Art Lesson for June 1-5

Art Lesson for May 26-29

Nature Mandalas

A mandala is a geometric design meant to symbolize the universe and our connection to it. It is an art form that is found in many cultures around the world. The word mandala is rooted in Sanskrit, and means “circular” and were often created, traditionally, using sand.

Watch Tibetan Monks create a mandala from colored sand!

Andy Goldsworthy is an artist who uses things found in nature -like rocks, leaves, and sticks - to create art. His art is not meant to be permanent.  Sometimes he makes mandalas.  Here are some:

                           

Let's make a nature mandala!

Art Lesson for May 18-22

Box Drums with an African Pattern

Mr. Watson's music lesson this week is all about drumming.  Have you done it yet?  Your art lesson this week is to paint your box drum with an African pattern.  The pattern should be repeated lines and shapes, something like these:

Step 1: Gather supplies:

- your box drum

- liquid paint (any colors you want)

- a large paintbrush and a small paintbrush

Step 2: Paint the whole box one color with your large paintbrush. I chose black so that it would cover the stickers and tape on the box.

Step 3: Add lines and shapes in a pattern with the small paintbrush in another color.  Look at the examples above, but feel free to make up your own!

Step 4: Take a picture using your new drum and send it to Mrs. Peterson and Mr. Watson!

Art Lesson for May 11-15

Printing Cards with Markers

This project has several steps and younger students will have more success with assistance from older siblings or adults.

Step 1:  Gather supplies.  You will need:

- flat styrofoam

- water-based markers (not permanent)

- a pen

- white paper (I used card stock)

- water

- a paintbrush

- a paper towel

- scissors

Step 2: Cut your styrofoam until you have a flat square or rectangle.  I used a tray from produce.  You might use a styrofoam plate or the top to an egg carton.

Step 3: Using the pen, impress a design in the styrofoam.  You can draw ANYTHING you want!  I decided a rainbow was a good idea because it has become a symbol of hope at this time.  Don't write words because they will appear backwards when you print. Press hard enough with the pen to make a groove.  Some other ideas are: flowers, a monster, a sunset, a tree, a car, an animal, shapes and patterns, etc.  Keep it pretty simple.

Step 4:  Color on the styrofoam with markers.  Fill in the whole space.

Step 5:  Fold the white paper to make it a card.  Paint a bit of water on the paper.  It should be shiny with water, but not drippy.

Step 6:  Turn your styrofoam over onto the damp paper.  Don't wiggle it!  Press down firmly.

Step 7:  Lift the styrofoam.  Look at the print!!!

Step 8: Trim the paper around the print to finish off the card.

Step 9:  Rinse the styrofoam under running water to take off the rest of the marker.

Step 10:  Dry it off with a paper towel.  Now you're ready to print again!  Experiment with different colors.  Print as many cards as you'd like.

Step 11: Share your beautiful cards with others!  Who would you like to send a card to?  Your grandma?  Your best friend? Your teacher?  Your art will make someone smile. Write a  note inside your card and ask an adult to help you send your card to someone special.  If you'd like to send it to someone who works at school, use your school's address and put their name on top.

Lemmer School
700 S 20th St.
Escanaba, MI 49829

Webster Kindergarten Center
1213 N 19th St.
Escanaba, MI 49829

Soo Hill School
5219 18th Rd.
Escanaba, MI 49829

Step 12:  Send a picture of you and your art to Mrs. Peterson!  Thank you!