Welcome back to the art program at Lakeview Jr.High.


We will be doing many different art activities for the first trimester for the 7th grade. Our focus will be two-dimensional imagery,art appreciation,and art history.

For the week of August 25,2008 Lakeview artists will begin their review of many art concepts, famous artists and their works, in addition to a review of the Elements and Principles of Art.

Lakeview Jr. High School
701 Plainfield Road
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Dear Parents,
As the art teacher of Lakeview Jr. High, I would like to welcome your child into the art program. My background consists of a Masters Degree in Art Education and a wide range of teaching experience at both the senior and junior high school level.
At Lakeview the sixth grade program is an introductory art program which explores the basic principles and elements of art through a variety of art experiences. These creative experiences and projects include art appreciation and some art history. At times, students may have an opportunity to assist in some school art display work and the presentation of finished artwork.
Student artwork is displayed in the Art Room, in the showcase, and in the Lakeview Junior High Art gallery space in the hallway by the lockers throughout the trimester. In addition digital images of samples of Lakeview student artwork can be found on the Lakeview Jr.High website.
In the seventh and eighth grade, students work on more advanced in-depth projects. These assignments are created in conjunction with the study of art history, famous artists, and art appreciation.

My class requirements include a grading system based upon individual grades for each final project and for some preliminary work. In addition, students receive grades on unit tests,quizes,and worksheets which cover major units of the curriculum and art history. These materials cover basic concepts and vocabulary for each grade level. On occasion, a system of bonus points are added to a student’s average for extra credit or enrichment assignments.
I look forward to having your child in my art class at Lakeview Jr. High.
Also, please feel free to call me if you have any questions about the art program.

Sincerely,

Miss Lehrer
Art Teacher

6th grade art closes with scenic landscape watercolors

The 6th grade artists have finished their landscape paintings in the watercolor medium. They have used their knowledge of the color wheel and various watercolor techniques in their artwork.

Also, students have been exposed to the paintings and life of American artist,Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer who were modern artists of the 20th century.

These artists are well known for their paintings and watercolors. Currently, there is beautiful retrospective of their artwork at The Art Institute of Chicago that shows the entire collection of their work.

Also, congratulations to the Class of 2008 as they start a new journey in High School.... Have a wonderful summer and we will see you in the fall in the Art Room.

Color Theory and Watercolor unit continues

This week students have finalized their watercolor color wheel and have learned about primary,secondary,intermediate and neutral colors. We have reviewed color vocabulary and terms,in addition to analogous and complementary color schemes.

Students have begun painting their watercolor landscape painting and have begun to explore various watercolor techniques which were demonstrated in class. The 6th grade artists are using their knowledge of linear perspective and the 3 parts of a landscape to create a realistic landscape or seascape for their watercolor painting. The students are enjoying their final 6th grade painting experience, as they learn to use a theme in their work such as the Illinois state symbols or Illinois scenic landscapes.

Color Theory,Color Schemes and Watercolor Painting unit

Currently the 6th grade artists have begun their color theory and watercolor painting unit.

This week we have explored the color wheel in painting and have worked on an analogous color scheme. The students have learned about the concept of warm and cool color schemes in art and their effect on mood in a work of art.

In addition, we have begun to explore the many exciting watercolor techniques used by professional artists in the field of art. Students have begun to sketch an idea or layout for their landscape painting in the watercolor medium based upon an inspiration source such as the Illinois landscape or a symbol of Illinois.

Perspective and Architecture Unit.

The perspective/architecture unit is soon coming to a close for the 6th grade.

Sample 1 -point perspective drawings can be viewed on my blog today. This week the 6th grade students have been finalizing their 1 pt.perspective drawings in class. Students have used three different values and a cast shadow to delineate the form of a cube.

Also this week as part of our perspective/architecture unit we have explored the work and life of Renaissance artist,Leonardo Da Vinci, who used the light & shadow system and linear perspective.In addition we have reviewed the work of the famous architect named Frank Lloyd Wright who began his career in the midwest cities of Oak Park and Chicago for our unit on architecture and perspective.

Also, stop by the Lakeview Jr.High lobby showcase to see some high-contrast student examples of radial design from the 6th grade classes. Soon more student work will be posted on the Lakeview website for viewing and further enjoyment.

Radial Designs finalized and One-Point Perspective unit continues

For this week 6th grade artists were finishing their final radial design projects. In addition, students are mounting their work for display and final review. Soon samples of these designs will be displayed on the Lakeview website and at Lakeview.

Early this week the students viewed a video on Basic Perspective concepts that further explored basic methods of creating one and two point perspective drawings. It also showed how to analyze landscapes and re-interpret them on a two-dimensional surface. This information will be very helpful as we complete our 1 point perspective drawings of a cube under a light source. Also, this perspective exposure will also help students create landscapes and seascapes for our future landscape painting unit.

We are now incorporating vocabulary and shading into our perspective drawings in color so that their look more three-dimensional and realsitic.

Tessellations and Radial Designs

This week the 6th grade artists have explored the concept of tessellations,repeat patterns,and symmetry through an art appreciation video,art books and classroom discussions. We have explored the work of M.C.Escher,graphic artist, and his work with tessellations and unusual repeat images.

Students have also begun to complete their radial designs and a selection of finished student work can be viewed in the Lakeview Jr.High showcase by the Encore classes and lockers.
Later this week will will continue to explore the relationship of color theory to design,pattern,and radial design.

Soon digital images of 8th grade clay sculpture and 6th grade radial designs will be posted on the Lakeview website or Lakeview web gallery for parent and student viewing.

Samples of student work will also be posted on this blog and future blogs.`