Wednesday, April 29, 2009

6th Grade Architecture and Community Artist-in-Residence this week!

This week the 6th grade artists continued with their drawing of a cube in 1 pt.perspective.

Students are using architectural vocabulary to label their drawing. In addition, students are using colored pencils to add value to their drawing and a cast shadow under a light source. The 6th grade has learned about the concept of linear perspective through an understanding of orthagonals,the horizon line, vanishing points,shadows and parallel lines.

In addition, this week we have begun the study of the life and work of American architect named Frank Lloyd Wright who was an extremely important modern artist of the 19th-20th century. Wright has left his mark around the world,as well as in many locations in the Midwest.

In the area of community news, this past week Mrs.Wendling, a 6th grade parent and practicing architect in the community discussed her residential and contract architectural work.

The 6th grade students who viewed her work really enjoyed her exciting visual presentation!!!!
She also talked about her education and training and the life of an architect.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Perspective unit begins and Lakeview Jr.High community art contest winners!

This week the 6th grade has begun their unit on perspective and architecture.

Students have started to learn about the various types of perspective,important terms,and have learned about connections in the everyday world to architecture and architectural drawings.

In addition, we have explored the life of 15th century artist Leonardo Da Vinci and his inventions. In class we have connected his invention of the concept of linear perspective and his use of light and shadow with realistic drawing and painting today.

Students have begun to draw a cube in one point perspective so that they can make it look real or 3-dimensional when they shade it next week.

Recently,samples of matted 6th grade surrealistic photomontage drawings and collages can be viewed in the small showcase by the lockers near the music and art rooms.

Next week we plan to have an artist-in-residence guest speaker who is a practicing architect in the community and 6th grade parent,as well.

We look forward to this exciting presentation in the art room next week!

In the area of community art news, congratulations goes to 8th grade students
Tosha Kadakia and Alison Maslar for their winning artwork in the area of scratchboard design and pencil rendering.

They will receive awards on Tues.April28 at 7:30 PM in the Lincoln Center Auditorium and their artwork will be professionally exhibited in the community.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Surrealism Unit comes to a close

This week the 6th grade students have been working on their surrealistic drawings. Students tried the technique of rubbings,collage,photomontage and realistic shading for this unit. Each student employed textures through rubbings and used a horizon line to delineate space in their work to give the illusion of linear perspective.

Students have also learned about the modern artists named M.C.Escher and
Rene Magritte who used many surrealistic techniques in their work.

In addition, the 6th grade artists have been reviewing connections between the relationship of surrealism to computer art and computer animation.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Surrealsim and Transformation and exciting Downers Grove Jr.High Art Contest!



This week the 6th grade art students continued to learn more about the various Elements and Principles of Art and their relationship to the creation of a work of art.



For our art history and art appreciation unit of study,students have completed a reading and worksheet on the modern Dutch artist named M.C.Escher who is widely known for his transformation images and unique illusions in perspective. Students are also using their knowledge and background in surrealism to create a photomontage with transformation images such as in the work of Dali,Magritte,and Escher.



In the area of community news and art contests, all 7th and 8th grade students can drop off their artwork and entry form to Miss Lehrer in the art room this week for the excitng Downers Grove Junior Women's Club Art Contest.





See website for exact contest details and additional entry forms:



www.dgjwc.org