August 30, 2019

Stop Motion App

Today we had an art & technology workshop....and had the opportunity to learn about & use the Stop Motion App!  I had so much fun!!! It was easy to use and I see the potential in the art room!! 
Check out what I came up with!! 


August 28, 2019

PicCollage


If you guys are looking for a fun & versatile photo app where you can post information along with images on projects, create online "signs" for upcoming art events....PicCollage is for you!! I've been using it for years.  Just so you know...I'm not sponsored by them or have received anything for promoting them.  I just REALLY REALLY like them! ha ha  They have a free version or you can upgrade to the PRO(that will allow you to not have the PicCollage logo on your image).  There are in app purchases that can be made, but I don't think I ever have over the years.

HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES I'VE CREATED WITH PICCOLLAGE!




August 26, 2019

Fish Paintings: Kindergarten

I was so excited about my kindergarten students' paintings...
I shared some pictures of their efforts on Twitter!  To my surprise...Peter H. Reynolds shared my post on his page & commented on it!!! WHAT?!?!  If you don't know who he is...YOU SHOULD! He is the author of The Dot, "ish", and other amazing books!!  How encouraging to have him take notice of my students. Anyways....here is a screen shot of the Tweet.



I kick off the year with a fish unit!  We can explore different media while staying consistent with the subject matter we're creating.  I feel students are willing to explore media if they are confident in what they are creating.  Last week we created fish using markers, and this week we are painting using watercolor.  I don't know if I've ever had a group of students so focused & able to follow the painting "rules" so early in the year! It was just a delight to watch them work, explore color mixing, and be so proud of their art!  


I start the lesson reading a Pout Pout Fish book.  If your are not familiar with them...they are wonderful & your students will LOVE them!  I then have students return to their seats & review creating a fish using basic shapes.  While students are drawing their fish...I begin passing out painting supplies.  As long as you tell the students up front (and give a few gentle reminders after that) that they need to not touch the painting supplies until you tell them to do so.....you will be ok!  However, before I give them the "OK"...I do demo painting & go over the procedures and expectations.  


MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE ENOUGH TIME FOR CLEAN UP!!! 
At least 5 more minutes than usual when you are painting with kindergarten!!!
Make sure you have a plan in place for getting paint, water cups, pencils to where they belong...and where you are going to place the paintings.  Drying racks are great, but kindergarten struggles to get them in the slots.  I'd find a flat surface...a couple empty tables...shelves...along the wall in a low traffic area on the floor.  


Here are some of the finished pieces!



August 22, 2019

Art With Mr. E Summer Workshop: DAY 3

FINALLY!!! There is the 3rd and final day of the 4th Annual Art With Mr.E Summer Workshop! The last day is made up mostly of finishing projects, discussing application points, and a few new projects thrown in for fun!  I love working with these teachers every summer!! Please comment, message, tweet...whatever....if you have any questions on the projects!  


















Surprise or Attitude? 
ha ha ha!! Renee has been coming to the summer 
workshop since it started!!






























Shrink Film Earings
(Inspired by our trip to the Frist to see Frida!)