3rd Grade Negative Space Face Vases

3rd grade recently learned about negative space. The background part of a picture where there isn't really anything there is often overlooked. In some instances, the negative space can be the most interesting part of a picture! To illustrate this concept, I traced the shadow of every student's face onto a piece of colored paper that they had folded in half, and had them cut out a vase. Next, the students created flowers (using wax crayons and watercolor resist) for their vases. The pictures turned out beautiful, with an added dimension of interest if you pause to notice the negative space.

A few more 5th grade still life charcoal drawings

All 4 of my 5th grade classes have now finished the still life assignment, so I decided to post a few more pictures since they did such a wonderful job.

Someone left this outside of my classroom this morning....

The note says "Der Misis uuig I am vere Sore For Stiling Shok". For those of you not fluent in 1st grade, it can be translated to "Dear Mrs. [sic] Young, I am very sorry for stealing chalk."

An excerpt from the school board meeting minutes

"Superintendent Sayers recommended that the elementary art position be expanded from part-time to a full-time position effective January 1, 2012. Mr. Lambert made a motion to approve the recommendation. Mr. Eller seconded the motion. Vote 5-0. Motion carried."

Miss Young is pretty excited.

5th Grade Still Life

With 28 classes coming through my room every week, doing a still life is a challenge. I decided to glue all of my vases (bought at Goodwill, and spray-painted white) to a piece of cardboard, and use a desk lamp for light and shadows.

The set-up turned out nicely, with soft shadows falling on each vase. Perfect for learning to blend charcoal!

I used the still-life with 5th grade, and they did an outstanding job drawing from sight. Here are a few drawings that today's 5th grade class completed this morning: