FALMOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL
As a student teacher, I taught lessons in painting, ceramics, pastels, and watercolor to 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Several examples are featured below.
Creative Teapots
After learning about the history of tea, the eighth graders tackled this imaginative clay project in which they designed and built teapots based on anything they could dream up — but they had to be functional (i.e. successfully pour). They cleverly solved how to incorporate a spout, lid and handle into dozens of themes, including a volcano, sneaker, toilet, sushi roll, dragon, hamburger, ice cream sundae, and a tribute to the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy! We focused on how to utilize tools to help command the soft clay, such as wads of newspaper to hold the form and a wooden handle to secure the spout. The project was structured, but very student directed, which fostered creativity and a strong sense of ownership.
Basquiat-Inspired Self Portraits
These fearless seventh graders used paints, pastels, and markers to create these abstract self portraits inspired by 1980s street-artist-turned-international-sensation Jean-Michel Basquiat. After learning about this unique artist, the students applied color, words, symbols, and raw, skeletal faces to convey who they are and what is important to them. This project required them to step out of their comfort zone to try something completely new. They rose to the occasion beautifully!
“I was less afraid to make mistakes.”
”I didn’t have to worry about keeping inside the lines.”
”I liked the freedom.”
Students began by writing down words, colors, symbols and phrases that represent who they are.
Split Portraits
To create these realistic renderings, these seventh graders used the grid method to draw one half of their faces. None of the students had used this technique before in which you draw a grid over the reference photo, and then draw a grid of equal ratio on the canvas. One square at a time, they carefully observed the contours of each section to determine placement and correct proportions. They then added a range of value, building the shadows and highlights to give their portraits a three-dimensional look.
“I never thought I could draw!”
”I love this method!”
Collaborative Andy Warhol Soup Can
A sixth-grade class used pastels to create this six-foot tall soup can inspired by artist Andy Warhol. Each student contributed a different square, all of which were combined to create the overall piece. They worked collaboratively to produce an artwork that would have been challenging to complete alone. We had fun laying out the panels to see how each student’s contribution played a critical role in bringing the full piece to life.
Birch Tree Landscapes
The sixth graders began these birch tree landscapes by learning and practicing eight watercolor techniques. They were then prompted to use at least three techniques in their paintings, as well as at least three colors in their skies. They used masking tape to create (protect) their trees when painting the sky and ground. They made thoughtful decisions about which colors blend well together and made vibrant color choices that make these trees pop right off the page.
Modigliani Self Portraits
The seventh graders painted these self portraits inspired by the work of Amedeo Modigliani. After learning about the life and style of this Italian painter and sculptor, the students emulated his elongated proportions and distinctive blank eyes. They then utilized color and value to add a sense of realism to these abstracted depictions of themselves. It was a fun way to explore the unique decisions artists make (such as Modigliani’s choice not to paint eyes because they are too beautiful and intimate) and how portraits can be representational but not necessarily realistic.