Sgraifitto Clay Masks

The masks ready to be fired in the kiln.

Eighth Grade Sculpture class designed their own masks. After observing masks from different countries, we made molds from newspaper taped down on a piece of tile. We rolled out the clay with slats to get a nice thin piece to drape over our molds.

We used underglazes to paint while the clay was still wet before we fired them.

One of the requirements was to include sgraifitto. (carving into the clay after glazing )

Reduction Printing of Still Life

This is the first time I tried Reduction Printing with my Seventh Grade.

 Each Student drew a picture of some kind of still life and then chose three colors (plus white) they would use to print the design.

 It was hard for them to understand how it would work until we got going.

This printing technique is called reduction because you are always reducing the amount of area that will be printed.

The first carving of the linoleum was the white area. We printed the lightest color first. Then the next area was carved that would show the light color.

Illustrated Proverbs in colored pencil

The Sixth Grade learned how to draw figures in motion to use in this project.

They each selected a saying or proverb from a list to illustrate literally or figuratively.

When they were finished, each student shared their meaning and interpretation with the class for a critique.

We learned some new colored pencil techniques to try out.

Lastly, we practiced some calligraphy to use with the lettering.

Eighth Grade Paper Sculptures of Instruments

All we used to make our sculptures was paper, white glue, thread and paint. The boys did a great job with the sewing of the strings! ( I mostly have boys in my art class this year)

Each student tried out the pottery wheel several times in the art room during class time.

Anti Violence Calendar Contest

Self Portraits in Convex Proportion

Sixth Grade used a glass ornament to draw and paint their reflection in the convex "mirror".

We learned how to use charcoal for our drawing. We needed to use a light touch so it didnt smear.

Making a Pastel Painting

We got to try out our new easels today. We learned to start with the dark pastels and layer the lighter colors on top. Some areas of the painting look better when blended, other places like the wheatfields look better when the texture of the lines are crisp.

Seventh Grade finished up our VanGogh unit by painting one of his landscapes in soft pastels.

Eighth Grade Carving Sculpture

We started with a foam brick and drew our design from three angles: top, sides and front. Then we carved out the dead space corners.
We used steak knives, rasps, and metal files.

Soon the animal came to shape and the fine details were last. Between the legs were done last since it was the most delicate carving.

The subject matter was Egyptian animal carvings like the pharaohs would have buried in their pyramids. Lastly the students chose a rock to model their carving after with acrylic paint.

Animal Carvings with Texture-6th Grade

This project was for most the first time they were introduced to carving linoleum. We used something called wonder-cut which is a little softer. The students decided on an animal to draw on their 4 x 6 shape.

Next they outlined the subjects and background with a thin tool. The hardest part was to decide the dark and light parts. The white areas were carved out. The assignment required the students to include texture in the animal and a special signature of their name somewhere. Albrecht Durer , hid his initials somewhere in each of his carvings and engravings.

If you have questions about technique or steps, leave a comment.