Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Harper and Audubon: Bird Portraits

These two teacher examples of the blue jay show the similarities and differences of the two artists' styles
Charley Harper and John James Audubon are two artists who loved the outdoors, especially bird watching. They both made careers as artists who shared their love of birds and nature in their work. They have some differences too, in terms of style - Harper used mostly geometric shapes and simple backgrounds in his abstract works, while Audubon used more organic shapes to create his detailed, realistic birds and habitats. After researching the two styles, the students chose the style they preferred and began planning their collage. 

 
 
 

We also used our class computers to research our birds' natural habitats.

 

Here are a few of our collages as we finished up... 

 
 
 
  

As a final step, we selected partners and critiqued each other, using the "Art Sandwich" technique. The students were very thoughtful about their compliments and suggestions, and were excited to read what everyone had written, and we even had a minute to share a few out loud. 

 

12 comments:

  1. Unbelievable! Incredible!! Kudos!!!

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  2. fantastic! 2 questions- what grade level? how long did the project and reflection take?

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    1. Oh yes - I've been forgetting some important details in my posting lately! This was 3rd grade, and it broke down like this - day 1 - Intro (powerpoint), begin planning sheet and thumbnail sketches; day 2 - collage; day 3 - collage and complete planning sheet, some verbal assessment; day 4 - Art Sandwich critiques (about 15-20 min. to write and share) then start next lesson! whew...
      It could definitely stretch out longer, but I tend to push through lessons fairly quickly, then have a catch up day later in the quarter.

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    2. thanks for the details:) I really love all that's going on with this lesson.

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  3. I love this, and especially the art sandwhich crit!

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  4. Very inspiring lesson! Would you be willing to share the layout you use for your planning sheets? I've struggled to find a consistent way to include the planning stage in my lessons...Thank you for the great ideas!

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  5. LOVE Charley Harper:) I had already planned a Harper lesson for my 4th graders, but after seeing your post I decided to scrap the 1st grade lesson I had planned in favor of a lesson inspired by a bird comp of his:)

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  6. Great lesson!! I have the same question as Laura... Would you mind sending me your planning sheets? I have the same struggle. Thank-you for ALL of your wonderfully inspiring lessons!!!

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    1. I'd be happy to - just send me your email address

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  7. Love this (and I know Charley would too)! Re-posting on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/charleyharperart

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    1. Oh wow - thanks so much! I'm a big Harper fan and my students are too :).

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