Focal Point Paintings: 2nd Grade

        

My second graders were looking at focal point in art.  We discussed different ways artists create this, and did some practice drawings before moving on with our final piece.  I limited their color palette(each class was given a different set of three!) trying to simplify the design & push the idea of creating focal points.  I really like the variety I saw coming from my students in this project!!  

Circular Design :2nd Grade

Can I just tell you how in love I am with these paintings!?!?! The color is AMAZING!  I am sure as the week goes on I'll be posting more of this project. 

SO WHAT IS THE PROJECT?!?

We first reviewed radial symmetry and discussed circular design.  Then I dropped the bomb...YOU WILL NOT BE DRAWING WITH A PENCIL FIRST...YOU WILL BE DRAWING WITH BLACK PAINT! 

I really enjoyed the reaction of my students when I said this.  We discussed what could be some of the issues with doing this...and worked through our fears.  The first day consisted of them "drawing" their circular design, and then receiving 2 colors of their choising to paint part of their picture.  They were told they'd be finished the work the following week with 3 more colors (so they needed to make some choices about what color goes where).  The main thing was that there had to be total coverage...NO WHITE!

Nonobjective Abstract Collage w/ Focal Point - 2nd Grade

That's how we roll at The Grove....Make a project at the start of the year that uses as many vocabulary words as humanly possible to give the students art whiplash! ha ha ha  I'm doing(and my student teacher will be taking over) a unit on abstract art work.  I realized that I sometimes stay away from the topic because I'm afraid they won't "get it".  Last week we created Cubist self portraits, this week these lovelies, next week we'll look at Matisse's later work, and the following week we'll create paper sculptures.  The kids really seem to be enjoying looking at & creating this "crazy" art!

I've actually been pleased with how this project has been turning out.  I've really enjoyed teaching the many ways focal point can be accomplished.  Many have gone in the same direction in their collages, but if asked...they could name at least 4 different ways to achieve focal point(some maybe more). 

Rulers, Colored Pencils, and A Little Direction -3rd Grade