Sketchbooks

one-eyed monster by Logan

one-eyed monster by David

make-your-own invention by Remy

For almost every project, there are always a few students who finish early. Since I can't start a new lesson, I usually have them do "free art", a time where they can draw/paint whatever they like. However, this is only enjoyable for students who are naturally imaginative and limiting for those who flourish within guidelines (like myself!). It also makes the rest of the class feel behind. As a way to keep finished students occupied, I had everyone make their own sketchbooks. Students selected different types of paper that I had cut down, designed their cover, and I bound them all together. It's funny because I required all the students to buy their own sketchbooks last year, but they weren't nearly as excited as they are about their handmade ones. That personal touch goes a lot way. Using a wonderful resource called The Drawing Lab, a book with quick and fun drawing ideas, I give the class specific activities to work on when they're done with their project, leaving no student struggling with artist's block.

LE: Planet Prints

Zac R

John

Xavier

LE's theme this year is space. As a way to make their planet reports more visually exciting, they incorporated illustrations of all the planets into their reports using various media. For these prints, students carved their planet on a styrofoam sheet using visual references to inform the surface design, and stamped it on black paper. As an option, they flicked white paint to add a starry effect. When students were done, they glued their illustrations and text in an accordion fold book and designed covers out of poster board. The top photo shows the finished products, which Jennie displayed beautifully for their space presentation.

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: The Exquisite Corpse