Perspective Pumpkins

One more fall project before winter officially arrives...

Third and Fourth grade project- Secondary Colored Perspective Pumpkins.

To begin the project we discussed how the primary colors (red, yellow, blue) make the secondary colors (orange, green, purple) when mixed together. I also introduced perspective and how artists use it to show that objects are closer or further away. 

3rd grade student

I'm not sure which blog I got the idea for this project from. First the students drew in pencil, then they went over their lines in black crayon. The colors they used were only the secondary colors and black. The sky was the first to be colored with chalk pastels, then the grass, then the pumpkins. The last thing that they did was the shadows for the pumpkins in black chalk pastel.

I laminated the pictures when they were completed. I think the heat from the lamination machine really did wonders for the chalk...it made the colors so vibrant and bright! 

I loved this one because it looks very abstract. 

Turkeys for Turkey Day!

I know that Thanksgiving has come and gone but these turkeys are too adorable not to post! This lesson was done by Kindergarten through Second grade. 

To begin the lesson I read the story, Leaf Man, by Lois Ehlert. To incorporate Leaf Man into the project I told my students that they would be using leaves to make their turkeys just like in the story. The first step was to begin with the tail feathers. I decided to put a twist on the traditional approach of "hand turkeys", my students traced their hands in the warm colors (red, yellow, orange) and cut them out to make tail feathers for their turkeys.

Initially, I wanted to use giant leaves for the bodies but they became too dry and started falling apart (next time I will iron them in wax paper to preserve them). Instead they cut out brown circles for the bodies. Since I told them that they would be using leaves on their turkeys I found foamy leaves at the craft store and they used them for their heads and feet. They cut out their own waddles and beaks and glued them on the head along with googly eyes. 

Theses examples were done by the second graders.

I absolutely love how unique they turned out...each turkey has it's own little personality!

The kids were so excited to take them home to show their families for Thanksgiving.

Welcome!

Welcome to the “Thinking Outside the Crayon Box” blog.  This is a place for me to show why I love teaching art! In this blog you will find artwork created by my students and ideas for lesson plans. It will also give me a chance to archive my lessons for future reference. Like many art teachers, I gather ideas and inspiration from many places; books, blogs, websites, and other artists. Feel free to get inspiration from my blog. I will give credit to other places I have gotten ideas from so please do the same if you use mine. 

(Crayon and Watercolor)

(Colored pencil on black mat board)

I am a first year art teacher at an urban charter school in the Detroit area. I have already learned so much in the 3 months that I have been teaching and expect to gain a lot more knowledge in my future as an art teacher. It can be challenging...but the most rewarding experience at the same time. I love seeing my students’ faces light up when they realize they can create beautiful artwork. My goal is to create lessons that every student can be successful doing. 

Please check back often to see the amazing work that my students are creating!