Sixth Grade Art
Sixth grade students will experience more consistent time in art than ever before! Students will meet every day for nine weeks and then transition to a new exploratory class. The sixth grade set of lessons is designed to give students an outlet for creative expression and cultural enrichment while also reviewing and learning the basic elements of art: line, shape, color, form, space, texture and value. Each project will focus on a variety of art elements, each element will be covered throughout the quarter.
See some project examples below!
See some project examples below!
Name Alien
For their first big project of the year, sixth grade students create an alien or robot out of their name. When creating this assignment we review line, shape, color, space, value, and texture. We also discuss symmetrical vs. asymmetrical composition.
Students begin by making a reflection of their name longwise down their paper; they use all capital letters when writing their name. Next, they connect letters, and add parts to create their alien design. No parts of letters can be erased and students must keep their alien symmetrical. 'Denise' created the alien to the left. Can you find her name. (Hint: the D is at the bottom, creating the feet.)
To create the background students can be as creative as they'd like, but must include at least three circles. Students learn how to shade and do their best to make the round objects on their paper appear 3D by adding value. Students must use the space of their paper well, creating nice compositions. Texture is also discussed when designing the surface of the planets. Students are encouraged to create an asymmetrical background.
Students begin by making a reflection of their name longwise down their paper; they use all capital letters when writing their name. Next, they connect letters, and add parts to create their alien design. No parts of letters can be erased and students must keep their alien symmetrical. 'Denise' created the alien to the left. Can you find her name. (Hint: the D is at the bottom, creating the feet.)
To create the background students can be as creative as they'd like, but must include at least three circles. Students learn how to shade and do their best to make the round objects on their paper appear 3D by adding value. Students must use the space of their paper well, creating nice compositions. Texture is also discussed when designing the surface of the planets. Students are encouraged to create an asymmetrical background.
Narrative Portrait
Students are inspired by the art and stories of Faith Ringgold when creating a Narrative work of art.
Faith Ringgold is best known for her painted story quilts, an art form that combines story telling and quilt making with genre painting. Ms. Ringgold has turned many of her quilt paintings into children's books. Her most famous book, Tar Beach, was a Caldecott Honor Book and won the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. Many of Ms. Ringgold's paintings and books tell stories about her life and aspirations. Ms. Ringgold has used her art to voice her opinions on racism and gender inequality.
Students tell a story about their life through this assignment. They represent a story that has occurred, or something they hope they will experience some day. They may tell the story realistically, or add elements of fantasy, as Faith Ringgold often did.
Students also learn about body proportion, concepts of perspective, and consider composition (space).
Faith Ringgold is best known for her painted story quilts, an art form that combines story telling and quilt making with genre painting. Ms. Ringgold has turned many of her quilt paintings into children's books. Her most famous book, Tar Beach, was a Caldecott Honor Book and won the Coretta Scott King Award for Illustration. Many of Ms. Ringgold's paintings and books tell stories about her life and aspirations. Ms. Ringgold has used her art to voice her opinions on racism and gender inequality.
Students tell a story about their life through this assignment. They represent a story that has occurred, or something they hope they will experience some day. They may tell the story realistically, or add elements of fantasy, as Faith Ringgold often did.
Students also learn about body proportion, concepts of perspective, and consider composition (space).
Paper Maché Sculptures
Sixth grade students use paper maché to build sculptural objects (form). Different themes are featured each quarter. Projects are often inspired by a variety of cultures, including: Qaxacan wood carving, African, Aztec and Native American masks, Greek vessels, and more! Once the sculpture is built students use acrylic paint to finish their piece. Paper maché is often students' favorite project of the quarter.