Symmetrical Monoprinting

Second grade, shapes with symmetry, paint one side and print the other - much fun and success for all! Many chose hearts as their symmetrical shape. "Paint a little, print a little" was our theme, so that the tempera wouldn't dry too soon. Beauties, every one, with many unexpected surprises.

International Day 2015

Today was a special day here at Dolvin - not only was it the 100th day of school, but it was also International Day, with global activities galore. The day began with a parade of countries, and many students wear clothing and costumes from their native lands.

After that, workshops were held around the building that focused on international art, music, storytelling, food, sports, and more.  In art class, students made passports the week before to take with them today and have stamped as they traveled from one country station to the next. 

Today in art, classes rotated through every 30 minutes to learn about the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration and try their hands at some Chinese calligraphy, writing Happy New Year which is then attached to a red lantern to hang for good luck in 2015. Chinese New Year is coming up on February 19 and this year is the Year of the Goat - the animal of the year rotates every 12 years.

Bright beginnings...

We are in the midst of several multi-week activities, so here is a sneak peek of our progress in a few grades -

Third graders are learning some simple perspective techniques to suggest space. Wet on wet watercolor creates a perfect fuzzy, out of focus background called atmospheric perspective. When the birds are complete they wil have a sharp, detailed contrast against the background and look much closer in space. We are using birds native to Georgia as our subjects.

Fourth graders are also learning perspective techniques using a single vanishing point. Peter Max is our artist of inspiration here. Watercolor is up next.

Second graders are trying out a monoprinting technique using folded and rubbed paper and a symmetrical shape. Hearts are perfect for this activity, inspired of course by Jim Dine. 

Stay tuned, much more to come including 5th grade 2-point perspective, 1st grade African art, and Kindergarten pop alphabet prints. Thanks for stopping by! Check our daily progress on Instagram @smartestartists.