First Grade Art Experiences

The first graders worked on several artistic disciplines this year including: still life and portrait drawings in pencils and oil pastels looking closely at portraiture by Frida Kahlo,Modigliani and Alston. Students were asked to develop self-portraits and family portraits looking at the styles of these masters considering the elements of color, line and composition. These were rendered in detailed pencil drawings with color.

Oil paintings followed including studies of abstract works by Kandinsky and Klee as well as other masters such as Rothko and van Gogh. Students worked re-inventing these modern styles experiencing at this tender age their first encounters with professional oil paints!

• Clay is a more malleable material that strengthens the fingers and hands by rolling, pinching, coiling and smudging to create clay pot containers filled with pressed figurines.

• Sewing is a useful life skill and in art class provides for a wonderful way to strengthen children’s fine motor skills as they apply with needle and thread an assortment of fabric, ribbon, buttons and sequins to create a sewing collage on burlap!
• Stick puppets were created out of cardboard using small pieces put together to create a whole unit. People and animals puppets were dressed in a variety of rich fabrics of different colors and textures and an assortment of trimmings to provide detail. These puppets came to life as children were guided through simple story writing and performed their act in a giant cardboard box with a window, felt curtains and a spot light! We even enjoyed fresh popcorn! These small productions encourage children to speak out loud as they perform for their peers developing inner confidence and self esteem through their own creative writing!
• Children are continuously developing and strengthening their artistic repertoire/knowledge of different tools, materials and techniques enabling them to become personally expressive in art through their unique and spontaneous styles.
• Exposure to the elements and principles of art through formal explorations, immersion in the art of different cultures, interdisciplinary curriculum studies and working in the style of the great masters allows students to constantly develop a deep appreciation and understanding of their world through art!