2nd Grade Art Projects
Second Grade art emphasizes more drawing skills than the explorative nature of work in general in Kindergarten and First Grades. The following are the lessons from which I draw each year. (Not all are done every year.) Depending on the time it takes for each lesson (including art history and connections background, instruction, practice and reflection/assessment and the amount accomplished by any given class, lessons may take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
1. Realistic Animals (a la John Audubon & Albrecht Dürer)
2. Stylistic Animals (African Tinga Tinga or Australian Aboriginal)
3. Abstract Animals
4. Chinese Brush Painting
5. Greek Architecture—Parthenon Drawing
6. Ancient Greek Vases
7. Chinese Architecture-Watercolor
8. Modern Architecture—Pen & Ink/Watercolor Design & Painting
9. Birch Tree Landscape
10. Acrylic Landscape a la Rousseau
11. Close up Pastel Flowers a la Georgia Okeefe
12. Figurative Wire Sculpture
In between and within project lessons, there are skills lessons on art elements of line, shape, color, value, space, texture, and form, as well as historical and present day connections.
Realistic Animals in a style reminiscent of John Audubon and Albrecht Dürer- The students learned the difference between realistic, stylistic, and abstract and created an animal drawing and used a a realistic pen style illustration of an animal of their choice. Emphasis was given to structure and proportions of animals and their parts. This same animal is then used for the subsequent 2 lessons in stylistic and abstract animal depiction in art to show that even an abstract artist must be proficient in the basic skills of drawing to make an authentic abstract of the same subject.
Stylistic Animals in an African Tinga Tinga Art Style- The students learned the difference between realistic, stylistic, and abstract and created an animal drawing and used an African Tinga Tinga Art Style of painting to create lines and movement on a watercolor wash.
Stylistic Animals in an Australian Aboriginal Art Style- The students learned the difference between realistic, stylistic, and abstract and created an animal drawing and used an Aboriginal Art Style of dot painting to create lines and movement.
Abstract Animals using Value Collage- The students learned the difference between realistic, stylistic, and abstract and created an animal artwork and used a collage technique with the art element of value.
Aspen Tree Landscape- This is a short introduction lesson to landscape. The students are taught about landscape painting and then use a masking tape resist with background watercolor to create an Aspen Tree Landscape. Tempera leaves and are sponged on afterward, along with brushed on foreground grasses. Lastly, students use ink to add in the markings on the tree trunks. Students learn about horizon line, background, middle ground and foreground as well as perspective techniques.
This is a borrowed placeholder until artwork from Mrs. Lindsays class is available to post, but it provides somewhat of an idea.
Acrylic Landscape - Rainforest (a la Henri Rousseau) - In homeroom, the students study South America and the rainforests so in art class we combined our study of color theory, line, shape and structure of animals, and the students created acrylic paintings of the rainforest habitat.
Asian Brush Painting and Architecture — The students learn about Ancient China & Japan in their homeroom class and in art we learn about how the art and architecture reflects the culture and beliefs of the people. We discuss the lines and reasons for the style of architecture and use a watercolor technique to illustrate the Japanese Himjei Castle, and learn brush techniques for watercolor and ink painting in the asian style.
Ancient Greek Art & Architecture - Parthenon & Vases — The students learn about Ancient Greece in their homeroom class and in art we talk about Greek sculpture and architecture. The students learn that the Parthenon at one time was very colorful, unlike the ruins we see today. They complete a drawing of the Pathenon and then use a printmaking process, using warm and cool colors. Some years (if time, we also do black on red line work using Ancient Greek Motifs and subject matter.
Modern Architecture -- After studying architecture from other cultures and history students study modern architecture from around the world. They learn various elements of architecture and consider purpose, audience, landscape and style when they design their own piece of architecture. They use pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor, then name their building. Students often choose to attend my after school and summer classes to continue their architectural exploration in 3D.
Close up Flowers a la Georgia OKeefe — After studying landscapes (birds eye view), the students zoom in (with a bugs eye view) in creating chalk pastel close-up flowers to appear almost abstract. First they practice by drawing 3 examples in colored pencil and then choose their favorite to do an 8 x 8 inch chalk pastel version.
Figurative Wire Sculpture — Students look at various artists, from Auguste Rodin to Giocometti and modern sculptors, considering how media (material used) is critical to message or mood the artist wishes to convey. Students learn about the art element of form (3D) and how negative space can be just as important as positive space. They they create their own wire sculpture figure doing an action of choice, mounted on foam that is covered in plaster and paint.
Wire sculptures of figures dancing and doing gymnastics (A), play ball sports (B), playing the violin (C) and various (D).