Patterned pumpkins

4th grade pumpkins

4th grade worked on patterned pumpkins in the month of October.  We talked about how to make the shape appear 3-dimensional, and created these fabulous drawings step-by-step.  Students used construction paper crayons on black paper to add a little fun to the image.  We left the background black to allow for contrast.

Monster Morph

Grade 3 and 5 has been working on a Halloween themed project, titled Monster Morph.  They are responsible for creating their own creature that has gradually evolved from a (made up)character.   On the large Manila paper you will see their process.  The colored images are the final monsters that have at least 6 monster qualities along with a background that the monster lives in.

Sunflowers

Look at these beauties!!   A little step-by-step drawing in grade 1 produces the most beautiful images!!!

First graders discussed size, shapes, types of lines they could use to create their sunflowers-we also learned a little about what each part of the plant is responsible for while growing.

Name design

Grade 3 is working on name design.  The technique we are using is WAX RESIST, where they create their design in crayon, and then use watercolor paint on top.  Wherever the crayon is, the paint will not go-creating a beautiful piece of work.

Lesson Key Words:  pattern, wax resist, font, line, shape, texture

ART!

Sometimes I just have to advocate a little about why Art is so important.  Here it is!  

This is why I do what I do!  As a child, I REALLY enjoyed crafting.  I wouldn't say that painting was top on my list, however I was using my brain to come up with new ideas and then using my hands to implement that thought.  My family fostered that love by supporting me and my love of arts and crafts.  That led me to art college and a career in the arts.

 If your child has a passion, let them explore it!  

-Mrs. R

Photo Cred:  Pinterest/Create Art with Me blog

An article from NAeA (National Art Education Association)

VISUAL ARTS - Why are they so important to your child?

Get to know Mrs. Rivera

Get to Know Your Art Teacher

I grew up in Wallingford, Connecticut and at the age of 7 I moved to Guilderland, New York where I finished out high school.  In 1998, I moved to Massachusetts to attend Montserrat College of Art.  I studied all types of art forms, but my focus was in photography.  For many years I created art and photographed many places and people, however I just wasn't fulfilled.  So, I decided to go back to school for art education at Lesley University.  And here I am, heading into my 6th year as an art teacher at Franklin School.  

Over the last 6 years, I got married and had my son, William.  Many of my students know this already (from all the photographs on my desk).  Also at home, I have a cat (AJ) which is short for Applejax.  His picture resides on my bulletin board above my desk.  

Just recently, I had one photograph in an art show in Albany, New York.  I haven't shown any work in many, many years.  It was so nice to be back at it.  

A few fun facts about me:  My favorite color is purple, I love making Valentine's Day art, I love reading home decorating magazines, I love taking photographs of my son, I truly enjoy making sample art projects for each grade level and I love to travel.  So far, I've been to every state east of the Mississippi River, Greece, Spain, Italy, Aruba and the Bahamas.  I'm hoping I can add to that list over the next few years.

That's all for now-See you in Art!
Mrs. Rivera