Keith Haring-5th Grade

Keith Haring 

Positive vs. Negative Space

Our most recent unit had the students learning about the subway artist Keith Haring and his use of space in and around his artwork.
To start this unit off the students read two brief articles about Haring's life and artwork.  They learned that he used a variety of symbols in his art to represent the different things happening in the world around him. For example he used dolphins to represent peace, while computers/box televisions were used to represent technology.  While the students learned a lot about symbols and his use for them in artwork, our main focus for this unit was the element of art SPACE.
The students viewed the PowerPoint below, helping them see the difference between positive and negative space in a work of art.

The students then got to work creating 5 figures in the style of Keith Haring.  

From those 5 figures the students had to select the top 3 of their drawings that showed the most motion and action.

The 3 figures were drawn on 3 square pieces of secondary colored construction paper; making sure that one part of their figure was touching one edge of the paper square.  Then making one continuos cut around their figures, the students created examples of positive and negative space figures.

Realistic Self Portraits

5th Grade Self Portraits 

During the first quarter in both Visual Arts and Health the fifth grade classes focus on positive self images.  Our first project included the students creating a profile portrait that was made up of 10 positive characteristics, selected by each student. For our second portrait the students were focusing on drawing realistic self portraits.

For Day 1 of this project the students watched the first 2 and 1/2 minutes of a youtube video that showed the students how the different parts of the face were measured and related to each other. To see the video click on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WROSZ6803cE

Then using the worksheet below, we learned how to correctly draw the different proportions of the human face.

On Day 2 of our project we practiced making a skin tone that was similar to our own.  The students drew 5 circles on their papers and using different combinations of 2-3 markers they experimented making a skin tone that was similar to their own. Once they have filled their circles with the different marker combos, the students used a small amount of water to blend the different markers together. 

Teacher's Exemplars

Teacher's Exemplars on how to color in and paint the final drafts.

EXAMPLES OF STUDENTS COMPLETED PORTRAITS ARE COMING SOON!

Positive Profile Portraits

5th Grade Positive Profile Portraits

In fifth grade one of the topics covered in Health class is a positive self-image. In trying to make that cross-curriculum jump, I wanted the fifth grade students to create Positive Profile Portraits.

They started out by choosing 10 positive character traits they felt matched their personalities. As the students were writing their 10 character traits and their definitions I called the students up to have the outline of their profiles traced.  After their outlines were traced, the students wrote their name and their 10 selected character traits on the outline of their profile (first in pencil, then again in marker).

Top 2 faces are pencil only outlines, bottom 2 are completed outlines in marker.
Top center piece are student examples of watercolor practice.

We are painting in our Positive Profile Portraits using watercolors in Analogous color scheme combinations.  The students practiced creating even washes and dark color outlines in watercolor before they could begin to paint their portraits.
The students are painting their portraits using 3 colors. The lightest color will be their background color, the mid-tone will become the base for their face, and their darkest color will become a bold outline to emphasize the profile of their faces.

More student examples to come!!

5th Grade Collaboration Art

Semi-Circle Art

At the beginning of the year I like to do a collaboration artwork that allows me to asses each students' skill level, their ability to follow directions, and how well the students work together to create art work.

For this collaboration art project each student worked on an individual piece that was then combined with the artwork of others in the class.

The students were given a semi-circle template to decorate.  

The directions on the template told them write their names; to fill the space around their names using patterns and symbols that represented what each student did over the summer; and once they drew their designs in pencil to use marker to color in their art work.

Check out the beautiful collaboration artwork below and look for your student's artwork.

4 examples of students who did a great job at filling the space
and working with the markers.

Top Row is Mrs. Harris' Class
Middle Row is Mrs. Herron's Class
Bottom Row is Mrs. Fox's Class

If you get a chance to stop by our school, their lovely artwork is hanging above their lockers.