Still Life Flowers

In this art lesson student learned about the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh.  We discussed how we sometimes express our feelings in art and learned that the style of art that van Gogh made was called "Expressionism."

We also learned about the artistic technique of drawing and painting a still life.  A still life is when make a drawing based on a gathering of inanimate objects in the middle of a table; like a vase of flowers or bowl of fruit.  Many famous artists started with still life art before going on to more complicated artforms.  It is a great tool to gain more artistic skill.

We also learned the difference between cool colors (blues, purples, and greens) and warm colors (reds, oranges, and yellows).  You can see these represented in van Gogh's flowers (pictured above).

This was the first lesson we did where the students did their artwork on the tar paper.  I loved the way they turned out.  They started with a chalk outline and filled it in with oil pastel. 

Once the artwork was complete, I put a thin coat of acrylic varnish on top.  When it dries the chalk outlines dissapear; leaving a lot of great contrast.  The dissapearing chalk reveals the black of the paper underneath.

Tar Paper Paintings

I went to the AAEA (Alabama Art Education Association) fall conference this weekend and got to share ideas with fellow art educators...how glorious!  Being a singular art teacher within my school, I often feel isolated.  I also don't get the wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other teachers in my content all of the time like the classroom teachers do.  So, this conference was a welcome change in that regard!

I went to several workshops where I learned about alot of art techniques to bring back into the classroom.  I am very excited!  One of my favorite ideas didn't even come from a workshop. 

I got the pleasure of meeting Nacy Raia, the community outreach director at Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope Alabama.  She was also named "Special Needs Art Educator of the Year" for 2011 in Alabama.  Go Nancy!  She showed some of her students artwork.  The artwork was created by painting onto tar paper with acrylic paint.  She finished them by varnishing over them.  The aquatic themed paintings were created as a response to the recent Gulf oil spill.  I think they are beautiful!  In case you are wondering, yes tar paper is that stuff you put on a roof before you put down shingles.  You can get it at your local hardware store in a large roll for around $20 and cut it to size as you need it.

I already purchased some tar paper for my classroom and can't wait to experiment with painting on it with my students.  Wish us luck!