Santa Gnomes

 

4th and 5th Grade painted these adorable Santa Gnomes.

We did a very easy draw along.  Students were encouraged to draw big and to keep their hat pattern simple.  After drawing, students traced all their lines with sharpie.

For the eyes, students took a short cut and used sharpies and washable markers to add color.  Next they painted the face, hat, and background. Last they were encouraged to stamp snow and outline all parts of the face and hat with black paint. They used small brushes and took their time.

The students really loved this project and their Santa Gnomes came out so ridiculously cute. Everyone fell in love with them, and they really brightened up the halls with some Holiday Cheer!

Materials:

9 x 24 Cut Poster (Heavy Weight Paper would be ok)

Pencil/ Eraser

Sharpie

Washable Markers

Tempera - White, Orange, Red, Green, Blue, Black

Brushes various Sizes

Foam Brushes (Great for making large circles for snow, just dip & twist)

Northern Lights Silhouettes

  

5th grade is learning about the Aurora Borealis. Students watched several videos about the amazing phenomenon the Northern Lights.

Students were able to connect a painting lesson to Science and learn how Auroras form.

Students used acrylic paint and soft chalk pastels to create beautiful Northern Light Silhouettes. This lesson took about 4 class periods.

 Day 1 of this lesson, classes painted bright gradient backgrounds using colors that can be found in the Aurora. Students learned how to paint from light to dark and how to blend colors in a gradient. 

The next class, students practiced creating  wispy northern lights using soft chalk pastel. Students practiced on black construction paper until they felt comfortable working on their paintings. They had a lot of fun learning to show movement and rhythm with color. 

Last, using templates, students created beautiful animal silhouettes. Every child was excited about this lesson and every child was successful.  

All together, the paintings created a beautiful winter display. Students were excited to see their work in the hall and could not wait to take their paintings home.

Beautiful!

Happy Holidays Folks!

Grinch Selfies

 Grinch Selfies 

2nd Grade made these adorable Grinch Selfies. They are so expressive and fun!

Students learned how to draw a cropped, up close, Grinch face. They were encourage to fill the space,

Once they had their composition drawn, students used black sharpies and paint pens to finish their work.

I love how they all came together for an amazing display!

Materials:

Green Construction Paper

Black Sharpie

Yellow, White, Silver, Pink Paint Pens
 

Tacky Sweater Bears

 It's that time of year again!

Let's bring out those fun tacky sweaters, Winter is finally here!

I saw this idea originally on Laura Chamber's instagram. So 

 we tried our own take on this lesson to make the bears our own.

4th Grade drew a big bear and used hatch marks and cross hatching for the fur. I allowed students to create any bear face they desired by giving several options for the snout and expressions.

This lesson really tested the student's patience and stamina. However in the end, I think the results are absolutely delightful!

They all turned out so well!

Each bear has it's own personality!

 Just like our little artists do.

All together, they created a real show stopping display! 

They are so adorably festive and the perfect lesson that is just in time for the holidays!