The Ratner School Art Program

I know it is redundant to keep saying this, but we were so busy and created so much great work in art this week. Maybe it is just the act of writing down all the work that happens, or maybe it is the documentation through photos, but I am just amazed at all the projects and processes the students experience and create each week. I love seeing the progress of skills and ideas at the end of the year, the growth and confidence the students possess is inspiring. I thank you again and again for the privilege of teaching your children, I truly do love my job. So thank you!

Kindergarten Art

Week 31 of our arts and humanities program brought the final artist study of the year. The students learned about Vincent Van Gogh and the painting style of impressionism. We talked about how impressionist painters painted with colors and expressions in their work and how Van Gogh developed his distinct style of work in his application of paint. The students looked at several landscape painting of Van Gogh and chose one landscape to be inspired by. They transferred the horizon line and other information onto a large watercolor sheet of paper and added crayon resist to their drawings. The final step of the project was to add the watercolor paint to their pieces. I believe you will all enjoy the completed works of art.

1st and 2nd Grade Art

We began a sculpture unit this week that involved using paper, tape and scissors. The students were instructed to create a 3-dimensional sculpture using at least one geometric solid form built from paper. The form could be a cylinder, cube, cone, sphere, or any other geometric form they could figure out. I gave one lesson on how to construct a cube, but they had to problem solve and figure out the construction of their other forms. They so enjoyed the process they wanted to work on this project again, so I will extend this unit for another class. I am always amazed at the creativity of our students.

 

3rd and 4th Grade Art

We began an outdoor installation project this week that involves painting geometric designs on wooden panels. With spring fever officially taking over, the best treatment is to get outside as much as possible, even in art class! The finished panels will be attached to wooden stakes and will be installed wherever the artists choose to put their art. I am always interested to see if this age group works together for one large art installation, or if they will all scatter and make individual choices. We will work for one more week creating the panels and hope to install the work the following week.

                                                           

5th and 6th Grade Art

The students are so excited about our current project that several kids have tried to come in during their study halls and lunch time to work on them! Their enthusiasm is evident in the work and they are showing great progress in the ceiling tile designs. They are very anxious to see them installed in Mrs. Schwab's classroom and are working diligently to finish the artwork.

 

7th and 8th Grade Art

The classes are continuing to work on their history project for the next 3 or 4 classes. We have lunar modules being built, fashion illustrations, computer models, nintendo game designs, homeless projects, the list is long and varied on the focus of the students. The next week will show more completion on the ideas and the art room has become a great maker space.