose 3 warm colored shapes to embellish, using cool colored oil pastels; utilizing the perviously studied art concepts of line, form, shape and color. The young artists creatively colored the shapes to their own taste – the result is this Harmonices Mundi, warm and wacky!
30” x 30” Mixed Media and Oil Pastel on Wood. Special thanks Kathy Mitchell
Harmonices Mundi, Warm Colors
Multi-Media Painting, Classroom B, Cool Colors First grade students chose 3 cool colored shapes to embellish, using warm colored oil pastels; utilizing the perviously studied art concepts of line, form, shape and color. The young artists creatively colored the shapes to their own taste – the result is this Harmonices Mundi, cool and crazy!
30” x 30” Mixed Media and Oil Pastel on Wood. Special Thanks Kathy Mitchell
Middle School Art Elective – Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’ Mme. Moitessier. SDFAS offers Art Elective to Middle School Students on a Trimester basis. Students from all 3 trimesters contributed to this stunning painting inspired by famous French Neoclassical artist Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (Ingres for short!)- most renowned for his portraits. Mme. Moitessier ,painted in 1856 , can be viewed at the National Gallery, London— or a more lively updated version of this “Junoesque beauty” in your own home! 36” x 36” Tempera on Paper on Wood
7th Grade – Textile Art SDFAS 7th grade students worked in teams to recreate Henri Matisse’s, Goldfish in a Bowl, in fabric. The image of the original painting was projected onto paper— then traced and segmented, to form a working pattern from which the students could work. Together in small groups, they cut, fused and assembled each section. On the reverse side, their names have been embroidered on the French flag complete with SDFAS Logo (dry clean only). Fabric 45” x 54” textile art
6th Grade – FISH! Totem Pole Embellish and bedeck your garden or patio with this whimsical planter. Each 6th Grade student created their own “spirit” fish using colored glass. Then the rainbow school of fish was adhered to a scrap length PVC pipe. This gorgeous, eco-friendly, “Recycle Art” sculpture, would look absolutely Swimmingly Splendid anywhere! 12” x 68” Mosaic Glass Tile + a plant— approx. 60lbs
5th Grade – Georges Seurat’s The Channels at Gravelines, Evening. This reinterpreted masterpiece of Post- Impressionist artist Georges Seurat, was painted in Pointillism -(a style of painting, in which small and distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image). The young artists were given individual sections of the painting to recreate, they were encouraged to… “‘Paint what You See’, not what you think!” When all segments were completed, the 5th graders worked together to unite the sections and allow the painting to flow into a single composition. Students were very amazed and proud by what their collaborative effort produced! This remarkable painting truly embodies the spirit of community art. Tempera on Paper on Wood 48” x 36”
3rd Grade – Set of 2 paintings “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish! “ Dr. Seuss meets artist Robert Delaunay in this Orphism (cubism with color!) styled painting. Both 3rd grade classes enjoyed working with acrylic paint to create these wonderful lyrical abstractions of fish. 3rd grade offers two different image orientations to fit your wall space, both paintings are enchanting homages to young artists and fish! Blue Fish 30” x 40” Acrylic on Canvas and Red Fish 40” x 30” Acrylic on Canvas
1st Grade – Mirror SDFAS first grade students chose either a sand dollar, sea scallop shell or large snail shell to observe and draw; utilizing the perviously studied art concepts of line, form, shape and color. The young artists then creatively colored the shells to their own taste – the result of which, is this fanciful and colorful collection of the best sea shells ever! You will forget to look in the mirror whenever you pass this wonderful compilation of children’s creative spirit! 24” x 48” Mixed Media oil pastel on wood and mirror.
SDFAS 1st Graders really enjoyed working together to create this amazing 3 panel room divider. Choose which side best suits your mood— Is it the dribbled, splashed, smeared Jackson Pollock inspired action painting side? Or is it the Square with Concentric Circles, Wassily Kandinsky inspired side that best represents your state of mind?… Either way, you can’t go wrong with this One-Of-A-Kind collaborative art piece.
(3 Acrylic on Wood 19”x75” panels)
*Special Thanks to Luana McAuliffe, Caroline Fontaine, Kathy Mitchell, Sonja Donahue, Cousin Chris and Kenneth D. Hudson
Sold $1500.00 at Live Auction!
Embellish and bedeck your garden with this set of 3 staggered height, whimsical planters. The 3rd Grade students enjoyed selecting and arranging their own blend of colored (scrap) glass. The beautiful patchwork of mosaics were then adhered to scrap lengths of PVC pipe to create this gorgeous, eco-friendly, “Recycle Art” sculpture, which would make a splendid and mindful addition to any garden.
*Special Thanks to Sarah Elder, Kathy Mitchell and Sonja Donahue
The 5th grade A students created a painting inspired by the French Post- Impressionist artist, George Seurat, using his pioneered style of painting, Pointillism, in which small and distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. They combined Pointillism with Norman Komen’s incredible photograph of Torrey Pines 1989 and created this beautifully evocative painting of a stormy sunset! Enjoy this Window to the West, day or night.
(on Paper on Wood 48” x 36”)
* Special Thanks to Norman Koren, Kathy Mitchell, Sonja Donahue and Mr. Bago
The 5th Grade Class B– George Seurat’s Gray Weather, Grande Jatte, 1888. This re-interpreted masterpiece of Post- Impressionist artist Georges Seurat, encouraged students to see and explore the possibilities of color and form. The young artists were given individual sections of the painting to recreate, they were encouraged to… “‘Paint what You See’, not what you think!” When all segments were completed, the artists then worked together to unite the sections and allow the painting to flow into a single composition. Students were very amazed and proud by what their collaborative effort produced! This remarkable painting truly embodies the spirit of community art. Tempera on Paper on
Wood 48” x 36”
*Special Thanks to Kathy Mitchell, Sonja Donahue, Mr. Bago, SDFAS Class of 2019 and George Seurat!
Sold $7000.00 at Live Auction!
International Week opened with an “Art Happening” featuring 6th Graders working together to create Peace Mandalas. The combination of students actively creating socially conscious art on the blacktop during the course of the school day, exemplifies SDAFS mission to enable “unique multicultural experience that forges open-minded citizens”.
This sui generis project includes 2 (30”x 30”) oil pastel on wood with an additional 18” x 18” Eiffel Tower Peace Sign- decoupaged with the word “Peace” in over a hundred languages.
“Feel the Love” of these young Peace Creators whenever you look at their inspiring art!
7th grade students worked in teams to recreate Henri Matisse’s, Woman in a Purple Coat, in fabric. The image of the original painting was projected onto paper— then traced and segmented, to form a working pattern from which the students could work. Together they cut, fused and assembled each section. On the reverse side, their personal, yet creative effort can be seen in the embroidery of their names and images of their choosing.
*Special Thanks to Kathy Mitchell, Sonja Donahue, Emily Loomis
**This project is dedicated to the former Professor of Fashion Design at Washington University, St. Louis, Jeigh Singleton, the Master of all Things Textile, whose design motto, “KISS-it” (Keep It Simple Sweetheart) is forever ingrained in all his countless student’s brains! He will be missed!
The 8th grade – Mosaic Cocktail-Table. The 1882 woodblock print of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai’s, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, is rated 93 in, A History of the World in 100 Objects. Hokusai’s prints greatly influenced the Impressionism movement and is an incredibly transcending image. Just as the original woodblock print required many artisans to carve and print, so does this fantastic mosaic table.
(Glass Tile 3’x5’)
*Special Thanks to Oceanside Glasstile, Kathy Mitchell, Emily Loomis, and SDFAS Class of 2016!
ALSO…
8th Grade – Triptych, The Great Wave Off Kanazawa – Graffiti-Style. The 8th grade artists reinterpreted, Hokusai’s “Great Wave” to the flip side of classical art—- Graffiti Art, which has also existed since ancient times.
*Special Thanks to Kathy Mitchell, Sonja Donahue and Emily Loomis
You must be logged in to post a comment.