Art Fridays

The kiddos are really honing in on our weekly art history, criticism, and creation lessons.  In addition to any small art projects they do during the week, I teach an art lesson on Friday afternoons.  I tell the kids there are many things you do with art: you look at it, you decide if you like it or not (and why), you notice what is unusual or special about it, and (of course) you make it!  We usually look at examples of art and portraits of the artists themselves, and spend time discussing what we notice or like about each piece. 

Why do we spend time on art?  
* improve fine motor skills 
* improve visual-spatial skills
* gain appreciation for diverse styles and cultures
* learn more about what appeals to us
* gain experience in many different mediums 
* express our feelings or creativity
* make predictions and test them out
* for fun/stress relief
* learn about history

The students' work has been fantastic! 

Week 1: Wassily Kandinsky, abstract, oil pastels on black construction paper

Week 2: Vincent van Gogh & Frida Kahlo, self-portraits in crayon