Mid-October Art Update

8th Grade Graphic Novelists

Spelman students, your graphic novels, INCLUDING THE COVER are due Monday in class.  We will spend the rest of the class time adding color and inking your work.

- Beginning, middle and an ending ("To Be Continued" would be considered incomplete)

- At least 3 characters (you are one of them because it's autobiographical)

- Narrative boxes (a.k.a. captions)

- Thought bubbles

- Sound effects

- Dialogue

- A transition you were tested on (moment to moment etc...)

- 3 - 4 pages (one sided)

FINAL PIECE WILL HAVE ALL OF THE ABOVE and A COVER PAGE (requirements below)

PART 2:

- Black or blue ink outlines and Color in the panels (color pencils are great for layering and will be done in class)

- Illustrated cover page in color.  Title and author must be clear and easy to read.  Requirements are below for the cover but COLOR will BE DONE IN CLASS.

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

7th Grade Sculptors

This week we embark on our next project that deals with clay, abstraction and the Principles of Design.  The Principles of Design homework is due in class Tuesday.  Click here to get the worksheet.

Howard students will be tested next week on the information found in the short video we watched in class: "What is Abstract Art?" by Frank Curcovik.  The video has a lot of great information regarding art history and the beginnings of art abstraction.  Pay attention to the art movements and the BIG NAMES associated with these times: Impressionism (Monet, Renoir), Post-Impressionism (Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Paul Gauguin, Vincent Van Gogh), Fauvism ("Fauve" is French for "wild beast") (Henri Matisse), Cubism (Pablo Picasso) and Abstract Expressionism (Jackson Pollack, Marc Rothko),   Abstract art does not have a recognizable subject or non-representational artwork...they want COLOR, FORM to stand out.

We start with properties of clay and explore how to manipulate the medium this week!  Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

6th Grade Currency Designers and Self-Portrait Artists

The money is IN and grades were returned last week.  This week we will practice drawing head-on portraits and understanding the proportions involved with art (Math!).  If you want to practice drawing facial proportions, CLICK HERE and follow the steps!  It's a SEQUENCE.

The currency project will be completed by the end of this week and then we will work on a project that has to do with Ms. Hillman's FAVORITE holiday.  HINTS: Symmetry and paint is involved and it fits in with cultural diversity you have been discussing in Advisory!  

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Alexander Calder Wire Sculpture

5th Grade Portraits Artists

All I can say is "WOW...WOW WOW"!  Tuskegee completed their Self-Portrait Profiles and they are AMAZING!  You can look their artwork and get a feel for who they are as students and artists!  Their artwork will be the subject of the Art Bulletin board this week - first of the year!  Stay tuned for photos!

After we have a gallery walk about all of the beautiful work and review the plethora of things we learned in class for this project (Adjectives, 5 kinds of lines, 5 line variations, portraits, silhouettes, profiles, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, zig zag, curve, degree of curve, directional length, width and texture...WHEW!), we will start a 3D project based on Alexander Calder's sculptures.  

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

CPCS Art Happenings

8th Grade Graphic Novelists

Autobiographical means it happened, btw.

The Autobiographic Graphic Novels are coming along very nicely and Spelman scholars have part 1 of their project due at the end of class on Wednesday, October 14th. (REMEMBER, CPCS IS CLOSED MONDAY FOR COLUMBUS DAY).  Students have had two tests so far this Quarter, and many are doing very well!

The criteria for the 8th grade Graphic Novel project is:

- Beginning, middle and an ending ("To Be Continued" would be considered incomplete)

- At least 3 characters (you are one of them because it's autobiographical)

- Narrative boxes (a.k.a. captions)

- Thought bubbles

- Sound effects

- Dialogue

- A transition you were tested on (moment to moment etc...)

- 3 - 4 pages (one sided)

Ask your student about their story...you COULD be in it!

Next Project Sneak Peak:  Batik!

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

7th Grade Sculptors

Jada's superb sculpture.

Kemar KILLED the project!

Ofumaka's Paper Totem 

Paper sculptures were a challenge for Howard students because they not only needed to know and understand the properties of paper, but they had to create an independently standing sculpture based on what they learned about manipulating paper.  The results were wonderful!  The Exit tickets for the project asked students to describe their experiences in four words and then give reasons why they chose those words.  They did a great job all around! 

Next project Sneak Peak: Abstract Sculpture with mud (a.k.a. clay).

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Andy Warhol Money Symbol

6th Grade Money Designers

The deadline is set for Tuesday, October 13th and at the end of class, Hampton students will hand in the first part of their currency project.  They will be graded and returned by Thursday, October 15th and they will learn portraiture to add their own portrait to their currency.  Stay tuned!

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

5th Grade Self-Expressionists

Scholars are gluing their self-portrait profiles to their large white papers and will begin designing the final piece of their project.  

The information your student has about designing lines can and should be applied to school presentations throughout their academic careers!  Encourage them to take their time when printing and writing.

Next Project Sneak Peak: 3D Wire Portraits.

Questions about any of this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

ARTober 2015

5th Grade Artists

Sariani demonstrates she understands the concepts.

Scholars are continuing with their self-portrait profiles and they are looking SO good!  This is a layered piece of artwork so students are currently working on adding the 5 kinds of lines and 5 line variations to the backgrounds of their portraits.
FYI - Scholars can and should incorporate these line variations in school presentations. For example, when a cover page is needed for a book report, perhaps they can design the title page.  Teachers LOVE well-crafted and creative projects.

Questions about this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

6th Grade Designers

They are SHOWING US THE MONEY!  Scholars have started designing their currency and they are looking SO good!  This continues next week. 

 

Questions about this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Zaid nailed it!

7th Grade Sculptors - Howard

Paper sculptures were handed in on Thursday and it was amazing to see how students pushed themselves to think outside the box.  The criteria was set but it was up to them to add extra spice to their independently standing sculptures.  

Questions about this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

8th Grade Graphic Novelists...of the Autobiographical nature! 

Check your email!  Test on Monday on the powerpoint that was sent out.   Graphic novel work continues this week!

Questions about this?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

FALL into Art

I can't resist a good pun.

8th Grade (Autobiographical) Graphic Novelists

Please have your ideas for your story plan completed by Monday.   Remember, they are ABOUT YOU...because they are autobiographical).  You should also work on character designs.  Include what your characters (remember, one of them is YOU) look like.  What are they wearing?  What is the season and place where everything takes place?  Look at the handouts I gave Monday to practice facial expressions.  You have so many options but think about if you are going to draw or photograph or use photo collage for this project.

Read this.

- Have a beginning, middle and ending ("To Be Continued" will be considered incomplete)

- At least 3 characters (you are one of them because it's AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL)
- Narrative boxes (a.k.a. captions)

- Thought bubbles
- Sound effects
- Dialogue
- A transition you were tested on (moment to moment etc...)
- 3 - 4 pages (one sided)
FINAL PIECE WILL HAVE ALL OF THE ABOVE and:
- Black or blue ink outlines and Color in the panels (color pencils work best for layering)
- Illustrated cover page in color.  Title and author must be clear (this will be the LAST thing you create).

Students who need to RE-TAKE the test will be doing so on Friday during lunchtime.
Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

7th Grade Paper Sculptors

Artwork by Richard Sweeney.

Homework: Sketch out at least three designs for the paper sculpture you will be creating.
Think about the Principals of Design and check this out to help.  CLICK HERE.
Criteria for the project:
- Create a paper sculpture that is a maximum of 8" high and 6" wide
- Attach 8 pieces of paper with only the supplies given (scissors, Elmer's Glue and paper)
- You must change the paper at least 8 different ways.
- Paper sculpture has to stand independently (NO base, but a strong foundation for your sculpture).

Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

6th Grade Money Makers (designers...that is!)

Look at the criteria sheet given for the currency project.  Not sure what it is?  Here ya go:
You are designing currency (money) for your own country.  This is a checklist of what you must have for this project: 
q  A monetary value.  What is the value of your money? ____

q  The name of the country you would run.  It should be an original name and not something that already exists. 

q  At least two drawn symbols of what your country stands for (DRAWINGS, not words)

q  A motto (a saying or slogan)

q  Pattern

q  At least one border around the edge of the money

q  A portrait (this will only be done in class and should be done after Ms. Hillman teaches portraiture!)

q  Color!

q  The money design should be easy to read and should follow the Principles of Design (see worksheet)

q  All work should be clean and completed when submitted

Look at examples of beautiful currency from around the globe right here.  

Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

5th Grade Self-Portrait Artists

The 5 KINDS of lines are: vertical, diagonal, horizontal, zig zag and curved.

The 5 line VARIATIONS are: length, width, directional, texture and degree of curve.

Patterns of Line Variations!

This information is the key to a successful first art project.  Ask your scholar to demonstrate these for you as they are learning and mastering this aspect of art design.  WARNING!  Their writing will probably be more fancy after art class this quarter!  

TUSKEGEE SCHOLARS NEED TO HAVE BETTER TRANSITIONS TO ART CLASS.  Time will not be wasted by practicing this in class but this Friday, transitions will be practiced during park time.  Please encourage your scholar to exhibit self-control when moving between classes. We are here to learn!

Questions?  Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

September Artists

ALL GRADES:

Remember - CPCS is closed on Wednesday and Thursday of this week for Yom Kippur and Eid uh Adha.

8th Grade Graphic Novelists

Scott McCloud sketch OF Scott McCloud.
By Scott McCloud.  Get it?

Reminders:  

Test on Monday on Chapters 1-4 in the summer reading book "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud.  We reviewed last Thursday in class.  Use the guided notes on vocabulary to study.

Parts of a Story due Monday.  Use this to figure out what story about your life will be in your AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL Graphic novel.

Storyboarding and sketching your graphic novel begins this week.  Come prepared for class to get full credit!

7th Grade Sculptors

The Characteristics of paper and whats to change paper continue when you create your paper sculptures this week.  What do you need for class?  Your supplies, your brain and ability to think out of the box!  You will be using the Principals of Design for this project so get ready to be super creative!

6th Grade Money Makers

Come to class with your sketches for your currency.  Use the checklist as a guide and sketch out your designs.  Sketchbooks are needed all of this week.

5th Grade Line Experts

Scholars in Tuskegee are becoming experts in the 5 kinds of lines (ask your scholar what they are!  Vertical, Horizontal, Diagonal, Zig-Zag and Curved) and will embark on creating their Portrait Profiles this week.  Worksheets "All about Me" grades are posted in Illuminate and scholars who did not finish them had a chance to make it up.  All are due Tuesday, however.

Questions about anything?  I can help but you have to email me:  jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Enjoy your weekend!

Welcome to Art Class 2015

Paper-free Information with The Art Blog - ALL GRADES PLEASE READ

Welcome to art class with Ms. Hillman!  I am aiming to eliminate excess paper and the unnecessary writing down of homework assignments while allowing parents and students to get information on art class happenings.    I will only update this blog once a week and all you have to do is sign up for updates and read them to be as prepared as possible for class.  Each grade has its own section and only has to read that one unless I ask all grades to PLEASE READ...like this paragraph for example.  THE ART CLASS SYLLABUS IS HERE.

I am asking all grades to purchase a kneaded eraser.  They are under $1.00 at art supply stores like Artists & Craftsman, Dick Blick and Utrecht.  They last long, don't make a mess and are great for stress relief because kneading the rubber not only self-cleans but is good for people who fidget (like me!).  They are great for making mini-sculptures, but I have instructed all students that they should not allow them to distract them from school work.

SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS FOR THOSE TAKING ART THIS QUARTER ARE DUE THURSDAY.  Check previous Art Blog listings (on the left of this post) for specifics by grade.  Assignments will not be accepted after Thursday, September 17th.  This is a homework grade (worth 10%).

5th Grade - Tuskegee

Students have already started their first project about their identity as scholars and artists.  Their first Do Now was a questionnaire about their likes and hobbies and they had to choose 8 adjectives that describe them.  Grades will be posted on Illuminate Parent Portal soon.  ***My art class is deeply rooted in English, writing, vocabulary and critical thinking.  I correct grammar and expect students to put equal effort into completion of ALL assignments in ALL of their classes. 

PROJECT ONE focuses on one of the Elements of Art: Line.  There are 5 kinds of lines, 5 line variations and together they will create expressive self-portraits that will include font design.  Stay tuned!

Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

6th Grade - Hampton

6th Grade will look at currency from other
countries to see similarities and
differences in design.

Scholars will be working on a mathematics / arts / design project regarding $$$$.  I call this project SHOW ME THE MONEY!  They are designing the currency of their own country.  Understanding of pattern, the 5 kinds of lines, 5 line variations, a motto, boarders in artwork and portraiture will help scholars complete their enlarged money.  Scholars will learn about the history of money design and creation too!

Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

Li Hongbo's paper sculpture goes
from realistic to
abstract REAL QUICK, REAL QUICK.
...REAL QUICK.

7th Grade - Howard University

Sculpture is the focus first project; FORM (One of the Elements of Art) is the 1st Unit.  We are going to be looking at the properties of different materials and how to manipulate them to get a desired look.  Expect to hear about explorations in various materials, such as paper, clay and plaster from your scholars.  I expect students to have an appreciation of abstract art after this series of projects.  It's going to be a great semester!

Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

8th Grade - Spelman

Not Autobiographical, but a great GN!

Autobiographical Graphic Novels are all about you and they are the first project for this year.  There is a strong connection to ELA this semester, with an emphasis on design.  You have to read "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud...specifically Chapters 1-4.  This was your summer assignment.  You have a quiz Monday, September 21st on the reading, vocabulary and understanding of the reading.

Questions? Email Ms. Hillman: jhillman@cpcsschool.org.

HERE WE GO!

New School Year is Here!  Are you ready???

All grades should read this!

Arts Education helps you in school and in life.

With the WELCOME addition of Music Class, some scholars will not have Art during the first 2 quarters of school but will have it for the last two quarters of the school year!  You will find out your schedules this week.  

You should know that when you show me you have completed the Art Class Summer Assignments, you will STILL GET CREDIT for doing the work...EVEN IF YOU DON'T have art class for the first half of the year.  If you haven't already, email the assignments to me (it varies by grade): jhillman@cpcsschool.org. (Check previous Art Blog posts for a complete list of what you need to have).

It's going to be a great year, so come prepared every day and you will be on track!