2nd Grade- Van Gogh Chalk Pastel

We read and discussed "The First Starry Night" written and illustrated by Joan Shaddox Isom. The book is a fictional account of the artist Vincent van Gogh's real life short stay in Arles, France.

Isom's illustrations for her book were inspired by Van Gogh, and so were ours. We used short lines and overlapping colors to create movement in our artwork.

Van Gogh often painted his emotions. He used bright yellows, oranges, and gold to express happiness (see "Sunflowers"), and many shades of blue were used to express a calmness or sadness (see "Starry Night").

Vincent van Gogh painted hundreds of paintings, including three versions of "Starry Night" and countless "Sunflowers", but he only sold one painting during his lifetime.

Oh, he also cut off a piece of his left ear in a fit of rage. Yikes!

1st Grade - Torn Tissue Paper Poinsettias

With the holidays quickly approaching, we're preparing ahead of time in the art room so that we can have our artwork out for everyone to see by the Winter Break.

In first grade, we're learning about Poinsettias. Before we began our artwork, on first day of our project, we watched a video adaptation of a traditional Christmas Mexican tale that explains where Poinsettias come from. In this fictional story, a little girl named Dedita learns a valuable lesson about giving your all to something you care about.
To watch the folk story, check out this video:


On the second day of our project, we watched a short documentary about where Poinsettia flowers really come from. Even Mrs. Kingsolver learned something new in this one! Did you know that the red parts of the Poinsettia plant are not flower petals, but leaves? Check it out:


Our artworks are made with torn tissue paper, papier-mâché paste, and oil pastels. Aren't they festive?!