Printmaking

We have just wrapped up our printmaking unit! Students made 3 types of prints in class: a monoprint, a relief print, and a collagraph. Our monoprint was made by using shaving cream and liquid watercolor to create a bright, warm or cool image. Students used this as a background for their relief print, which was printed in black ink. Students designed their relief print using shape and symmetry on a linoleum block.

Identity Maps-Watercolor

We have recently wrapped up our summative watercolor project, called "identity maps". Students learned to express aspects of themselves using an imaginary map and paint as their vehicle. They created an island with 8 or more land or water features named for aspects of their identity. We began our unit by dyeing watercolor paper with tea to make it look old. Students then learned how to watercolor using 3 main watercolor washes (flat, gradual, and transitional). Details were achieved by using very small, fine, details brushes. Take a look at the amazing detail that these creative sixth graders were able to achieve!

CD Upcycle Project: One to the World

Students learned about "upcycling" for our One to the World unit in art. One to the World (OttW) is a new initiative set forth by Loudoun County where students learn about a "real world" problem and consider a solution. We used 15 year old Mac software CDs that were once used by Eagle Ridge MS, and "upcycled" (repurposed) them to create artwork. Their designs were inspired by the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany and mandalas. All student CDs will remain hung together for the 6th grade art show in June-they are wonderful in person!

Clay Sculpture: Altered Pinch Pots

Students were very excited for their clay sculpture unit this semester. They learned about 3 main hand-building techniques: pinch pot, coil, and slab. For our summative assignment, students were required  to make a pinch pot (open or closed), but then, they could make it into whatever their hearts desired! A closed pinch pot is made by joining 2 opened pots together to create a hollow cavity. When students were finished sculpting, sculptures were fired, and ready to be glazed. Students chose from over 60 different colors to glaze their work. Check out some examples of our final products!

Artist Trading Cards, Semester 2

Throughout 3rd quarter, students have been working on their collections of artist trading cards during their spare time. Artist trading cards are miniature works of art, on which the student can use any medium. The subject matter is completely the choice of the student. A "trade day" is held each quarter, where students have the opportunity to trade their cards with each other and with their teacher as well! Every student chose their best card to turn in for a formative grade. On the back of each mini work of art, students write their name (they're the artist!), the medium (materials) they used, a title (creativity is encouraged), and the date the card with created.  The photos below are of each student's choice, organized by block.

Block 1:

Block 2: 

Block 3: 

Block 6: 

Block 7:

Block 8:

Mrs. Baxter's Collection:

Second Semester: Drawing and Line

Animal Zentangle Project
Our first unit in 6th grade art was drawing and line. Students learned about observational drawing (drawing what we see), contour drawing (drawing just outlines), and drawing with value (the lightness and darkness of a color. Students drew an animal contour of their choice and then filled it with at least 8 different "zentangle" patterns. A "zentangle" is an abstract line drawing method that involves line, shape, and patterning. Student added color to their animal with colored pencil, experimenting with value and blending colors. The background of the artwork was watercolored. Take a look at some selected student work below!

Printmaking!

We are just finishing up a really fun printmaking unit in class! Students gained experience making the following types of prints: a monoprint, a collagraph, and a relief print. Students created a monoprint using shaving cream and liquid watercolor (see VIDEO below if you're curious!). Their collagraph was created with leaves that we gathered as a class. Students created a symmetrical design, which they then carved into soft-carve linoleum for their relief prints. The design they carved was 4 inches by 4 inches. Students printed their design 6 times to fill their monoprint paper. They learned that, when printed repeatedly, a symmetrical design can build a larger symmetrical design.