Van Gogh: Colour, Cut and Paste

Here are second grader’s versions of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers. We first did a practice observational drawing. Then the students each drew their own vase and coloured it with three colours of chalk pastels. Next, they painted a paper with the colours and textures they observed in the sunflowers- a large area of yellows and smaller areas of oranges and browns. Once sprayed with fixative, the vases were stuck down onto black backgrounds. Then the task of assembling each flower began. Stems and leaves were added at the end using scraps of green paper and each signed their name on the vase (just like Vincent!)

Design-a-Chair

Several of this year’s eighth grade projects have involved drawing and illustration of some kind. I think both the students and I were ready for a change! I thought a problem based design challenge would be neat to try, giving them an opportunity to be creative and use their hands to build with new materials.

I allowed them to create their own project brief. Each student had to identify a specific consumer with a problem. We sketched initial ideas and made a list of possible materials before trying our hand at building a model.

Most of the students were fairly engaged throughout the building process. There was some trial and error. I did give suggestions for those that needed them, but for the most part they experimented on their own. I also had them write a reflection at the end, on their process of creating the finished piece.

The last step was my attempt to introduce a communication design component. We looked at examples of product advertising and discussed the target markets and how each was drawing attention. Each student did a thumbnail sketch first to plan out their design, which needed to include an observational drawing of their model in colour, and text to communicate a message/sell the product.

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In introducing the project, I had referenced the Shark Tank and explained how each inventor pitches their idea to a group of investors. For our final class, we presented our finished posters and designs to the group. Each design was scored by a panel of peer reviewers and could get a certain number of points in each of three categories: Creativity, Craftsmanship and Presentation. The students also gave each other positive and constructive feedback-an important part of the artistic process! At the end of class, we voted on a top scoring design for each category and one overall design.