THIRD GRADE...Learning about each other in art!

I have a tradition in Ranney Lower School. We begin each new year in art with a self portrait project. It is a wonderful way to get to know our new friends through self expression and creative discovery. Some grades do a pencil sketch, some classes show off their love of color with markers, and some retouch their photo on the computer.

Today, third graders began their self portrait as a full painting on canvas. We are using 11 x 14 canvas boards for this project and we will learn how to select a color palette that best represents us.

As we do with every portrait, we began with a pencil sketch of the features of our face. Using a basic oval for the head, we followed light grid lines to determine where to place our eyes, nose and mouth. It always surprises everyone that our eyes are half the way down the oval and not at the very top. We learned how to draw the eye as an almond shape and how to add the round area for color inside. We discovered how to draw a realistic nose and we began the expression line for our mouth. Next week, we will complete the drawing part of the project by adding lips, correcting the outline of the head, and adding other details, such as hair, a neck, and shoulders. We will also use a mirror to make our portraits look just like us.

Note to families . . .
    This art blog will be updated regularly with new posts sharing our daily activities in the art room and news about upcoming art exhibits. To respect the privacy of our students, names will always be limited to first name only and identifiable photos will never be accompanied with a name. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to write in the comment box below or send me an email at blevine@ranneyschool.org. I would love to hear from you!
    In my class, students are given the chance to explore different materials and fun new techniques as they develop their signature style. Some young artists love to draw with a pencil, some like to paint on canvas or create images in a digital format, while others prefer working with clay and molding three-dimensional forms. In my classroom, we use a variety of materials allowing all artists to experiment and figure out which type of art they like the best. At Ranney School, we place a strong emphasis on originality and celebrate artistic differences, always nurturing and encouraging the imagination of every student.
     Remember to check out our display of finished artwork and student portfolios in the Ranney home page of Artsonia.com.  http://www.artsonia.com/schools/school.asp?id=114839 

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