UE: Totem Poles

I was always intrigued by totem poles for their beautiful craftsmanship and storytelling. Students are so great at coming up with stories so I was excited to do this lesson with them. They first learned that totem poles are carved out of large trees by indigenous people of North America. Some totem poles tell legends, celebratory events or unpleasant events, while others symbolize a tribe or a family. Animals play an important part in totem pole mythology. I looked up their symbolism, typed up the information and had students write a short legend using three of the animals according to their attributes. Since we couldn't carve wood, I used recycled paper as the next best thing. Students divided up their paper into thirds, drew an animal in each section and also designed the back. Then they colored their totem poles and I helped them cut small slits for bird wings and beak. Love how they're turning out!

Meshon Maps part 2

David

Hannah

Jordan

FloraMitch

I couldn't help but post these up too. I love how each student really personalized their map and added so many quirky details that keep you looking.

UE: Meshon Maps

Charlotte

Kyle

Emma

I got this idea from an illustrator named Aaron Meshon who designs amazing maps, along with children products and editorial illustrations. I love that his maps aren't only informative but really fun to look at. I had students analyze Meshon's maps and the design choices he made to make it quirky and welcoming, like his bright colors, imaginary creatures, and banners. I asked students how Meshon interacted all the space while not making it too busy and they said that he balanced it with a giant person to draw the eyes, which I totally agreed with. After our discussion, students designed a map with all of their favorite places taking design cues from Meshon.

LE: My Wild Thing and I

John

Zachery W.

Cooper

Miles

Stefy

It's not a surprise that there are Maurice Sendak fans and followers all over the world, particularly of his most popular book, Where the Wild Things Are. One artist made a blog of different interpretations of Sendak's beloved characters at www.terribleyelloweyes.com. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and so creative. I had to get in on the action, at least vicariously through my students! I first read them the story and they roared and stomped along. I then gave a demonstration on how to draw one of the wild things. For the final piece, students had to imagine what they would do if a wild thing were their friend. There are other great pieces in progress so stay tuned!

UE: Children's Book Illustration

Kyle
The Gingerbread Man

Mason
Little Red Riding Hood

Amelia
The Princess and the Pea

Kaite
The Velveteen Rabbit

Palmer
Princess and the Pea

Jack
Little Red Riding Hood

I wanted to do a lesson on illustration because as an illustrator, I have a small experience in this field (although I'm very clueless most of the time!). I showed students my paintings and they analyzed them, guessing from the mood and action what the story was about. I showed them several other illustrations by different artists and we discussed how they used visual tools to communicate the story. We talked about colors, gestures, compositions, etc. Then students picked a classic story out of a hat and designed their own illustration, using whichever medium they wanted. During the sketch phase, we had a critique where each student showed their sketch to the class and received constructive criticism. I was really impressed by their positive feedback and loving how the finals are turning out. There are many more to come so stay tuned!

LE and UE: Skyscrapers

Sofia UE

Ella UE

Kyle UE

Stefy LE

Elizabeth LE

Nico LE

As a one class lesson before Thanksgiving break, students who were done with their scrolls drew a nighttime or daytime city scene with skyscrapers. They had the option of making up buildings, adding monsters and rocketships, etc, as long as the focus of the drawing were the buildings. I thought LE drawings came out just as well as UE's. I loved the window patterns because they added a cool design element.