An artist talks with pictures!

I'm an artist and I talk with pictures! This is how I display instructions for my kindergarten and first grade classes. I printed the pictures, had them laminated, and put magnets on the back.

Let's talk tape!

I love all the different patterned duct tape that's out there right now! I've been using it for a couple of different things.

I have a window in my door with ugly metal framing, so I've covered it with tape. On one side is splattered paint tape, and the other side is a fall tape to welcome the season. 

My cabinets are where I keep the students' work. I've taped the grade labels to the cabinet with splattered paint tape. Very fitting for an art room!

Guide lines on the floor is another way I use the tape. One thing that has to be taught in elementary is how to get into a line. I have rainbow tye dyed tape outside my door, and star tape for getting in line at the drying rack. I tell my students to take their picture to the "all star line", and they know exactly where to go. No crowding around the drying rack!

Bulletin board border! I love using tape as border .

On a side note, lets talk border storage. I don't have a large paper drawer for borders and found that I didn't really have a spot to store them. My solution was to put two comand hooks up, tie some yarn to them,  and hang the borders on the string with bulldog clips.

This is in my supply closet. They're hanging up out of the way, nice and neat. I can also see what I have at a glace.

Do you use duct tape in a new cool way? Please share your ideas!

First Grade Color Wheels

I love to start the year off with color. I think it really sets the foundation for the year. I'm always trying to think of different ways to go over the color wheel without making it the same ole thing. I decided with this project that I would also incorporate value, pattern, and emphasis.
I started by having the students paint a gray vase. They had to mix to make the gray. They painted the "table" black, and put a pattern in the background.

The next class they added the stem and petals. I think this may be a keeper.

Holly vintage stencil batman!

Look what was in a box of donated supplies. Am I the only one who finds this super neat?

Romero Britto in Kindergarten

I love to make Pop Art to go in the hall when spring gets here. It's so bright and lively! They are great pieces that contrast the past few winter months. I wanted to try this Romero Britto inspired art lesson with Kindergarten, but wasn't sure how they would turn out. To say the least, I am pleasantly surprised and will definitely keep this lesson in my repertoire for years to come. Here is my example.

After looking at and discussing Britto's art, the students traced a shape on their paper. I chose to offer a heart, fish, or butterfly. It was close to Valentine's day when we started these, so I got LOTS of hearts. Next they drew three lines going from ones side of the page to the other, and put black oil  pastel on the pencil lines.

Time to paint in the open spaces!

Finally, use colored oil pastels for patterns and designs.

Here are some nice ones I wanted to showcase.

Do you do any Pop Art with your kinders? Please share in the comments!

One of the Reasons I Teach

This is one of my favorite things about being a teacher. We've started this op art lesson in fourth grade, and one of my students went home and made a complete one , on their own, last night. I love when they take what they've learned in class and create outside of the classroom!

Facebook

Hello! I just wanted to drop a note and let you know that I do a lot of posting to my Facebook page. I find it's easier to manage because I can quickly make a post from my phone. If you haven't seen it, stop by and like my page.
https://www.facebook.com/PicturesAndPaintBrushes?ref=bookmarks

Here's a taste of what you will see there. Thanks!