This week in art studio we took a break from working on projects and had a week of painting freely while listening to music.  As report card time comes back around, there has been more of an emphasis on assessments --  and although we assess our students daily (both formally and informally), we definitely needed some time to relax!  This week's lesson focused on the elements of art, identifying lines, shapes and colors while also incorporating a bit of art history.  We began by examining the work of Abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky and quickly learned that his art looked a lot different than other work we've examined before.  We learned that Kandinsky used only lines and shapes in his works.  He created compositions -  and we discovered that where one decides to put lines and shapes on his/her paper is called a composition.  We also learned that Kandinsky used music as a model for his new Abstract art. 

We spent some time listening to music and discussed how the music made us feel.  Together we spoke about our favorite lines, shapes, and colors and then collaboratively created an electronic painting using the Promethian Board.  Some music, specifically jazz, made us want to create zigzag lines.  Classical music inspired us to write wavy, bumpy and curved lines.  More modern, alternative tunes motivated us to use more dynamic angles.

Students stood at the easels and moved their bodies to the music creating vibrant works of art.  We discussed different feelings that are associated with both colors and music and wondered if our own creations accurately reflected the feelings that we felt while listening to the music.  Be on the lookout for a display of this very interesting abstract work!

February is Black History Month - and we will be studying symbols and looking at the African Adinkra Cloth.  I am excited to introduce printmaking to our youngsters.  If you would like to come in and share any of your own stories or experiences, please let me know - we would love to have you! :)