My Adv. Art is also doing a still life, except they had to come up with  a creative background.  Hopefully these will be strong pieces and if so, it might give them the confidence to try new things this year.  I'll put up pictures once they are complete.
Our students do not have class tomorrow, but teachers do have prof. development.  Hope you have a good week.

First Day of School Still Life

These pictures are of the still lifes created by my Art 1 students.  I had asked in a previous post what would be a great first day assignment for Art 1.  I wanted something that would set the tone for the rest of the year.  My Art 1 classes fill very quickly, but many of the kids that register for my class have no real interest in art.  They assume that it is an easy class and easy to pass.  When the weeks start to pass and we start to draw, many of these kids complain about drawing and painting.  They then turn their attention at talking and soon begin to fail. There are so many kids that have a true interest in my class, but can't get in because my classes are full.   Ms. Art Teacher suggested that I begin the year with a still life and some book work.  I took her advice.  After the second day of drawing the still life I gave the class a talk about needing to have a real interest in art in order to succeed.  They also need dedication and should find the act of drawing enjoyable.  After two days of drawing a few kids had a change of heart, opening up spaces for kids that had been trying to get into my class. 

For this project I gave the kids some guidelines and a couple of pointers.  They had two and a half periods (47 min. classes) to finish.  I think they did a fabulous job! Thanks Ms. Art Teacher.

I also have a few other pics to show you of my Adv. classes, but I will save those for now.

First Assignments

Every year I try and come up with lessons for the first week of school  for my four art level classes.  The assignments are meant to be introductions, a measure of talent and a time filler.  I know, that does not sound so good, but kid's schedules are moved around so much that anything I teach in the first week is lost.  I do a quick over view of the rules ( I give a more extent talk towards the middle of the week).
So far these are my ideas:
Art 2-draw 10 objects (2 a day) in your sketchbook.  After completeing the ten sketches, create four different backgrounds using different mediums in your sketchbook.  Select one background and create an interesting composition with the ten objects you selected. 
Adv-What is your style?  I will put out several objects and students will have to create drawings of each object using different mediums in the style of their choice.
Art 1-AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGG!!!!!!! Some ideas but have not zeroed in on one.  I like to set the tone with this class, I want them to know that this class is not for their entertainment.  It is a class they will enjoy, but hard work is expected.

What are your first week projects?

New Year

Back to work.  I have had prof. development since Tues.  Some time in the classroom trying to get things cleaned up and prepared for next week. 
I always like to try new things and so I have spent some of my time looking for new ideas.  I also need to set the tone, I do not want students to think that this is an easy class to take.  Setting the tone is VERY IMPORTANT. 
No pics yet, I will post as soon as I have something.